Bronchiectasis

[Lotti62]

Hi, im still finding my way around on here.

I was diagnosed with COPD in 2018 but today I was told that I also have bronchiectasis. I have been poorly on and off since October and have had a chest infection, been treated with steroids and antibiotics. The doctor has changed my inhaler from trimbow to Trelegy.

Trying to get my head round it as have been in denial for the past couple of years and now this I am also moderate… various appts being made for me and a CT scan.

[Firefly25]

Sorry to hear this but don’t despair! I have bronchiectasis too but find it can be managed with daily nebulising and airway clearance. Hopefully you’ll get a referral to a respiratory physio to help with this. It’s good that you’ve got a CT scan etc coming up because they’ll be able to get you on the best treatment. Good luck and take care of yourself. 💐🌷

[Lotti62 in reply to Firefly25]

Thank you Firefly25, your comments have been invaluable. I seem to remember my doctor mentioning getting in touch with a respiratory physio. It is still early days for me but I now feel that i am a little more prepared and feel like I have a better understanding. Thank you 😊

[Mooka]

Please don’t despair, once you get used to dealing with it you will be fine. Once you’ve had your CT scan and diagnosis confirmed you need to be seeing a respiratory doc that specialises in Bronchiectasis. You will need to see a physio who will teach you how to bring up any mucus. If you get a chest infection you should do a sputum sample for testing to see what bug you have and the course of antibiotics must be for 14 days. Most of us have a supply at home as these things always start at weekends or bank holidays. I think BLF have a good leaflet on Bronchiectasis. Come back and ask any questions here. There’s brilliantly knowledgeable people on here who will help. Good luck let us know how you get on.

[Lotti62 in reply to Mooka]

Thank you so much Mooka, this advice has been extremely useful. My head is still spinning but from what you have said I feel that the doctor that I saw was singing from the same book as you so I feel relieved that I am in good hands and hopefully once I have had the CT scan I will have a better understanding. I will certainly make a note of all your comments so that I know what to ask.

Thanks again and I will let you know how I get on. 😊

[Stratos20]

Yes, as Firefly and Mooka say, don’t despair. You will adapt. I’ve lived with Bronchiectasis for almost 68 years. Lung clearance is a priority. Lots of support and advice here 😊

[Lotti62 in reply to Stratos20]

Thank you, I definitely struggle with clearing my chest, so keen to get some advice. As a child my dad bless him used to put me over his lap and tap my back to help me cough it up! 😊

[Alberta56]

Welcome to the bronch club. There is a lot of support on here. I'm a bit worried about Trelegy. I was put on it briefly ,then taken off and told it's not suitable for bronch people.. That was one person's opinion. Your medical team obviously think differently. I wonder if anyone else has any input. Good luck- most of us bronchs have a reasonable life with it/ in spite of it.

[Lotti62 in reply to Alberta56]

Thank you Alberta, I have been sleeping better since being put on the trelegy but still early days. I have a review in a couple of weeks so will see. Thank you for your support! 😊

[LissacFrance]

Hi,

Not good news but if you are able to get regular physio it will help tremendously. We are very lucky here in France that physio is a well used "medication". My wife has bronchiectasis for many years but is now into third/fourth year of Azitho 3 x per week and physio 3x per week. she is due to have eye op in aprile and Lung specialist has just given her a prescription for 5 days treatment before and after op, twice per day!!

Preventive treatment prior to anaesthetics.

Best of luck with your physio.

Chris.