On my own?

Hello John, you're not alone with this scenario, sad to say, I'm quite recently diagnosed with Bronchiectsasis, also, apparently, I have Asthma, yet no matter what inhaler I've been given it's made zero difference, which makes me think that it's been the Bronchi thing all along. I'm struggling to even get the correct antibiotics to shift current infection that plagues me! Day 11 of Amoxycillin and no better than day one, which is alarming because the longer an infection stays in the lung, the more damage it does, making the next infection even worse, up here in the Highlands the NHS does'nt seem to know how to treat me?? never seen anybody regarding the postural drainage thing either! So in short John I think you should go back to your doctor asap and get the relevant antibiotics, and ask to have a stock of them at home for future use so an infection can be treated sooner rather than later (no, I do'nt have any stock at home myself, but it does happen perhaps depending on severity of the Bronchi) good luck mate, keep us updated.

Hi John. I often have greeny yellow sputum but don't necessarily always fly to the antibiotics. Sometimes doing the postural drainage more often will clear it away. To a point bronchiectasis patients always have a bit of something lurking about. I mainly manage my own complaint - I have had it a long long time.

I am a bit concerned about the lack of support you have. I not only see a specialist twice a year but also attend my GP practice for an annual checkup with the Nurse practitioner who specialises in COPD.

If you have a good GP it might be an idea to book a long appointment and have a chat about any concerns you have. Just a thought.

Cheers and good luck!

Oh well done David I forgot about the importance of having a supply of antibiotics in.

Lots of us have a combination of asthma and bronchiectasis which at one time was considered unlikely if not impossible!

I also wanted to mention that it can be a good idea to keep dairy products to a minimum as they can increase mucus. ...doubtless I will think of something else in a minute!

Hi John

No, you are not on your own. I feel like I've been left to one side. Because I hadn't had more than two infections in a year for two years I was discharged from the hospital. Although they said at any time an infection lasted more than two weeks to get in touch with them, as it was another two years, when I was ill last October I got in touch with the hospital only to find out that I would have to go to my GP to get a referral and start the process all over again. I have had four sets of antibiotics since then and still no referral. I don't feel ill now but I know I am not at my best. As and when I need more antibiotics I shall request a referral back to the hospital. So yes, in my case it is quite normal not to have treatment.

Hi John,  It's very confusing.  I was just diagnosed with bronch this February.  I had been sick for months and on tons of steroids and antibiotics.  Had a ct scan and was told i had Bronch.  I also was told earlier that I had asthma.  

Like you, I had not heard of this P/drainage until I started reading this group dialogue.  I don't know how to do it either.  Right now I'm on  a nasal spray, steroid inhaler, and  allergy pills.   I make myself drink tons of water to clear out my lungs. It helps.  I also try to excercise, most of the time.   

It seems odd that you have an infection and they are not treating itl  I would call doc again.  

It's nice having this group.  I had never heard of bronchiectasis and don't know anyone with it besides this group.

 Good luck to you!