Barbara, yes, I believe that I have answered my question.

I also have a great fear of being hospitalized and coming home with infections that I did not have when admitted. It is not just the fact that hospitals are breeding grounds, but also that the most basic infection control measures are not consistently and properly employed. Instead, they rely on antibiotics.

We can do what we can and need to at home, but we cannot control our environment outside of home.

I think that the reason why some of us have localized areas with more severe BE is because that is where it probably originated and existed the longest, and without diagnosis. With twice daily airway clearance and lung hygiene and being monitored monthly through sputum samples, an infection is less likely to reach the stage and do the damage as the initial one(s) did. My thinking with the surgery was to eliminate the worst area that might serve as a reservoir for future infections. Yes, there will still be other areas with BE, but exacerbations and their severity might be decreased with that area of concentrated damage gone.

There are also patients and doctors who believe that if you manage to clear the infection, you should not have surgery.

So many tough decisions. As we get older, surgery becomes more difficult on the body, and recovery is harder and longer. On the other hand, if we are able to tolerate meds, we are able to do well and have fewer exacerbations.

I think the decisive factor is the proper and regular airway clearance and taking precautions. This, along with a healthy and adequate diet and daily exercise are our defense weapons.