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Hemoptysis - wonder what others do
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Oct 20 10:06am | Replies (36)Comment receiving replies
@karen10225, I moved your recent post about hemoptysis to the previous discussion where you are connected with fellow members like @wsbme74 @gigiv @pmmar1 @reneemc @happy2023 @irenea8 @sueinmn @sisterpulse @sweethighland and more.
- Hemoptysis - wonder what others do
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/slight-hemoptysis-wonder-what-others-do/
As others have said, coughing up blood is scary. I can understand your being paralyzed by fear. I'm glad you came here to talk about it, to get tips on controlling the condition and learning that you can live well with mycobacterium simiae. The toll this is taking on your mental state might be something you wish to also talk to a counselor about. Do you have access to a social worker?
Replies to "@karen10225, I moved your recent post about hemoptysis to the previous discussion where you are connected..."
Colleen: The first time it happened I was rather shocked, naturally, as I viewed large red/maroon clots in my white sink, not just pink sputum.
After consultations with my pulmonary (local) and ID (NJH) doctors, I was assured the hemoptysis is just one symptom of bronchiectasis and some people have it and others do not -- and unless it's a pulmonary embolism, coughing up pure blood, it generally doesn't need to be addressed.
So, 16 episodes later, I'm doing fine and, other than the BE/MAC I have and which are far more concerning, hemoptysis is the least of my worries and I want others to know and accept the symptom -- and to move on.
I appreciate your concern and thank you for it. I didn't need to see a counselor for my hemoptysis. However, in all honesty, the diagnosis of BE/MAC initially was overwhelming and I did seek counseling. Like most major diagnoses concerning one's longevity, one cannot just "radically accept" a diagnosis and be over it. It requires steps to get there and because of my wonderful counselor who has 35 years experience dealing with chronic disease, I have accepted the diagnosis and, rather than trying to save my life, I am now living my life to the fullest and, at this point anyway, without antibiotics -- just airway clearance, a nutritious diet, and exercise!
I encourage others to seek counseling because it does make a huge difference and I am no longer needing the sessions as a part of my journey. I wouldn't trade the experience for anything and I have much less stress in my life.
Thanking you for your advice -- and best wishes to those who have BE/MAC, hemoptysis or not.
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I realized I do have access to a social worker and I will get in touch with her. I remembered that her wife died of lung cancer so she probably has experience with the coughing up of blood. Thank you for hooking me up with some other members. This site is a great help to me!