I have lived in various parts of Great Britain moving to Scotland in 1967. I
retired twice, once in 1995 from the Civil Service & finally in 2004 from
the Service sector. My early years were spent living on a farm, so plenty
of fresh air. My father was a heavy smoker, dying from lung cancer in 1960
aged 56. I have never smoked. I had Scarlet Fever & TB as a child along
with other childhood illnesses.
After a series of chest infections in early 2011 which five rounds of
antibiotics could not clear, I was referred to the ERI where a CT scan
confirmed that I did not have lung cancer, which I was dreading, but
something called Bronchiectasis. This was devastating news as I had
previously led a very full & active life, including running plus other
sporting activities. Whilst this diagnosis was unnerving I was determined this would not change my way of life. So with the help of family & friends, I slowly recovered & now lead a relatively normal life albeit with some limitations.
I do experience some difficulty with chest clearance, however using the
Autogenic method helps. I am a big believer in exercise including golf
weekly, occasional badminton, long walks. I still take holidays abroad twice
a year. I fully believe that by adopting a positive attitude, plus self
management a full life can be achieved. Master the condition not it you.
I keep a supply of antibiotics at home for emergencies. These I take with me when away on holiday. I have been associated with the Breathtakers group for some years which has helped me enormously, knowing that I am not alone & the support of others has helped me through a worrying time.
Last Reviewed – October 2019