Guest guest Posted January 14, 2011 Report Share Posted January 14, 2011 hi all, erm, I'm not the new member, I just forwarded it (no name supplied), cheers, Joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 15, 2011 Report Share Posted January 15, 2011 To: bronchiectasis group <bronchiectasis >Sent: Sat, January 15, 2011 12:55:49 AMSubject: NEW MEMBER Hello,I am a female 56 and was diagnosed with bronchiectisis about 7 years agoalthough I have had it for much longer it was just not diagnosed Hi New Member, This group is very helpful. Cindi W. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 15, 2011 Report Share Posted January 15, 2011 Sorry Joy, I forgot to click on the right button. I know you aren't the new member. Cindi To: bronchiectasis Sent: Sat, January 15, 2011 1:50:13 AMSubject: Re: NEW MEMBER hi all,erm, I'm not the new member, I just forwarded it (no name supplied),cheers,Joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2011 Report Share Posted January 16, 2011 Welcome, W. Subject: Re: NEW MEMBERTo: bronchiectasis Date: Saturday, January 15, 2011, 12:38 PM To: bronchiectasis group <bronchiectasis >Sent: Sat, January 15, 2011 12:55:49 AMSubject: NEW MEMBER Hello,I am a female 56 and was diagnosed with bronchiectisis about 7 years agoalthough I have had it for much longer it was just not diagnosed Hi New Member, This group is very helpful. Cindi W. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2011 Report Share Posted February 5, 2011 Hello, The following person has been approved to join the bronchiectasis group: Comment from user: My name is Cris and was diagnosed last year want to share my experiences with and learn from others as we all learn to manage this condition both physically and phycologically. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 6, 2011 Report Share Posted February 6, 2011 Welcome Cris, glad to have you in our group. I have learned so much from others in this group. It's nice to have people that understand your problems you are facing with this disease. You will be happy you joined in with us. Joy L Subject: NEW MEMBERTo: "bronchiectasis group" <bronchiectasis >Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011, 7:19 PM Hello,The following person has been approved to join the bronchiectasis group:Comment from user:My name is Cris and was diagnosed last year want toshare my experiences withandlearn from others as we all learn to manage this condition bothphysically and phycologically. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2011 Report Share Posted February 7, 2011 Hi Joy,Thanks so much for your nice welcome. I have been wondering about a support group for some time, thanks to my husband he found this website. I was diagnosed last June up at Mayo with Bronchiectasis and also have the MAC. I have also dealt with chronic sinus problems for many years and could always get over it until early last year when I finally had sinus surgery but continued to have lung problems. After not getting results from the Pulmonologist here my ENT Dr. and I decided I needed to go to Mayo. I am so glad I did just to know what was wrong. As I work on clearing my lungs and sinuses I often wonder what others do. One thing I swear by regarding my sinuses is this SinuPulse irrigation system which I use 1 to 2 times per day depending on how my sinuses feel. I wish I would've known about this long ago but so glad I have it going forward. With regard to clearing my lungs and trying to get rid of this MAC bacteria my Dr. is letting me try to cough it up by using a saline nebulizer, acapella, and postural drainage and percussion. I wonder if anyone else is trying this, I am really afraid to take 3 strong antibiotics for a year or more which is what they say I will need to do if I have symptoms. I have a fear of all the side effects and think that those antibiotics could do me in. I hope this is Ok to say what I have said and just let me know if it isn't. I should say alittle bit about myself. I live in SE South Dakota, my husband Leo and I have been married for 31 yrs., we have 6 children and just became grandparents for the first time on 1-11-11 to , what a blessing and awesome experience it is. I work in an office with my husband and 2 sons which is another blessing. I better end with that but want to thank you again and really look forward to others input. God Bless all of you for sharing your time have a great day!!Cris To: bronchiectasis Sent: Sun, February 6, 2011 3:31:25 PMSubject: Re: NEW MEMBER Welcome Cris, glad to have you in our group. I have learned so much from others in this group. It's nice to have people that understand your problems you are facing with this disease. You will be happy you joined in with us. Joy L Subject: NEW MEMBERTo: "bronchiectasis group" <bronchiectasis >Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011, 7:19 PM Hello,The following person has been approved to join the bronchiectasis group:Comment from user:My name is Cris and was diagnosed last year want toshare my experiences withandlearn from others as we all learn to manage this condition bothphysically and phycologically. