BX
Posted , 4 users are following.
How common is coughing up blood.
1 like, 15 replies
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Notes on BX
Operalyn Papillion
Posted
I haven't experienced it much but for some people it's quite common. It's a well known symptom of bronchiectasis. If you're worried have a word with your GP especially if you're coughing up blood frequently.
CrimsonCrow Papillion
Posted
Some of the information I've read online suggests it happens with about 50% of cases, but I don't know if that's an accurate figure. I'd say it's not rare.
aitarg35939 Papillion
Posted
I coughed up blood twice, all day both times, back at the start of my BX. Apparently some cough it up more frequently. You need to keep a log of every time you cough it up, how much and the color, as in bright or deep red. (Yes, this is the place where we have fun discussions of the color & consistency of our mucus.)
Take the log or journal with you to doc's office. Also note in that log if you were around any irritants like smoke, chemicals, dust, etc.
Papillion
Posted
aitarg35939 Papillion
Posted
It is scary, especially here in the States where we're told that we should always go to the ER if we cough blood, then when we do, the docs blow us off. Very mixed messages. Talk with your specialist.
CrimsonCrow aitarg35939
Posted
Oh gosh. My pulmonologist takes it very seriously (I have to keep a log--blood or phlegm, how much, what color)...but ER docs...I went to the local ER with a massive episode in 2006, coughed out blood *on the exam table in front of the doctor*, and the guy literally went "We'll have to get a sample of this to make sure it's actually blood."
...it's not freaking Kool-aid!
Papillion aitarg35939
Posted
aitarg35939 Papillion
Posted
What a crock! I have learned that one hospital ER in particular here is very concerned about lungs and so if I have a problem, that's where i go. They're the ones who diagnosed BX as I didn't have a pulmo at the time.
Papillion aitarg35939
Posted
aitarg35939 Papillion
Posted
Yes, I'm in Texas.
CrimsonCrow Papillion
Posted
What?? Do these people think bleeding from the lungs is *normal*?
I've had a couple of past ER experiences where I explained I was coughing up blood, and my complaint was put down as "vomiting blood," which isn't even the same thing! (And one time back about 2001, I'd had a big bleed and was scared, so I went to the ER. I explained to the triage nurse that I was coughing blood--she asked if I was pregnant! I lost my temper and asked her if I'd just said I was coughing with my vagina...lol. Apparently I shouted, my mother was in the waiting room and heard me.)
I'm amazed at how different and proactive the Bx treatment protocols in the UK are, compared to my part of the US.
aitarg35939 CrimsonCrow
Posted
I burst out laughing and wanted to hit the Facebook laughing emoji ,,, but I'm not on fb, am I? Yes, the UK has it all over us in the pulmonary department, with emergency packs, pulmonary rehab for people long before they're down to 50% lung function, not treating all lung patients as if they're 5 years old, etc. I finally found a good pulmonologist but he's still a little bit of a jerk. After 3 visits I know him well enough that the trick with him is to sass him back on every quip. He also has a phenomenal nurse who returns every call -- unheard of here in Austin. I am on tenterhooks, tho, because he doesn't have privileges at that one particular ER. I've never been to his hospital, but I guess I shouldn't worry as he's the hospital pulmo. But things like your *vomiting vagina* can happen any where, to handily conflate your 2 ER Insane Inanity visits. I have had many similar visits of an opposite nature, endometriosis bringing out every ounce of stupid available from all staff on duty at any one time in any given ER.
Thank goodness we're strong enough to stand up to the stupidity, and that we've got a sense of humor.
CrimsonCrow aitarg35939
Posted
You know, I think a certain degree of gallows humor is necessary to live with this. It may make some doctors think we're not taking our condition seriously, but it sure helps.
Papillion aitarg35939
Posted
aitarg35939 Papillion
Posted
Unfortunately as CC pointed out, they're not always too accurate about what they put into the computers. Docs have to have a certain level of smarts, but once all the tech & nursing positions began to be filled by high school dropouts who eventually get pushed into tech school by GF, BF, mom/dad, parole officer, we are not talking high IQ or skilled typists at that intake desk. This affects everything in the ER.