Hi all. I have recently been diagnosed with mild bronchiectasis. My cough which produces lot of mucus started 4 months ago so I had to undergo tests and was finally diagnosed with bronch. Looking back I’ve had this massive mucus production brought up by chronic cough over the years but the most time they last me was 2 months. This year it has been 4 months since the start of it so I decided to have it looked at by a specialist. The coughing and mucus production is getting less bothersome recently but I’d still have them everyday pretty much and still get occasional coughing fits.
Since it looks like it’s going to be part of my everyday life now I am worried that when I undergo major surgery in the future that the chronic coughing will affect the outcome of my recovery. I have other illnesses that might require major surgery in the future and this freaks me out. I will have cataract surgery scheduled in 2 months time though it’s not a major one which will require general anaesthesia I’m panicking that the coughing might affect the outcome as when I do cough it is usually bad and I feel that my head is gonna explode. Has any of you wonderful people have had any surgeries (minor and major) any problems with recovery? Please comment/advice. Would love to hear any positive and negative experience you have had. Thank you very much in advance.
Eves123. I live in Australia
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Eves123
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Hello! I can only help with the cataract surgery I had, which was no problem at all. The surgeon made me comfortable and told me to warn her if a cough was developing. It only lasted 15 - 20 mins , so very quick and totally pain free. As far as recovery, they will advise you.
As for other surgeries, they will have your medical history, and be extra vigilant.
All the best for your cataracts, it is so worth it! xx
It was last year, one eye then the other about 6 weeks later. I took the patch off the next morning and it was fine. Then two types of eye drops one for a week (?) and the other for longer, a couple of weeks (?). I honestly had no issues 😊
I have had extensive bronch for all of my life. I am now 74. I have had many procedures, including a sinus op under general anaesthetic, cataracts, and the head of my femur replaced under sedation after a fall in hospital last year. All went well with all of them.The most important thing is to be in control of your bronch so that any cough is initiated by you emptying your lungs rather than mucus left in there pushing its way out.
You do need a bronch specialist for the medical (drug) side of it and a physio to teach you how to empty your lungs. This has to be done to a routine every day. Clearing the lungs like this would make life so much easier.
Whenever I have had a procedure I spent extra time beforehand getting as much mucus as possible out of the lungs so that it was more comfortable to lie down and less likelihood of needing to cough. I hope that helped.
Thank you so much for your comprehensive reply/advice, Swizzy. I have read a lot about living with bronch since my diagnosis recently but could not find anything about undergoing major other surgeries while managing/coping from this illness at the same time. The thought of me laying down the operating table with general anaesthetics and coughing(?) suddenly brings me into panic. Excuse my ignorance, but I don’t know if we still cough when we’re under. And then the recovery period would be horrific whille having to deal with bronch at the same time. I mean, things like my chronic coughing might open my surgical wounds etc etc. I am sure I will have to go through with major surgery some time in the future as I have other illnesses that surgery might be the last resort to survive so it has to be done. These things have been playing on my mind since the bronch diagnosis. I do appreciate your response, it helps me ease my mind. Btw I’m 72 years old, similar age to you.
I hope that the lovely supportive replies about surgery make you feel better. We sometimes forget to that the experts in their field will be looking after you. Your job is to get control of your bronch so that you swap uncontrolled coughing for the coughing that you do to empty your lungs of the gunk. Then all will be fine.
Hello Eves123, I don’t know if this will help but, like you, I was having daily coughing fits for a long time. For me this was following covid and long covid, which led to a diagnosis of bronchiectasis. I believe it was the extensive coughing that damaged my lungs. I was referred eventually to a long covid team who taught me breathing techniques, breathing via the diaphragm. Doing these breathing excercises several times a day dramatically and quickly reduced the coughing and stopped the daily coughing fits. I still cough but now it’s more conscious throat clearing and phlegm clearance. And medication is now helping with the phlegm production and clearance. Anyway, I hope it goes well for you.
I have been living with mild bronchiectasis since I had swine flu a number of years ago. Since diagnosis I’ve had various surgeries including hysterectomy , leg surgery, two parathyroidectomies and two cataract (under GA and local) without any issue. The longest one was 4 hours and only 2 years after bx diagnosis so, understandably, I was quite anxious about my coughing etc. I made sure to mention at my pre-op and I always make sure to raise the issue with the anaesthetist immediately prior to surgery. I’ve never had any issues. Remember the surgeons, their teams and anaesthetists are used to dealing with ‘our’ issues every day of their lives. You will be in safe hands. Wishing you well either way your surgeries.