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2011 Report Share Posted February 7, 2011 When one has bronchiectasis and MAC, antibiotics are a must. We cannot follow today's recommendations of fewer/none for infection. You may well have to try several in order to find ones you can tolerate - fortunately there are several out there. I have bronchiectasis and use a percussion vest, use inhaled 7% saline in my nebulizer, if congested, also use the Acapella. I take a ton of meds as I also have asthma. One of the things that I have found that helps me tremendously, is pulmonary rehab. I go 4 times a week and do the NuStep (15 minutes), the rowing machine (5 minutes), the elliptical trainer (18 minutes), and various weights. I push myself very hard on each of these and rest for 10-15 minutes in between. After using the NuStep and the rowing machine, I go in a back room and lie down and try to cough up as much stuff as I can for about 5-10 minutes, depending on my level of congestion. I cannot tell you how much better I feel when I leave - less congestion, more energy. The other thing that has helped me is the proper antacid. Most people with lung problems also have problems with acid reflux/regurgitation. I had a test done and they discovered that I had reflux 54 times in a 48 hour period, and I was only aware of one time! The doctor changed my antacid and the difference in my oxygen sat rate and pulmonary function have been dramatic. I was at 42% pulmonary function in early Nov - now I'm at 65%. My oxygen sat rate was at about 90 - now it's regularly at 97-98. One must attack these diseases with multiple tools. It's not just a matter of one treatment/drug - it's multiple ones. And having a good doctor makes an enormous difference! I was getting no where with my local pulmonologist and finally went to St Louis in June to a pulmonologist at Washington Univ Med School. He has since been able to find two new doctors for me who recently came to Univ of Louisville Med School - they both trained at Wash U in pulmonology. They put me in touch with the chairman of the dept of gastroenterology. Going to the best (as you did when you went to Mayo's) is essential for a disease such as this. Hang in there - it WILL get better with time, work and treatment! Suzanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2011 Report Share Posted February 7, 2011 We welcome you Cris. Postural drainage and percussion are life-savers and a staple of lung care for bronch. The vests that some members have are a much easier and more effective means of percussion. I'm sure other members of this group and your Mayo doctors can fill you in on the particulars. Congratulations on your new grandson! Grandchildren are the best... I have seven and love 'em so much. They are truly a blessing and reward for us as we get older. Enjoy your new little guy. Kay NEW MEMBERTo: "bronchiectasis group" <bronchiectasis >Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011, 7:19 PM Hello,The following person has been approved to join the bronchiectasis group:Comment from user:My name is Cris and was diagnosed last year want toshare my experiences withandlearn from others as we all learn to manage this condition bothphysically and phycologically. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2011 Report Share Posted February 8, 2011 Suzanne, I may have asked you this some months ago: I live in St. Louis. May I again have the name of the pulmonologist who has helped you from Wash U? I don't feel I have the ear of the pulmonologist I've seen now for over five years - get the feeling my disease/condition isn't severe enough for him to make better suggestions for me. Thanks. Subject: Re: NEW MEMBERTo: bronchiectasis Date: Monday, February 7, 2011, 10:30 AM When one has bronchiectasis and MAC, antibiotics are a must. We cannot follow today's recommendations of fewer/none for infection. You may well have to try several in order to find ones you can tolerate - fortunately there are several out there. I have bronchiectasis and use a percussion vest, use inhaled 7% saline in my nebulizer, if congested, also use the Acapella. I take a ton of meds as I also have asthma. One of the things that I have found that helps me tremendously, is pulmonary rehab. I go 4 times a week and do the NuStep (15 minutes), the rowing machine (5 minutes), the elliptical trainer (18 minutes), and various weights. I push myself very hard on each of these and rest for 10-15 minutes in between. After using the NuStep and the rowing machine, I go in a back room and lie down and try to cough up as much stuff as I can for about 5-10 minutes, depending on my level of congestion. I cannot tell you how much better I feel when I leave - less congestion, more energy. The other thing that has helped me is the proper antacid. Most people with lung problems also have problems with acid reflux/regurgitation. I had a test done and they discovered that I had reflux 54 times in a 48 hour period, and I was only aware of one time! The doctor changed my antacid and the difference in my oxygen sat rate and pulmonary function have been dramatic. I was at 42% pulmonary function in early Nov - now I'm at 65%. My oxygen sat rate was at about 90 - now it's regularly at 97-98. One must attack these diseases with multiple tools. It's not just a matter of one treatment/drug - it's multiple ones. And having a good doctor makes an enormous difference! I was getting no where with my local pulmonologist and finally went to St Louis in June to a pulmonologist at Washington Univ Med School. He has since been able to find two new doctors for me who recently came to Univ of Louisville Med School - they both trained at Wash U in pulmonology. They put me in touch with the chairman of the dept of gastroenterology. Going to the best (as you did when you went to Mayo's) is essential for a disease such as this. Hang in