Sad

[House1]

Have bronchiectasis for to years my husband doesn’t understand he wants to go out to dinner or cinema i can’t go with all of this coughing people just give me looks so I just stay at home life is not good

[Patsy164]

I’m sorry House1 that you are suffering the effects of bronchiectasis, I have also been diagnosed for two years and I am the same avoiding some public places. People do stare when you cough but I don’t worry about that. I have been ill for roughly 5-6 years hardly going out. Friends saying you never come out but I decided that if I’m well I’m going out and doing what I want and if I’m ill so be it I will have to stay put. We only have one life and we get to know where we can and can’t go. I agree cinema isn’t good but you could go out for meals or visit friends and family. If I do have to go anywhere I’m careful about touching handles and stair rails I use my cardigan to touch and open doors and carry hand gel everywhere. I just avoid being around people who are ill and they now say I won’t see you as I have a cold. People on this site have given Me the same advice and I have taken it. We all get depressed when we are ill but I always look at other people on this site and think well I’m lucky I can go out without oxygen and at least I can walk without aids. Unfortunately our families have to get used to the fact that we are not able sometimes to be normal like they are.

I hope you feel better soon and keep posting people are lovely on this site. Xxx 😊

[House1 in reply to Patsy164]

Thank you you take care .mel x

[Ceejay65]

Hi House1,

I assume you do your daily chest clearing physio?

I find if I have a session first thing in the morning, it keeps me fairly clear for most of the day, then again before I go to bed to help with getting to sleep ok. If I miss either, I usually end up just coughing and spluttering - it's not nice.

Have you tried to clear your chest before you go out? I find it keeps me stay cough free for the evening. I tend to take a small bag with water, tissues and a spare sputum pot with me, just in case I get caught out. I also find it helpful when you arrive, getting a fix on where the toilets are, and position myself either nearby or at a vantage point where I can access them easily should I need to, eg; the end of an aisle. (I have a radar key in the bag too - it comes in handy if you need to find a loo in public spaces and they are locked - the radar will open disabled loo's).

I've found if I do all this, it rarely stops me going out in the evenings. That said, I tend to know how I am feeling and if I can't clear it and think I'm going to have problems, I'd sooner not put myself in a compromising position and then just don't go. Health comes first.

Keeping away from people with colds and avoiding busy, dence public places is a good policy too, but its not always easy.

PS: Try involving your husband - he may not fully understand your condition, but if he were say involved in our routines or knows what you need to do or where you need to sit, it may just help.

Hope this is helpful.

[House1 in reply to Ceejay65]

No one has shown me any physio to clear my throat

[Ceejay65 in reply to House1]

Ask your GP or Consultant if you have one, to refer you to a respiratory physiotherapist team. You will have one at your local hospital. It's an NHS service available free for anyone with a lung condition.

[Ceejay65 in reply to Ceejay65]

In the meantime, this might help. There is a section on self help Physio ....

bronchiectasishelp.org.uk./...

[Ceejay65 in reply to Ceejay65]

PS: Pages 27 - 32 deal with physiotherapy support and self help chest clearing techniques but the whole booklet is very helpful and answers any questions you may have. It also points you to the various professionals and help groups available.

[Ceejay65 in reply to Ceejay65]

PPS: there are also a few videos on YouTube. Just type “Positional Drainage” into the search but ideally get any instruction direct from your physiotherapist. As said, your GP or consultant will be able to refer you. Good chest clearing Management is key to staying well.

[House1 in reply to Ceejay65]

Thank you so much

[Ceejay65]

You’re welcome.