Background
I am in my late 70’s and live with my partner. I grew up in a mining village in Midlothian and as far as I can remember I had a fairly healthy childhood. My first job was underground in Gilmerton Pit, where I worked for 10 years and then in my mid 20’s I joined the Police and served as a police officer until my retirement in 1990.
When did I notice something was wrong
When I was about 45 I began to suffer from chest infections, breathlessness and a productive cough. I was a heavy smoker and was told by my GP that I needed to stop smoking and was prescribed Ventolin and Becloforte inhalers. I did eventually stop smoking but by this time I was frequently off work suffering from bronchitis. I could no longer do regular duties and was given an indoor post until my retirement at the age of 55. In 1994 I was seen at RIE and was diagnosed as suffering from COPD.
How was I first diagnosed with Bronchiectasis
From 1994 my condition steadily deteriorated and was treated for countless chest infections by my GP. Although I had COPD my doctor felt there was more to it and in 2002 she arranged for me to see Dr Hill at Chalmers Hospital. Following my consultation with Dr Hill I had a lung scan which confirmed I had Bronchiectasis.
How do I feel about the treatment
Over the years I have had excellent treatment from the Bronchiectasis team. Initially I was only taking oral antibiotics to fight infections but in 2005 I developed pseudomonas in my lungs and was admitted to hospital to have intravenous antibiotics. I have been treated with intravenous antibiotics many times since and now do the treatment at home. I find this a great advantage as you remain in the comfort of your own home while being treated and not taking up a valuable hospital bed. I still get oral antibiotics from time to time and always have an emergency supply to use immediately I feel myself turning ill. Since mid 2012 I have used a nebuliser and home oxygen.
What is the effect on my day to day life
Up until about 2007 I was very active, doing things about the house and garden or helping others but I’m not so able to do that now. I suppose this is partly due to my age as well as my illness. I am very aware of the effects of cold damp weather and try to avoid going out in it where possible. I try to get out as often as I can though, even if it’s just to get my paper or visit the library. I’ve recently taken up using a computer and surprisingly I enjoy it.
Most times I can tell when I am turning unwell. I begin to feel my legs and back very cold from the inside out and feel very tired. I go off my food and tend to take to my bed. There is no pattern to when I take ill but when I do it happens very quickly. I worried about the impact the home oxygen would make on my daily life but as I use it during the evening and night it rarely affects daily routine.
Last Reviewed -13th January 2015