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I'm new to this forum...

Posted , 4 users are following.

Frogwartz
Frogwartz

Hi everyone. I've never joined any sort of support group/forum before now. But, I thought I would give it a go. I think hearing from other people with the same diagnosis might be good for my soul. I was diagnosed with ABPA and bronchiectasis in May of 2016. I've missed a lot of work and I've been in and out of ERs. Now that I'm starting to feel a little better, I'm going to try to go back to work. I'm scared because each time I go back I end up horribly sick with a new fungal infection colonizing in my lungs. But I have to pay my mortgage so I can't just quit. It's very depressing at times. But I do feel feel a bit more normal when I read other posts, and realize that there are others fighting the same issues. I'm glad I found this site.

1 like, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Operalyn
    Operalyn Frogwartz

    Posted

    It's tough when you're working and have bronchiectasis. My sympathies - I struggled sometimes but worked for over 50 years - admittedly in administration jobs. It's really boring but the one thing you absolutely must do is to clear that mucus from your lungs every day. Of course there are drugs and nebulisers but that simple thing is the absolutely most important. Take care if yourself my friend.

    • Frogwartz
      Frogwartz Operalyn

      Posted

      Thank you Operalyyn. It's really nice to to meet you.

  • elizabeth49611
    elizabeth49611 Frogwartz

    Posted

    Frogwartz,

    Welcome to this forum. You will recieve and share tips on managing this illness.

    I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis 5 yrs ago and have had breathing issues for close to 30 yrs (diagnosed with first allergies, then asthma, then COPD, then by way of a CT scan BX). I'm now 67 and retired.

    During those 30 years, I: worked full time, took college courses part time, and (with my husband) raised 3 children. There were times that I really had to struggle thru and a lot of hospital stays, er visits and bronchoscopies. But I got thru it.

    It helps to have an understanding boss (company).  I had a desk job (accountant for a hospital), but I also had monthly deadlines to meet.  That was the hardest. There were times that I should have stayed in bed, but I needed to be at work to meet the deadline. There were times that I used my nebulizer during my lunch hour, or I would run home to use it. I made sure that I stayed way from sick co-workers.

    I learned that you need to take care of yourself: eat healthy, take your medication, exercise when you can (even if it's just walking around the house), keep your lungs clear of mucus and don't be around sick people.

    And if the meds that you are taking aren't working, talk to your specialist.

    Beth

    • Frogwartz
      Frogwartz elizabeth49611

      Posted

      Thank you elizabeth49611. My pulm Dr wrote a note that allows me to use my nebulizer and Smart Vest during the day. Unfortunately I'm surrounded by sick people at my workplace. I have been trying to walk to the edge of my property at least once a day to throw corn out for the deer. I didn't realize how important exercise was with BX until I joined this forum. Thanks again for your advice. I look forward to reading through the discussions.

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