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CT reports progressive bronchiectasis: Help me understand

Posted by beatrixflower @beatrixflower, Jun 1, 2021

Hello, I just received my first CT report with a new doctor that I feel much more happy with. They labeled my recent CT as progressive bronchiectasis. And said it has progressed quite a bit since 2017. Is that normal or should I be anxious? My old doctors said I was assymptomatic and so did not need to be treated. But then why did it progress? Thank you!

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jun 3, 2021
In reply to @ckscoville "I agree wholeheartedly. Arm yourself with your own research and questions. I recently had a routine..." + (show)
@ckscoville

I agree wholeheartedly. Arm yourself with your own research and questions. I recently had a routine Chest CT and, aside from the worsening Bronchiectasis (which I had already sensed), the CT also showed significant calcification of my coronary arteries. Since I had recently experienced more chest pains, I asked my pulmonary doctor at Mayo for a referral to a cardiologist, which he did. Long story short, after a heart catheterization 9 days ago, he found that my main coronary artery had a serious blockage and put in a stent. Wouldn't have found it had I not pursued things on my own....

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Oh yes, how many times have we said here that you must be your own best advocate? This is a terrific example. Glad you found it and they fixed it before something bad happened.
Sue

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beatrixflower | @beatrixflower | Jun 3, 2021
In reply to @ckscoville "I agree wholeheartedly. Arm yourself with your own research and questions. I recently had a routine..." + (show)
@ckscoville

I agree wholeheartedly. Arm yourself with your own research and questions. I recently had a routine Chest CT and, aside from the worsening Bronchiectasis (which I had already sensed), the CT also showed significant calcification of my coronary arteries. Since I had recently experienced more chest pains, I asked my pulmonary doctor at Mayo for a referral to a cardiologist, which he did. Long story short, after a heart catheterization 9 days ago, he found that my main coronary artery had a serious blockage and put in a stent. Wouldn't have found it had I not pursued things on my own....

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I'm sorry that you experienced that but glad you found it! Good advice!

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hauoli | @hauoli | Jun 3, 2021
In reply to @sueinmn "The matter of whether or not to treatis actually a two part question. Having Bronchiectasis means..." + (show)
@sueinmn

The matter of whether or not to treatis actually a two part question.

Having Bronchiectasis means most people need airway clearance to keep mucus from building up and allowing infections like MAC to take hold. This can be as simple as a vibratory device like Aerobika followed by huff coughing to bring it up, to nebbing saline alone or in combination with other drugs, to use of a percussion vest.

If infection takes hold - often indicated by fatigue, fever, weight loss and chronic cough - more drastic action may be required. First it is very important to have a sputum sample tested, using a culture that takes up to 6 or 7 weeks, to identify the specific bacteria and what drug(s) it responds to.

These are the things your pulmonologist will discuss with you. CT scan results need knowledgeable interpretation and explanation. The raw reports still scare the heck out of me.

Good luck and let us know what you learn at your appointment.
Sue

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So clear a response, thank you Sue. Hauoli

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cmi | @cmi | Jun 4, 2021

Beatrix, every Forum Friend is sharing good advice…and do feel your angst. My only additional though is this…”be original…think out side of the western Medical paradigm of disease. Only because you know your body at different levels…those a CT scan do not image…and blood work can deceive. If you feel inflammation is a red flag in this situation…doctors treat that and see that with other eyes. Perhaps you yourself stepping back and reviewing what if anything is different in your physical lifestyle from months/year past…information to help your team of experts see the total picture. Medicine seems to work with set ranges (black & white) and the best doctors are the best because they work in real partnership with the patient…listening…considering…and applying all that involves the care of person.
The words “mild” to “severe” incite fear. Asking about “course of care” is a simple statement that makes you the active participant.
Best of luck with the upcoming appointment. Reach out as much as necessary….this group is gold.

Regina

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1 reply
beatrixflower | @beatrixflower | Jun 6, 2021
In reply to @cmi "Beatrix, every Forum Friend is sharing good advice…and do feel your angst. My only additional though..." + (show)
@cmi

Beatrix, every Forum Friend is sharing good advice…and do feel your angst. My only additional though is this…”be original…think out side of the western Medical paradigm of disease. Only because you know your body at different levels…those a CT scan do not image…and blood work can deceive. If you feel inflammation is a red flag in this situation…doctors treat that and see that with other eyes. Perhaps you yourself stepping back and reviewing what if anything is different in your physical lifestyle from months/year past…information to help your team of experts see the total picture. Medicine seems to work with set ranges (black & white) and the best doctors are the best because they work in real partnership with the patient…listening…considering…and applying all that involves the care of person.
The words “mild” to “severe” incite fear. Asking about “course of care” is a simple statement that makes you the active participant.
Best of luck with the upcoming appointment. Reach out as much as necessary….this group is gold.

Regina

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Thank you, Regina! Very wise advice!

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ingekunga | @ingekunga | Jun 8, 2021

Sometimes when I get tired or fall asleep in day when I check oxygen it is as low as 91 92 right fingers are usually worse then left? I have been falling a sleep in day which is unusual for me

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1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jun 8, 2021
In reply to @ingekunga "Sometimes when I get tired or fall asleep in day when I check oxygen it is..." + (show)
@ingekunga

Sometimes when I get tired or fall asleep in day when I check oxygen it is as low as 91 92 right fingers are usually worse then left? I have been falling a sleep in day which is unusual for me

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That is borderline O2 for daytime. What therapies do you use to improve your breathing?
It is probably time to consult your pulmonologist for additional strategies. If one hand has significantly lower O2 readings consistently, you may need to be checked for circulatory issues as well.

Sue

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