Copd, Bronchiecstasis, Fibrosis empysema

[angie26]

December has been pretty bad, dreadful cough, lots clear of sputum, sent a sputum sample which came back as it always does as pseudomonos , Dr. says take my emergency cipro. Second lot of cipro still awful, my breathing so bad, saw Dr. he sent me for an x ray and it's come back with left lung lots f scarring due to previous infections, emphysema changes and bronchiecstasis and fibrosis, I have never had Fibrosis mentioned in the past, can anyone help, I'm so worried! I do have ambulatory oxygen, set at 1 - 3

[Swizzy]

I had a scare like this when fibrosis was mentioned on a scan and my GP mentioned how I had fibrosis. Like you I have never had this mentioned before and immediately thought of pulmonary fibrosis which is something which progresses. I spoke to my bronch specialist who said this is not pulmonary fibrosis but simply the fibrotic tissue in the areas where there is bronch damage.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a completely different condition. It is progressive. I have lived with the damage from bronch for 73 years and you have probably lived with it for some time too. When these people write their reports I do think that they should explain the use of the language if the patient is going to read it.

[angie26 in reply to Swizzy]

Thank you I will talk this over with my doctor soon x

[Patk1]

I hope u soon recover from infection.id make an appointment to speak to Dr re results of scan.ru aware of lung clearance techniques to get mucous up? If not,ask to b referred to respiratory physio.look on aluk website for techniques + videos,to get you started xx

[angie26 in reply to Patk1]

Thanks for your reply, my doctor seems to think I don’t have an infection, more like bronchitis, I take carbosisten (spelling)? 2 x 3 times daily, I do lung clearance too !

[islande]

I m sorry you've got bad infection. the only thing I know is a ct scan shows accurately what an xray does not.you need to ask for one if that's your wish.i too have emphysema picked up on ct scan 9 yes ago it's still mild.you have been very unlucky having 3 things wrong in your lungs.i hope you recover from your infection.i don't know anything about your other conditions best wishes

[angie26 in reply to islande]

Thanks x

[Ern007]

Hi, Fibrosis is thickening or scarring scarring of the lung. I have had it for years, Pseudomonos who's symptoms are increased coughing. You may never have heard of fibrosis before, but could be the scarring was just called scarring.

You are unlucky with having bronchiecstasis and emphysema as well as a nasty infection.

Best wishes and hopr the Cypro works soon/

[Alberta56]

I'm sorry I can't help with your condition. Just wanted to send very best wishes for a speedy improvement. xxxx

[angie26 in reply to Alberta56]

Thank you x

[PaulineHM]

Hi Angie,

Ah yes this cold weather plays havoc with us doesn’t it? Makes life so difficult.

Unfortunately fibrosis in the lungs is a long term effect of obstructive lung disease eg emphysema/COPD.

Am pretty sure nothing can be done about it except to keep as fit and active as possible.

I find the treadmill I have a huge help in the wintertime when I am pretty much housebound. It keeps what is there left working as well as it can. Strength and resistance exercises help to metabolise oxygen better too.

If you use Facebook there is a page for those in UK. It is called ‘At home with oxygen UK’ . If you would like to join make a request and resins to the joining questions.

Go well

Pauline

[angie26 in reply to PaulineHM]

Thank you x

[Lfcpremier]

Ive had Bronchiectasis nearly 14 yrs now. Nebulise 7%saline, 2x2 carbocisteine, azithromycin 3x weekly & recently started another nebulised drug:colomycin to try to limit pseudomononas as i cant use cipro. Wonder if that might help you long term?Hope you feel better soon. x

[angie26 in reply to Lfcpremier]

Thank you, It was suggested I try azithromycin but not suitable due to Edoxaban they say can cause bleeding, I’m seeing the bronch specialist nurse soon so hopefully something else will be offered! I’m just a bit concerned about the fibrosis, this is the first time it has been mentioned and I have had numerous ct scans and chest x rays, talking to the doctor on the phone he left me feeling rather anxious about this diagnosis sadly.

[Lfcpremier]

Understandable!! So upsetting when they use their medical terms without explaining it. Hope he can put your mind at rest! X