I've had bronch for several years was taught breathing exercises to help clear mucus I had to have a complex operation on my shoulder and neck The surgeons had me clearing my chest before surgery, was on oxygen for a couple of days after op with a physio advising on best way to clear lungs post surgery and I was fine Medics deal with out problems regularly so don't worry just make sure they know about your condition and fears. Good luck
Thank you WheezyLass for that valuable information. Everyone so far has contributed such good insights into what I can do to prepare myself for any future surgeries. You all had a now eased my fears. I can’t thank you all enough, wonderful people. Wish you all well. xx
I had heart bypass surgery 10 years ago when I was 74 and mildly asthmatic. The anaesthetist was very reassuring about my concerns and I felt I was in safe hands. It was a pretty major op, but I came through without any problems and was sent home 5 days later. (To husband's cooking and ordered to walk a little every day. (Walking cures everything.))
Heart surgery at 74 with asthma and still ticking! Wow, you are an encouragement to me, Alberta56! I wish I’ll live that long with the ailments I’ve got atm. I wish you well and thank you for you advice. xx
I had a few years where the mucus I suffered daily was excessive, I finally had sinus surgery and had no problem at all with G.A. I had my gall bladder out before that and when I told the surgeon about my cugh and mucus problem, he said not to worry I will give you something and it worked I didn't cough at all. They know what they are doing in theatre, just make them aware of your fears and you will be fine x
I have severe copd and bronchiectasis and had had three major abdominal surgeries very close to being on life support due to respiratoryfailure. (Life support February, first op in October of the same year) The anesthatist spent ages with me each time. A high dependency bed was booked for each surgery but not needed. Surgery was successful. I was given a 'coughing cushion ', a hard cushion made by folding a towel, to hold against the wound when I coughed. I was encouraged to be up and about very quickly. All was well! (For cateracts they can prop you up with pillows- that's my next one!)
I’m sorry Karenanne61 for what you’ve been through and for that insightful information. Truly there’s hope for us people who go under the knife with difficult circumstances. Good luck with your cataract op. xx
Thankyou! I have met with nothing but kindness from the various surgical teams, they will answer any questions and put you at your ease. Hopefully the cataracts can wait till next year. Have a good day!
Hi, we live in France so care different to Ausie land. My wife is in a similar position in thet she has had bbronch for many years which has become more of a problem. She required a GA earlier this year but her lung consultant prescribed physio sessions for 5 days before the intervention and the first person in her room after the op was the pysio to ensure lungs were working as they should. Take care, enjoy your day/night, Chris.
Hi Chris. You’ve got a good system there obviously in France. Here in Oz I still have to find out what they do in complicated surgeries like your wife’s. We’ve got a pretty good medical system here so I’m pretty confident I’ll be in good hands. Am just a worrier when in comes to a more complicated surgery so I’d like to arm myself for necessary preparation beforehand. Thank you for your input to my concern and I hope your wife is well. xx
Tell them at yr pre op and on day of op.i have severe bronchiectasis with asthma+ lots of other probs and I was OK both times - clear yr lungs of fluid immediately before u go in theatre + u should be fine.perhaps also do a gentle gargle,to reduce irritation in throat
Re ongoing management of yr bronchiectasis- most of it is self management.id request to see respiratory physio for lung clearance and breathing techniques but meanwhile go to asthma Lung uk website and read up on lung clearance - acbt & huffing technique. Also " controlled breathing " technique with pursed- it's really helpful,relaxes Airways&steadies breathing so reduces coughing,reduces anxiety x
I can understand that you're worrying but I would think anyone having surgery with coughing issues the surgeon and anesthetist will be able ta sort it I had my gallblader out but I said I have copd and cough frequently he said as long as no infection it be fine don't worry I was okif or when you have anything like that explain bout cough
Hello. To everyone who responded and give advice to my post, I thank you very much. I really appreciate your time and input and everyone’s advice is valuable which will help alleviate my concerns for any future surgeries (major or minor). I learned a lot from you. It’s interesting and pleasing to know that despite your illnesses you’re willing to help out people like me of my concern. I can’t thank you all enough. This has been a well worth post in my part. I was hesitant to do it because I never post anything in a community forum. I enjoyed reading all your comments and I wish I could respond more but my eyes are really giving me a hard time reading, I really need to do that cataract surgery so I can keep on enjoying reading as I love doing it. Bye for now and wish you well fellow bronchs out there wherever you live. Love and peace to all xxx
Hi Eves, I have had surgery since my diagnosis with Bronch, I also suffer from Asthma, AF and heart failure. The surgery went well and all my worries were for nothing. Please tell the surgeon when he/she speaks with you about the procedure about your worries and I am sure they will be really supportive and put your mind at rest. Good luck and try not to worry. Maximonkey
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