@katemn Per
your 'weather patterns affecting our conditions' discussion. For the last thirty
years when I would become ill due to the barimetric pressure changes, i.e.
storms rolling in etc. people thought I was nuts and making it up. When I first
learned that it does affect us, I was relieved that it wasn't just me being an
idiot. Same goes for smells that send my lungs into an uproar. Especially when
the oven or toaster over is turned on. If any residue on the bottom starts to
heat up, I cough continueously and I have to leave the room. My hubby still
thinks that is all in my head.
 

@katemn, @unicorn Christa's transformation didn't escape my notice
either. We watched her go from fearful and beaten down by her varied health
issues, to being stronger in dealing with her health and advocating for
others. You know, it truly is a gift we witness here; when we see how we help
one another. For some, it is particularly amazing because they are so very ill
themselves and yet still put forth the energy to contribute. Hugs &
gratitude to all of you!   Terri M.
 

Hello Andree. I feel like you leaving a cold, damp environment is a very good idea. I was constantly getting lung infections in Virginia, not to mention achy joints. There is something about that damp, penetrating cold that tends to settle in the lungs and bring on infections. I moved the beach in SC and have been healthier for it.Good luck with your move! - Terri M.

Hi Julia, if you still go to Florida, there is a wonderful Mayo clinic there in Jacksonville. From what I just read of your posting, You and I have had similar medical experiences. I seems we were both mismanaged because the drs we saw really weren't that schooled in treating bronchiecstasis. Your voice may be raspy due to GERD/acid reflux. The minute I mentioned the severe burning I had in my esophagus, the dr at Mayo immediately ordered up a scan for it. The scan showed I had acid corrosion that was eating away tissue at the bottom of my esophagus. I had complained about that burning for yrs to my GP and various pulmonologists and NOT one even mentioned acid reflux or prescribed a med for it! In old medical records; it was discovered that I had bronchiecstasis about 15 yrs ago. No one even mentioned it to me!!! I just learned of it four yrs ago. Getting GOOD medical care is critical, as is knowing how to take care of yourself with this disease. This forum will be very helpful to you as well. So glad that you found us! -Terri M.

Just sayin...... when I went to Mayo's originally, my voice was quite hoarse and one of the tests they immediately did was with a voice specialist to see if vocal cords were damaged. It was a very nice lady and when she first looked, she said she couldn't even see my vocal cords because there was so much phlegm covering them. I drank lots of water and she could finally get a look at them but said they were perfect. No damage at all. Mayo's will probably check out the raspy voice and give you good news too

@windwalker, it's interesting hear you talk about how your lungs react to certain conditions in your environment. I always get more sticky mucus when I'm cold. Chilly and damp days are my biggest foe. Even sitting in a room with air conditioner running too high will get me to cough and hack up mucus non-stop. The symptom improves or completely goes away when I'm warm.

Hi Terri,
Thanks for this comment so now I don't think that its just my imagination. I felt it in my bones the first winter 18 years ago coming from the East...big difference.
I didn't have lung issues then but also out here in the North Pacific they have a building code that they borrowed right out of California which it isn't, in the winter the cold humidity just comes through the walls and I made the mistake 18 months ago of buying a very charming and cute condo overlooking the garden on the first floor just above the garage which is not closed...the walls are there but the windows are opened.
My mistake, I bought in August and never thought of that possibility .

Another thing that been reading about ,a few people mentioned public pools and hot tubs,well that was what I did twice a week for the last 10 years. Now that my immune system is much weaker I know that I came back a few times with some kind of respiratory infection so I have stopped going since I found out about my bronchiectasis. I must say that I miss my aquatic work outs.

About the move I need all the luck that I can get so thanks, it's appreciated.

Andree

PS : I've been meaning to answer Katherine's really nice and interesting message but I have been so tired and busy, I will get there in a little while but in the meantime I apologize.

@mariposa, Andree, you just sit tight! We are here for YOU .. you are NOT here for us! Do what YOU need to do when you feel best to do it .. let your body be your guide! Hugs to you! Katherine

@windwalker, Terri, it is NOT in our heads! I HATE to say this because it sounds just toooo weird .. but after my husband comes in from his HARD walk or golf .. he needs to take a shower right away .. his sweat sends me into a spasm of coughing .. HOW embarrassing ! Could I admit to to ANYONE but my Group?!! All in my head? Nope because I don't always even realize he has been outside! Tell your husband that .. tell him he's lucky it's just burning toast!! Hugs! Katherine

@ling123 Sadly,
I would love to live in Va and be near my daughter, but I know that would
mean constant lung infections. The winters are fickle, hot, freezing, and
DAMP! Then add to that rotting leaves everywhere with mold and fungi
underneath, and spores. Cold air used to burn my lungs when I would go
outside. I would wear a scarf and cover my face. Since I have been treated
at the Mayo, I am not as delicate as I used to be. I believe it is due to
finally getting rid of the mycobac-bugs.