Naturopath

Thank you for mentioning the book Beating Bronchiectasis: How I Went from Diagnosis to Full Recovery in Just One Year by Daniel Pecaut. I've ordered it and am very interested in the complementary/adjunct self-care that he did to "beat Bronchiectasis". I have not worked with Carrie Daenell, ND, but am considering seeing an ND at some point. I was only recently diagnosed and am beginning what I call "lung hygiene" to help myself. Once I'm up and running with these practices (using Aerobika; reducing change of exposure to MAC, etc.), I will decide which ND to consult.

@hurdgal and @chris1321 I am going to try to say this as sensitively as possible.

I have not yet read all of Daniel Pecault's book (it is in my Kindle folder waiting) and I know nothing of Dr Carrie Daenell, ND. But I have been studying Bronchiectasis and associated conditions and infections for seven years now. Among the thousands of members on Mayo Connect, I can count only a handful at most who have claimed to be cured of Bronchiectasis. It is a little like claiming to be cured of neuropathy or arthritis - if there was a cure, it would be shouted from the rooftops. Mayo Connect, National Jewish Health, ntmir.org, the American Lung Association and a host of others would be celebrating.

Yes, there is a place for alternative medicine in managing a chronic illness. But please do not abandon the long-researched protocols like airway clearance, 7% saline, nebulized or inhaled bronchodilators, and even antibiotics when appropriate.

I have searched both Google and Google Scholar and the only references to either D. Pecault or C Daenell are promotions for their book and website.

Now I can report that I read the entire book "Beating Bronchiectasis" - Here is my old-fashioned book report.

"Beating Bronchiectasis" by Daniel Pecaut
This is an autobiographical essay. It describes the author's experience, from his point of view. Some of the information shared about his journey, dating back to 2012-2014 is outdated according to currently accepted protocols.

The author dedicated his life, for over a year, to his quest, even admitting he cut his work to 4 hours a day, and time with his wife to 1 hour a day, sleeping and napping 12-14 hours a day. Most of us do not have that luxury, given the need to make a living, family and community obligations. Even in my darkest, sickest days I couldn't do that. Most of his lifestyle changes were lifelong commitments that take time and adjustments - again not something most people are able or willing to sustain.

What I found interesting is that he describes the self-awareness, discipline and proactive behavior similar to what many members have described here. Some of those members include @paxmundi and @becleartoday among others who have described their personal protocols to heal.

Airway clearance, healthy diet, rest and exercise are the pillars of living well with Bronchiectasis, as well as medication if needed.

Nasal lavage may or may not be helpful, depending on whether the sinuses are an aggravating factor in one's bronchiectasis.

Supplementation again is an open questions - clearly some herbs can make some people feel better, and even some studies support the premise - BUT...one must work with a qualified, experienced Natural Medicine or Oriental Medicine doctor to make sure what is recommended is safe and appropriate.

Acupuncture is another possibly helpful alternative practice - the author was "on the fence" about its usefulness, it has helped me in the past, but others do not find relief.

Overall, this was an interesting read, but if you are looking for an ABC list of instructions and supplements, this does not provide it. This gives me more respect for the author, because Bronchiectasis is different for everyone, and there is no "one size fits all" answer.

I have read (cannot remember where) that he did not actually have Bronchiectasis and was misdiagnosed. Hence his being able to "beat bronchiectasis".

I so appreciate all the thoughtful input. I am committed to my current practices of ACT, breathing, exercise, nebbing, GERD management, etc. My goal mostly is to look at restorative tools to promote lung tissue health & overall balance of body systems. The inflammation that exists with our condition necessitates some attention & I was most interested in nebbing glutathione. It appears to have been extremely beneficial for firefighters exposed to toxins. But, again, thank you for your candid responses. Very helpful to remind myself that, if there was a holy grail, it would be communicated about freely by us all as this community is clearly one of generous spirit.

You're welcome Chris. The topic of nebbing glutathione comes up regularly here. During my many months of heavy mucus production, I used NAC capsules (N Acetyl Cysteine is converted by the body to glutathione) and believe it helped thin my mucus. My pulmonologist and I were wary of introducing "one more substance" directly to my unhappy, reactive lungs. If I were to consider it again, I would be looking for more studies to support it - there is a lot of research going on all over the world, and some excellent studies being done in China and Europe. If you want to search, I suggest using "scholar.google.com" and the keywords study, glutathione and bronchiectasis.

All that said, your original question was about Dr Carrie Daenell. Let me just say that in this era of medical professional scarcity, I am extremely wary of any docto who maintains a Website to advertise their srevices. Most of the doc I know are overwhelmed with patients.

Irene - I think I remember that in one of the other discussion groups. And his description of "cloudy areas" sounds like ground glass opacities, which we now know come and go during and after infections.
It would be interesting to compare his medical records with his recollection of details.

i have nebulized Glutathione in the past. I am just not sure if it was helpful or not. The taste and smell if off putting. I have not used it for some time now and may try it again but it was never clearly helpful. I do find taking NAC by mouth really thins the mucus but it seems to make me more tired than usual and it upsets my colon if I were to take it on a regular schedule.

Interesting, I thought it made me tired too! Clearly, with everything else about this condition, nobody wants something to make them feel worse!

Agreed! The smell and taste were rough along with the increased tiredness. I also started getting mouth sores. Thank you for validating this as I thought it was just me not being able to tolerate it and questioned my decision to discontinue. I’m now doing saline and just started with my vest this week.