Just had a diagnosis of Bronchiectasis

[Fedupwithasthma]

Hi, I’m asthmatic and just been diagnosed with bronchiectasis. I’ve also just been told I’m very allergic to nuts, cats and a whole load of other things including dust, mould, grass, trees. I have been told I need to carry an epipen now. I’ve been quite unwell for a while and in some ways it’s a relief to finally know what’s wrong with me. I’ve been fobbed off by so many GPs I’ve lost count so I’m hoping this side of things might improve. But I’ve got to say, it’s a lot to take in. I don’t know very much about bronchiectasis, having only heard about it recently! I’ve been frantically googling which of course the consultant told me not to do and I’m a bit scared of what’s ahead. I’m 40 with two kids and it’s a worry. I’ve got a patch of inflammation on my right lung which you can see on the CT scan and I’ve been suffering with bad fatigue. I’ve already had so much time off work, so struggled back after last flare up but I’m knackered

[veg58]

Hello,

I think your consultant was correct in advising against Googling. There are many grades of bronchiectasis and often those who write about it on line are those who are quite serious or perhaps are disgruntled with their treatment. You therefore tend to get a very biased picture which is often quite frightening.

I have bronchiectasis and am just as guilty of having explored it on the net but now I tend to resist doing this. I have had many long periods of good health and there is no reason that this wont apply to you. I am now 60 and was diagnosed in my 40s. I also have asthma. The most important thing is to recognize and treat infections early and when you are well to try and exercise. I really think the latter is very important.

Fatigue is common and often secondary to the infections but also it can be from worry and not sleeping.

So please chin up. Things will improve!!!

[Fedupwithasthma in reply to veg58]

Thanks. Yes definitely been lying awake worrying this week. What type of exercise is recommended?

[veg58 in reply to Fedupwithasthma]

When you are well enough, simply walking and then build up from there. I like cycling because it doesn' affect my asthma too much. Running is a bit problematic for me.

Basically do something you can enjoy and start slow. Focus on what you can do and not what you can"t.

[watergazer in reply to veg58]

Me too- I have lots of good times and some bad times. I am always tired and yet have trouble sleeping well. I was diagnosed asthmatic with Bronchiectasis when I was 50 and am now 65. I like to walk and swim but not to over exertion as that can trigger a flare up. I’ve probably had both since I was 5 when I had whooping cough and measles at the same time and they scarred my lung. Take care. Enjoy life and know your boundaries x Anita

[knitter]

My three asthmatic daughters are now in their forties, two have mild allergies, one like you is allergic to a number of things, dust, cats, some nuts, tree and grass pollen , horses. She finds relief taking antihistamines, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

i am asthmatic too, and suffered with numerous chest infections.

It was suggested at one time that I had bronchiecstasis , but this was in the days before CT scans. Now they so no, just COPD/ asthma.

I find eating more fruit and vegetables, and garlic helps with inflammation , and I also take a vitamin and mineral supplement.

Are you being treated with antibiotics?

[Fedupwithasthma in reply to knitter]

I’ve been given Fostair, mometasome nasal spray, azithromycin one tablet three times a week and also been given montelukast but I can’t tolerate it as it makes me depressed so have stopped it (consultant knows). Yes I also take an antihistamine. I’ve had two rounds of antibiotics for two weeks since October. I had a full blood count and not deficient in vit D or anything. He seemed to suggest white patch on lungs was inflammation rather than infection? Is this damaged area? Not really sure?

[Claudine]

Can I just add to the other contributions, the importance of coughing up mucus every day. I do mine just before lunch as morning is my active time and it is waiting to come up but you do have to work to cough it up (exercise will also help). It's very important otherwise it piles up in the lungs and sets up another infection. A chest physio should be able to help although I think there may be videos online. I was first diagnosed with asthma, then COPD, and only after a scan after which the Consultant could show the picture of all the bubbles in the airways, was it properly diagnosed. The average GP practice is pretty hopeless on this subject.

[Fedupwithasthma in reply to Claudine]

I wasn't really told about this at my appointment, but I've seen a few videos online. I'll need to give it a try. Might have to become part of my bedtime routine, although I have noticed I cough quite a bit around 3/4pm when I leave work and start walking home so it might work better at that time of day. Thanks

[Claudine in reply to Fedupwithasthma]

Yes, your body has a way of telling you when it's ready. Try not to cough up after a meal that's all, coz it could make you sick! Good luck.

[Fedupwithasthma in reply to Claudine]

thanks x

[RoadRunner44]

He'll, It's natural to want to find out about a medical condition you have been diagnosed with and I feel it empowers you to have this information. The more you know how to help yourself, the better. Exercise and healthy eating play a big part in keeping us healthy

I, too, suffer with bronchiectas and nebulise the antibiotic colomycin. If you go on good, recognised sites you will get very helpful and factual information. It appears you have a number of health problems. The important thing to remember where bronchiectasis is concerned is to rid yourself of the mucus in your lungs and airway where bacteria forms. I was given an acapella to help with this. Its a small, hand held gadget whichnyou breathe into and huff. A physiotherapist will show you how to use it. I found this very helpful so ask your consultant about having one. I also attend an easy exercise group and enjoy walking. Both these things are good for getting rid of the build up of mucus. I hope you have a good consultant who supports you, as you are young with a young family and need all the help you can get. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us here if you have any questions as there are a lot of knowledgeable people here who will be happy to give you any information you need. Try not to to worry too much and take extra care of yourself. CHRYS

[Fedupwithasthma in reply to RoadRunner44]

Thank you. Yes not sure about consultant yet. We ended up going for a private consultation to get proper tests and boy am I glad now as at least I know and can do something about it. I didn’t even realise I was allergic to nuts never mind anything else. I have no clue how this is going to pan out now though. I think he’s sending a letter to the GP so they will have all the details I guess and can take it from there. Hopefully next time I get ill I won’t get sent home to get sicker and sicker which is what happened last time 😏

[RoadRunner44 in reply to Fedupwithasthma]

My friend felt bad about going to see a private consultant thinking she was jumping the. queue. Not at all. Apparently consultants pay for the NHS equipment used and facilities used are after hours. We only get one life and people are able to spend their hard earned money in different ways. A new car, holidays. By not having to wait months to see a consultant can save lives. Don't feel guilty, your consultant has helped you and you will now be returned to your doctor who will take it from here. Best of luck to you. Chrys

[Fedupwithasthma in reply to RoadRunner44]

Thanks. Yes I do feel bad, but we get cover through my husband’s work, very lucky I know. Not sure what I would have done without it, probably ended up in hospital! Feel like getting to the point of referring has been bad enough. It’s been a hard year this year. Hoping for a better 2020!

[Hidden]

I know the feeling - I have multiple problems - yet I look healthy - so the pain I suffer is disregard- however after 7 years of multiple pain and other problems I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and the medication is really working for me so far - been on them two months

[Fedupwithasthma in reply to Hidden]

👍🏻 Good news. Yes I look normal apart from my cough. I just hope I can find drugs or routine that can get me a bit stronger again. I hope you continue to improve.

[Hidden in reply to Fedupwithasthma]

You also - keep smiling best medicine in the world