1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis: New Diagnosis

Posted by navylady @navylady, Jul 26, 2018

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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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 2, 2019
In reply to @danielad "@merpreb, @brigby -- I was given inhaler and nebulizer. Admittedly, I only use them when I..." + (show)
@danielad

@merpreb, @brigby -- I was given inhaler and nebulizer. Admittedly, I only use them when I "must". However, what I found is that if I do use them as I should, I feel and do better. One more thing -- my pulmonologist was sure that my Bronchitis and Pneumonias were due to my continuous sinus infections -- She was right! So I had to add the sinus irrigations to inhaler and nebulizer! Then I had Sinus surgery and I have had NO sinus infections since that time ... and only 2 bronchitis ... I am a much happier camper!!!
--Dee

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Morning Dee- I am so glad for you! But begin to use your inhalers regularly and feel even better!

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 2, 2019
In reply to @danielad "@janovr -- Hi! Another person who understands is always welcome! I stay away from everything I..." + (show)
@danielad

@janovr -- Hi! Another person who understands is always welcome! I stay away from everything I can -- Pollen, grasses, weeds, dogs, cats, molds, dust and dust mites ... If I don't, I will get back to where I was! Stay healthy!
--Dee

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@danielad- Are you confining yourself to living indoors, housebound?

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Dee | @danielad | Apr 2, 2019
In reply to @merpreb "Morning Dee- I am so glad for you! But begin to use your inhalers regularly and..." + (show)
@merpreb

Morning Dee- I am so glad for you! But begin to use your inhalers regularly and feel even better!

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Morning to you Merry! My concern is that I will get used to it and it will stop working when I need it. What do you think?

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1 reply
Dee | @danielad | Apr 2, 2019
In reply to @merpreb "@danielad- Are you confining yourself to living indoors, housebound?" + (show)
@merpreb

@danielad- Are you confining yourself to living indoors, housebound?

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@merpreb - Merry, I am not housebound, but I totally avoid certain things at certain times. For instance, Spring is beautiful but dangerous for me, I used to get a really bad sinus infection and bronchitis every year during Feb - May. At other times of the year as well, but this was pretty much a sure thing! I love nature, working in the yard, planting new flowers ... but I decided it isn't worth weeks of misery ... So I don't go into the yard or walk outside ... I also use a fan in the house and my husband changes the filters (special ones) every 6 weeks. We do this throughout the year. In the car, we keep the windows closed and recirculate the air. We immediately take off our shoes when coming I the house, to avoid bringing in any pollen ... This is particularly true during the Spring, but Fall is a pretty bad period as well!

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janovr | @janovr | Apr 2, 2019
In reply to @danielad "@merpreb - Merry, I am not housebound, but I totally avoid certain things at certain times...." + (show)
@danielad

@merpreb - Merry, I am not housebound, but I totally avoid certain things at certain times. For instance, Spring is beautiful but dangerous for me, I used to get a really bad sinus infection and bronchitis every year during Feb - May. At other times of the year as well, but this was pretty much a sure thing! I love nature, working in the yard, planting new flowers ... but I decided it isn't worth weeks of misery ... So I don't go into the yard or walk outside ... I also use a fan in the house and my husband changes the filters (special ones) every 6 weeks. We do this throughout the year. In the car, we keep the windows closed and recirculate the air. We immediately take off our shoes when coming I the house, to avoid bringing in any pollen ... This is particularly true during the Spring, but Fall is a pretty bad period as well!

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@dalielad

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janovr | @janovr | Apr 2, 2019

This is SO me!😩 sad that it has taken me 5 YEARS to figure out this seasonal malady that causes me much distress! This year March was a DISASTER and to
add misery upon misery, having a weird side effect to one of the meds has
only made it worse. Hoping I have turned the corner in April! 😀Jan/Fl

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 2, 2019
In reply to @danielad "Morning to you Merry! My concern is that I will get used to it and it..." + (show)
@danielad

Morning to you Merry! My concern is that I will get used to it and it will stop working when I need it. What do you think?

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@danielad- Dee they aren't addictive and will help your breathing immensely. I think that you need them for life. They help keep your breathing "tubes" less inflamed and open more.

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Brenda R. | @brigby | Apr 2, 2019
In reply to @merpreb "@danielad- Dee they aren't addictive and will help your breathing immensely. I think that you need..." + (show)
@merpreb

@danielad- Dee they aren't addictive and will help your breathing immensely. I think that you need them for life. They help keep your breathing "tubes" less inflamed and open more.

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@merpreb Hi, I guess I too have been delaying using the Ventolin inhaler prescribed by my Pulmo for “later when I really need it”. I was assuming it was steroidal, but I’ll have to research it further. Thanks

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 2, 2019

@brigby- Some inhalers are steroidal and I think that Ventolin is but it's not the same as taking a pill. It's to reduce swelling which prevents good air flow

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Brenda R. | @brigby | Apr 2, 2019
In reply to @brigby "@merpreb Hi, I guess I too have been delaying using the Ventolin inhaler prescribed by my..." + (show)
@brigby

@merpreb Hi, I guess I too have been delaying using the Ventolin inhaler prescribed by my Pulmo for “later when I really need it”. I was assuming it was steroidal, but I’ll have to research it further. Thanks

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@merpreb So a quick research glance tells me Ventolin is albuterol. In other research, I think I read albuterol, or other Rx bronchodilators like Advair, (that I used for years) can actually lead to or worsen chest infections if used for long periods of time?

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