25 years old female diagnosed with traction bronchiectasis

[iamgg]

Hi. Just want to share my feelings about today. There is a certain job that is being offered to me but I decided not to take it because I am worried about my illness. There are also things and jobs that I want to try but I am worrying as of now that I will live alone (maybe due to the nature of the job) and I don't know how will I take care of myself. I really don't want to think negatively but what will I do? We know that bronchiectasis esp. flare ups and coughing just occur even we didnt expect and in unexpected moment and time. I am really losing hope, anxieties, sorrows, and it feels that my dreams are not going to happen. 🙁 Don't know what to do and to decide for my life.

Sorry if write long, I just want to express what I am feeling.

Btw I am a Licensed professional teacher but I slowly losing hope to be a teacher bcos of my condition. And over all reaching for my dreams and wants in the future.

Love,

Glai fr Philippines x

I hope you all have a wonderful day. Stay fit and hydrated 🙂

[Alberta56]

It would be difficult to be a full time teacher if you were liable to need days off at short notice. Would private tutoring be easier? You could sit down most of the time (hopefully you are not a gym teacher) and even do some of it in your own home. You would have to explain your condition to the parents, who hopefully would understand. I wouldn't give up entirely on school work. If a school was desperate for someone with your qualifications, they might be prepared to give you a try. You would obviously have to explain your health problems to them. Part time might be easier. I hope you decide to give it a go- nothing venture, nothing gained. Good luck. xxx

[BronchyBronwen]

Alberta56 makes some very good points. However, do remember that you're entitled to sick leave as a teacher. I was in the profession for over 40 years. I caught every bug going; obviously no-one wants to take lots of sick leave because of commitment to the children and school/profession. But many teachers, sadly, take sick leave for quite a while, sometimes due to stress as well as other things.

I wasn't diagnosed with bronchiectasis till very late on in my career. But really worth thinking about. You could try full-time and perhaps go part-time if need be. See how you go. Or, you could perhaps apply for posts as Special Needs Teacher in schools where children are withdrawn from classes in small groups (not saying I agree with that particular model), but it could be helpful to you, especially if you taught reading to children with dyslexia, rather than behavioural issues, which I've done. Don't give up on this, and keep us posted. 👍😉🌺

[peege in reply to BronchyBronwen]

In the Philippines do you have laws to support you and to protect you employment when you're taken ill unexpectedly? In the UK we have employment laws, and allowed a small amount of sick pay. I know one of our members was a lifelong teacher before she retired so its not impossible (in the uk anyway).

Also in UK kids up to about 6 years old are well known to catch and pass on any bug going.

It sounds as though you're somewhat depressed, it's such a shame to let it ruin your life. Many fellow bronchs live a very full life with it as with other lung diseases.

There are other factors to consider too, like how would you travel to work? Is it through a polluted area?

[GintyFerguson]

Unfortunately kids, particularly younger kids often have colds and such like which can morph into problems for us bronchs. However, sometimes we expect the worst and it doesn't happen. I don't know about your type of bronch . I have bronchiectasis and had to leave work because of repeated infections and thought I was on the way out but here I am 10 years later and have been so much better since leaving work. Then there is the argument live life to the full and deal with the issues as they arise rather than living by 'what ifs'. However, if it was me, I'd stay away from kids!

[Beth1949]

You didn't mention how sever your Bx is. Mine flared up in my early 40s, I'm now retired and 74.

There are things that you can do to help control Bx. Be proactive!

Look at your environment (poor air quality, mold in your home, pets). use an air purifier.

Stay away from sick people. Wearing a mask is not unusual to see since Covid-19.

Stress can cause flare ups (I am doing so much better after I had retired). The last two yrs that I worked, I had 4-5 bronchoscopies each year to clean out my lungs. After retiring, no ER visits, bronchoscopies, or hospital stays.

If the meds that you are taking, don't seem to work. Talk to your doctor. It took me years of trial and error to get the right combo.

Even little things can make a difference. I bought new bed pillows. Within in a week, I was coughing a lot at night. Come to find out, I had bought goose down pillows. I went and bought difference ones and the coughing stopped.

Stay hopeful, Beth