there - it WILL get better with time, work and treatment!Suzanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2011 Report Share Posted February 8, 2011 Anne, I feel terrible! I was SURE I posted my St Louis doctor's name/contact info, but perhaps it ended up in cyberspace somewhere. Dr Rosenbuth Washington U Med School http://www.barnesjewish.org/physicians/details.aspx?physician=1568 http://wuphysicians.wustl.edu/physician2.aspx?PhysNum=621 I don't know if one needs a referral from ones local doctor or not - I got to him through a childhood classmate who is also on the faculty at Wash U Med School. When you call, you will most likely get a recording from his nurse, Pam Schmidt. If you leave your name/phone and a message, she will return your call. Pam will know what you need in order to see him. Since he teaches/does research at the university, he only sees patients one day a week so it can take a long time to get a " new patient " app't. Again, I'm SO sorry! Suzanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2011 Report Share Posted February 8, 2011 Suzanne, thank you SO much for the information. My doc is currently under the big BJC/Wash U umbrella and his office is at Missouri Baptist Medical Center which is part of BJC. I may see if Dr. Rosenbluth will see me. Subject: Re: NEW MEMBERTo: bronchiectasis Date: Tuesday, February 8, 2011, 5:33 PM Anne, I feel terrible! I was SURE I posted my St Louis doctor's name/contact info, but perhaps it ended up in cyberspace somewhere.Dr RosenbuthWashington U Med Schoolhttp://www.barnesjewish.org/physicians/details.aspx?physician=1568http://wuphysicians.wustl.edu/physician2.aspx?PhysNum=621I don't know if one needs a referral from ones local doctor or not - I got to him through a childhood classmate who is also on the faculty at Wash U Med School.When you call, you will most likely get a recording from his nurse, Pam Schmidt. If you leave your name/phone and a message, she will return your call. Pam will know what you need in order to see him. Since he teaches/does research at the university, he only sees patients one day a week so it can take a long time to get a "new patient" app't.Again, I'm SO sorry!Suzanne Need Mail bonding?Go to the Yahoo! Mail Q&A for great tips from Yahoo! Answers users. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2011 Report Share Posted February 8, 2011 Hi Suzanne,Wow, thanks so much for your info. Interesting my Dr. at Mayo is letting me try it without antibiotics. He said the MAC is colonized in my lung and said it is like you have a robber living next door to you and has not invaded your house, now if he invades your house we need to treat it. Have you or has anyone had to be on 3 antibiotics for a year or more and is that the standard treatment for MAC. I wonder how it is tolerated. He also said my bronchiectasis is mild, so I wonder how aggressive I need to get. I am going to look into this percussion vest. I also noticed the strength of your saline, I have often wondered about mine which is 0.9%, it doesn't seem to do too much for me. I wonder about coughing. I seem to be (huffing) or coughing pretty constant throughout the day and evening and always bring stuff up. I am not able to get it up enough to spit it out but enough to swallow it, I don't know if that is right or not. After you get the sputum up are you good for half a day, all day, or is it constant like I seem to have. I liked your input on pulmonary rehab, I am going to yoga to see if that will help open my rib cage and lungs. I have been physically active all my life so I like to work out. I think maybe I need to get more targeted. Can I ask Suzanne what level is your bronchiectasis. I have asked alot of questions so will end for now. You have me thinking though and I so appreciate your info. To: bronchiectasis Sent: Mon, February 7, 2011 10:30:38 AMSubject: Re: NEW MEMBER When one has bronchiectasis and MAC, antibiotics are a must. We cannot follow today's recommendations of fewer/none for infection. You may well have to try several in order to find ones you can tolerate - fortunately there are several out there. I have bronchiectasis and use a percussion vest, use inhaled 7% saline in my nebulizer, if congested, also use the Acapella. I take a ton of meds as I also have asthma. One of the things that I have found that helps me tremendously, is pulmonary rehab. I go 4 times a week and do the NuStep (15 minutes), the rowing machine (5 minutes), the elliptical trainer (18 minutes), and various weights. I push myself very hard on each of these and rest for 10-15 minutes in between. After using the NuStep and the rowing machine, I go in a back room and lie down and try to cough up as much stuff as I can for about 5-10 minutes, depending on my level of congestion. I cannot tell you how much better I feel when I leave - less congestion, more energy. The other thing that has helped me is the proper antacid. Most people with lung problems also have problems with acid reflux/regurgitation. I had a test done and they discovered that I had reflux 54 times in a 48 hour period, and I was only aware of one time! The doctor changed my antacid and the difference in my oxygen sat rate and pulmonary function have been dramatic. I was at 42% pulmonary function in early Nov - now I'm at 65%. My oxygen sat rate was at about 90 - now it's regularly at 97-98. One must attack these diseases with multiple tools. It's not just a matter of one treatment/drug - it's multiple ones. And having a good doctor makes