Respiratory Therapy Student

[Schmu]

Hi All,

I have been a member of the forum for 8ish years. I have bronchiectasis and had a LLL (left lower lobe) resection in 2019. I am 48 years old.

The past 3 years I have been studying to become a Respiratory Therapist (RT). In the US, RTs work in hospitals managing critical care patients on ventilators, giving breathing treatments, doing chest physiotherapy, and educating patients on lung health. We also work with babies and children who need respiratory care.

This forum is such an inspiration to me. It has given me much needed info about my illness, it has supported, me, and it has given me hope!

I have 226 more days of school! I will be learning more about neonates, pediatrics, and pulmonary function tests in the coming months.

Just thought I'd give a quick update.

I promise when I am finished with school I will be able to post more!!!!

Happy Friday!

Sarah

[Ergendl]

I must have joined about the same time as you, in 2015. The group inspired me to start my singing for lung health group, with support from my local PR physios and the Breathe Easy group, and the course leader at the church music course I was completing in Canterbury at the time.

I have learnt so much from the many wonderful members I have met here. So many generous individuals are so willing to help. Their practical suggestions from their own experiences have been invaluable.

Wishing you all the best as you enter the last year of your studies. You will bring a special quality to your work, knowing what it is like to struggle for breath.

[Jk1957]

Hi Schmu. I’m a member of forum for years . Have found it so so helpful & kind . My queries are always answered & I read it almost every day & learn a little every day . I don’t often post but I had to post & affirm your experience . I have bronchiectasis also

Best of luck . Joan

[Patk1]

Yr experience will b invaluable in Yr new post.can I ask - why did they do LLL resection + have u benefittedfrm it xxx

[Schmu in reply to Patk1]

My LLL had complete atelectasis (collapse) for several years, and was always infected and unresponsive to systemic or inhaled antibiotics. It was removed bc it was a source of infection. It really improved my health.

But, I worked really hard (before end after the surgery) to make the rest of my body healthy and strong to compensate for the lost of lung volume. I don't know if I would have had such a good outcome without all the very vigorous exercise I do. I do cardio 2 to 4 times a week and I have rock climbed since I was 19. I have always pushed to keep my cardiovascular system good even thoughy crappy lungs have different ideas.

Hope this helps!

Sarah

[Cloudancer]

Best of luck with your studies.As a retired neonatal ITU nurse I know what a difference your knowledge and skills will make to your patients and their families x

[Chip_y2kuk]

Good luck, hope all goes well for you

[Maximonkey]

Good luck Sarah, keep posting. Take care, Maximonkey