Bronchiectasis: New Diagnosis
New to your group. Non-smoker. Pneumonia x6 in 12 years, double pneumonia twice. Was diagnosed with chronic bronchitis and COPD for past 15 years, now pulmonologist based on x-rays and MRI has diagnosed no COPD, yes bronchiectasis. Take advair 250/50 twice a day. Past ten days I am increasingly gurgling, wheezing, some chest pain. I have recently moved to Florida which I like but am having long wait times to get into see a family care NP who can hopefully refer me to a pulmonologist. I walk 20-30 minutes a day. Any ideas how to manage this now. Am worried about getting pneumonia again. I went to one walk-in clinic at a reputable hospital. They literally did nothing except take x-rays. Didn't even talk to me. Just billed $2000+ for x-rays. Do I try another walk-in clinic. I feel very alone right now with this chronic medical problem.
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@pfists how long ago were you diagnosed with m. Abscessus, and how long have you tested negative?
@tdrell Sounds like you are on the up and up!
AFB is test for Acid Fast Bacilli. Highly accurate test for TB or NTM.
@induh66, It usually takes 6-8 weeks to grow mac. So, your results should be coming in soon. Keep me posted.
@brigby, For now, you should avoid gardening and yard work altogether. You would not believe the things you can pick up in the way of molds and pathogenic bacterias from plants, leaves, and soil. Also, avoid swimming in anything. No pools, no hot tubs, rivers or lakes. It sounds like you are having immunodeficient issues. Stay out of old houses that may have mold and especially hospitals. I don't mean to scare you, but a red flag goes up when I read that you have multiple infectious things.
@pfist Ok, Shari, I will.
@danielad You should have a sputem test every six months at least.
@tdrell That happened to you the last time you traveled to Denver (last yr). Are you getting bronchiestis from the air on the airplanes?
@windwalker888 Hi Teri, thanks, and you’re not shocking me here, LOL. I guess that’s what makes me a little nervous: I’m able to function at a fairly normal level, but these lab results keep coming back suspect. I’m sure I’ll hear from my ID doc at Stanford soon...he errors on the side of caution.
@brigby Yhank you for your post!
So encouraging!