- As written in 2015
Background
I am not sure where this story begins! I was brought up in a smoking household until the age of 9 then led a very healthy existence until I took up smoking at the age of 15. I smoked heavily for ten years and eventually gave up due to attacks of bronchitis.
When I was 25 I went back to my healthy lifestyle until a severe chest infection aged 38 knocked me sideways. This went on for weeks and no antibiotic seemed to help.
Eventually a wise GP diagnosed late onset asthma (which coincidentally a cousin had at the same age) and this was confirmed by subsequent tests. For about 12 years I used different inhalers and it was reasonably well controlled.
When did you notice something was wrong?
However I started to get regular chest infections with increasing frequency and I used amoxicillin (antibiotic) most of the time. Then infections were only a few weeks apart. I found that cold, paint or perfume would seriously irritate my lungs, cause lots of sputum and then an infection would ensue.
How was I first diagnosed with bronchiectasis?
My GP referred me to a chest specialist and after a bronchoscopy and CT scan it was confirmed I had bronchiectasis. I was referred to the bronchiectasis clinic and now attend every six months. I hand in a sample as soon as I have an infection and the correct treatment can be given.
How do I feel about the treatment?
I did used to worry about the frequent use of antibiotics but don’t now because there is really no point! I eat pro-biotic yoghurt to help my system recover each time I have a course of antibiotics. Only once did the antibiotics not work but the medics soon sorted me out with some that did.
What is the effect on my day to day living?
I am a prisoner in the house during the winter months but this may be more to do with the asthma than the bronchiectasis. I have found indoor interests, for example filing photos and reading lots. I was also working full time but this became increasingly difficult to manage. I was often fatigued and there was also the stress of having bronchiectasis to deal with on top of the asthma. I cut my hours but even after six months this was making no difference to the frequency of infections. I am now medically retired.
More trouble came with my granddaughters attendance at nursery. I had a year of serious infections and eventually had a course of intravenous antibiotics which I did at home. This was after being trained by the wonderful respiratory nurses at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
I have learnt that to stay hydrated, eat and exercise well are very important as is relaxing!
The physiotherapist has shown me the proper way to clear my lungs and this helps to stop infections developing.
It can be frustrating to have to cancel plans when I am not well so I try to be spontaneous which can be more fun. When I feel down about this disease I try to think about all I can do and focus on the things I can enjoy.
I am “well” as I write this and have also learnt to make the most of the days I am well. Fortunately for me antibiotics still work. I am nearly 60 now and enjoy life despite the bronchiectasis. It helps to know there is expertise on the doorstep. We are lucky in Edinburgh to have such an excellent bronchiectasis clinic.
- As added in 2019
‘Since writing the above 5 years ago and living the life of a retiree, I have had significantly fewer infections. This is probably in part due to no longer working in an office with 99 other people or coming into contact with the public so much. Furthermore, all the grandchildren are past nursery stage.
I work very hard at having a healthy lifestyle. This includes exercise, taking supplements and vitamins which I am convinced have helped eg Vit D, E, C , zinc and fish oil.
I only attend the respiratory clinic annually now and the past two checks have shown minimal deterioration in my lungs.
So there is life after diagnosis! ‘
Last Reviewed – October 2019