Background
I am 67 years of age and live with my partner in Midlothian where I have lived for most of my life. I was the second of four children and if one fell ill, we all did. I know I had Chickenpox, Mumps and Measles and remember being very ill when I had the latter. I had Whooping Cough when I was a baby and also suffered with sinusitis through my childhood which I hated more than anything. I was an outdoor person, fairly athletic and represented my senior school in sports events. I was also a keen swimmer but in recent years gave it up due to a shoulder injury.
When did I notice something was wrong?
I smoked on and off between the ages of 16 and 30 but was never a heavy smoker. In my early 30’s I started having the odd chest infection and that made me stop smoking. I had the occasional chest infection or cold but in March 2001 I took flu. I felt very ill for several weeks and was coughing up blood in my sputum. I thought I had irritated my throat with coughing but my GP was concerned and referred me to the Respiratory Dept at Chalmers Hospital.
How was I diagnosed with Bronchiectasis?
I attended the Respiratory Dept in May 2001 and was seen by Dr Hill. He arranged for me to have a bronchoscopy the following week which confirmed there was nothing sinister but he arranged for me to have a lung scan. By this time I was feeling really well again and thought no more of it until I returned to the clinic two months later when Dr Hill told me I had mild Bronchiectasis.
How do I feel about the treatment?
I have attended the Bronchiectasis Clinic since 2001 and now only attend once a year but it reassures me that my condition is fairly stable. I only occasionally take an infection but when I do my GP prescribes the antibiotic that Dr Hill has recommended.
What is the effect on my day to day life?
Bronchiectasis really doesn’t have much of an adverse affect on my life. I am kept very busy. I help care for my partner and take an active role in several groups. I love walking, my daughter and I having gone on walking weekends for many years, sometimes camping in all weathers. We have done a few challenging walks but I’m happy to stick to easier terrain these days. I am a keen gardener and love nothing more than spending the day working in my garden. I also have many indoor interests that I pursue when I don’t feel like going out. I think the secret is to know your limit and not overtire yourself.
Last Reviewed -13th January 2015