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bronchiectasis

Posted , 5 users are following.

jojo40
jojo40

i've just been diagnosed with bronchiectasis i am diabetic and suffer badly with anxiety and depressioni had never heard of this disease until 3 months ago i've been in hospital on antibiotic drip been out for 6 weeks and i've been on 3 different lots of antibiotics again as i have infection i just need somebody to talk to because at the moment i can't be with my family because they're ballcock coughs and colds i seem to be isolated everybody is telling me to stay away from coruna orpington i don't know what to do can somebody please talk to me.im am 62 years old lady andiv smoke I know I have to stop I have tryed everythink to stop but nothink help and right now im so down I just cant do it and I know its not helping me 

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • Operalyn
    Operalyn jojo40

    Posted

    Jojo hello

    I am 66 and I've had bronchiectasis since I was a baby. Seems as if you are in a bad patch at the moment but its not always as bad as this. I know you are depressed and anxious - I am too and I sometimes wonder if it's a side effect of bronchiectasis!  Probably not.

    I hope you have got good support from your doctor. You should be referred to a specialist who can help you manage your condition. 

    I won't nag about smoking but if you carry on you will feel ill all the time. When I smoked which I did for a short time in my 20s I felt lousy and had loads more infections and sore chests. Try to stop if you can possibly do it. It's the one thing that will really improve how you feel. 

    Best wishes. 

    • jojo40
      jojo40 Operalyn

      Posted

      Thank you for geting back to me. I am under a consultant at the hospital i go back in the end of january where are you from i'm from uk yes i want to give up smoking and know I have to go but it's so hard at the moment with all this going on i live on my own cant get up to see my family at the minute all ill with a cold cough sore throat was planning christmas next week with them they don't know now everyday i can't make a decision because i don't know how i'm going to fail this is the hardest thing have you been in hospital because of the bronchiectasiswhat sort of medication do you take and have you always been on them . Im finding it very hard to bring the flem up I try so hard but nothink dr say it cause iv got infection again to be honest I dont think the infection as gone since may  iv had so many antbotis and feel so run down all the time.
    • jojo40
      jojo40 Operalyn

      Posted

      Also I was looking after my 3 year old granson been doing it since he was baby now that as had to stop as got no energy and he has started play school where is always colds and coughs my daughter has change her shifts at do to haveing to take so much time of cause I coundant look after him .this illness seem to be takeing over my life and no one uderstand about it .I had never heard of it untill 3 months ago just thought I had bad chrest infection again. Sorry for going on .
    • jojo40
      jojo40

      Posted

      I am from peterborough near Cambridge I feel I am the only one with it hear every time I speak to any one when they ask why I ess in hospital I say because iv got this disease they thing I mean bronchitis thsnk you for your support and have a lovely Christmas x
  • joy23863
    joy23863 jojo40

    Posted

    Hi jojo, I feel so sorry for you and understand why you feel depressed after your diagnosis. I was diagnosed with bronciectasis when I was 7, i,m now 62. It's an awful disease to have but you can do some self help. So you can meet up with your family wear a mask so you don't catch there germs and when you are in busy places like supermarkets etc. posteral draining 2/3 times daily will help to keep your chest clearer, keep sending sputum samples to your doctor to check what infections you have and can be treated quickly, give up smoking is a must and cut down on alcohol if you smoke, do anything that lifts your spirits like taking a walk if your able, buy yourself a bunch of flowers etc.

    i hope you soon feel very much better, 

  • lesley05714
    lesley05714 jojo40

    Posted

    Hi Jojo, all my sympathy, it takes some getting used to, I must have had the condition for years before it was diagnosed after a nasty lung bleed...but it was a blessing in disguise, at least I found out what had been making me so poorly! Definitely give up the cigarettes, you haven't a choice on that, just talk to your body and do it.

    Work out your energy levels and rest during the day for 45 minutes if you can. Work out a routine so that you can fit in gentle excersize, walking is great, and work that has to be done.

    Bronchiectasis can be managed, just make sure that you keep away from  people with colds etc.

    There is some great advice on this forum that has helped me manage my condition; and it is the middle of winter.

    Keep us up to date with how you get on,

    With Every Blessing,

    Lesley

     

  • joy23863
    joy23863 jojo40

    Posted

    It's a terrible disease and much harder to come to terms with when you are older, having a good diet will increase your energy levels and taking a rest when you need it. I found I could do about an hours work then sit and rest, defiantly give up the smoking. You don't have to isolate yourself but it's better to ask people to stay away from you if they have coughs and colds and at this time of year it's difficult. Wear a disposable mask. Having someone to show you how to do Physio on your chest will help you keep it clear and a consultant to help you manage your chest. Where in the UK do you live? 
    • jojo40
      jojo40 joy23863

      Posted

      Im in Peterborough joy where abouts are you. I when to see my gp monday as I had been on more antbotis last week he examined my chest and put me on more antibioticsi also suffer with arthritis in my back and knees not had a bad flare up with kness since 2years ago till last week can hardly stand on leg at moment cases of pain he said thsts part of this bronchiectasis I felt foded off have you heard it can cause this .
  • Operalyn
    Operalyn jojo40

    Posted

    I am in the UK too jojo.

    Posteral drainage is the best thing to clear the sputum away. If you don't know how to do it find out from the hospital.  The physios should be able to teach you.  I did it all through my childhood and still do.

    Antibiotics take it out of you and make you feel low but they are a necessary evil! Sometimes one won't do the trick and they have to try another.  

    Rest, warmth and gentle exercise help. And drink lots of fluid - especially water.

    You can manage this thing but it's early days for you. And trying to do if while smoking is like trying to manage it with both hands behind your back. 

    • jojo40
      jojo40 Operalyn

      Posted

      Thank you for your support.  I will keep in touch .have a lovely Christmas x
    • jojo40
      jojo40 Operalyn

      Posted

      Is post drain the deep breathing and then the huffing ?
    • Operalyn
      Operalyn jojo40

      Posted

      Yes.  The secret is not to stop until its really finished!  It can take me 40 minutes on a bad day.
  • joy23863
    joy23863 jojo40

    Posted

    To perform postural draing put three pillows on top if each other and lay over them on your side then turn and do the other side, give it 20 minutes each side, the phlem will gradually drain out, if you can get some one to perform percussion in you (thump your back) it helps to get it out easier. Contact the British lung foundation they have groups through out the country where you will find more support and someone to talk to, the British lung foundation will also send you leaflets on bronciectasis. Take care of yourself. 
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