an enormous difference! I was getting no where with my local pulmonologist and finally went to St Louis in June to a pulmonologist at Washington Univ Med School. He has since been able to find two new doctors for me who recently came to Univ of Louisville Med School - they both trained at Wash U in pulmonology. They put me in touch with the chairman of the dept of gastroenterology. Going to the best (as you did when you went to Mayo's) is essential for a disease such as this. Hang in there - it WILL get better with time, work and treatment! Suzanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2011 Report Share Posted February 8, 2011 Kay, Thanks so much for your info. I am going to look into this vest. How lucky you are, seven grandchildren and yes truly a blessing. We just became empty nesters, our last 2 are twins and are off to college so this little one just took care of that void. Have a great day!To: bronchiectasis Sent: Mon, February 7, 2011 10:39:46 AMSubject: Re: NEW MEMBER We welcome you Cris. Postural drainage and percussion are life-savers and a staple of lung care for bronch. The vests that some members have are a much easier and more effective means of percussion. I'm sure other members of this group and your Mayo doctors can fill you in on the particulars. Congratulations on your new grandson! Grandchildren are the best... I have seven and love 'em so much. They are truly a blessing and reward for us as we get older. Enjoy your new little guy. Kay NEW MEMBERTo: "bronchiectasis group" <bronchiectasis >Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011, 7:19 PM Hello,The following person has been approved to join the bronchiectasis group:Comment from user:My name is Cris and was diagnosed last year want toshare my experiences withandlearn from others as we all learn to manage this condition bothphysically and phycologically. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2011 Report Share Posted February 8, 2011 My eldest daughters are identical twins and it was lots of fun raising them (and lots of work when they were babies, couldn't afford disposable diapers back in grad school!). They're still best friends but haven't been able to live near one another since their undergrad days. Kind of funny, one daughter has all boys, the other has all girls! From my experience while plagued by a constant infection for three or more years that azithromycin couldn't eradicate, then having it eliminated by a stronger anti with clavulanic acid added, I would definitely take whatever combo the Mayo doctors prescribe, for as long as they suggest, to try to rid yourself of the bug which might keep your bronch from getting worse. Then, be religious about lung clearance if you still need it, the saline, eating a super healthy diet, and consuming the herbs, garlic, spices, and other immune enhancers those on this site recommend that have helped keep them healthy. If you're in good shape, fast walking alternated with a couple blocks of jogging, doing jumping jacks and other exercises while watching TV, and the yoga will really help keep your cardio-pulmonary system healthy. If you don't have much exercise tolerance the pulmonary rehab others on this site attend is great, too. I take aerobics/strength/core classes at my local senior center from an amazing teacher who's my age (63). She works us pretty hard, the ladies are so supportive of one another, and our teacher is really fun and motivational. The main thing is to get out and move your body as vigorously as you can. A pulmonary function tech once told me while administering the test that she sees a huge difference in those who exercise versus those who don't, and that the exercisers live much longer. Kay NEW MEMBERTo: "bronchiectasis group" <bronchiectasis >Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011, 7:19 PM Hello,The following person has been approved to join the bronchiectasis group:Comment from user:My name is Cris and was diagnosed last year want toshare my experiences withandlearn from others as we all learn to manage this condition bothphysically and phycologically. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2011 Report Share Posted February 9, 2011 Hi My bronchiectasis is mild/moderate, but I also have asthma and any infection/inflammation causes it to flare up and give me trouble breathing. That's why for me, keeping infection at bay is so very important. It doesn't really matter if one swallows the mucus or spits it out, but I prefer to spit it out - can see how much and color etc (I know - TOO much information - disgusting!!!!). I find I get the best results if I do this after exercising or drinking hot liquid, and I lie flat on my back. I do this for 5-10 minutes, depending on the amount of congestion I have. I get up quite a bit of stuff, and afterwards feel SO much better. Some days, I'm good for the entire day - some days, a half day - all depends on the amount of congestion. I do not have MAC, so I cannot tell you about taking the antibiotics for long periods of time, other than all meds have side effects, and some people are more bothered by them than others are. The ability to tolerate the meds will always be taken into account with any treatment protocol. It's something one must discuss in detail with ones doctor. Anytime a prescribed treatment is not working well, it's important to have a conversation with ones physician and let them know this. Your doctor should make time to answer ALL your questions! When you make an app't, be sure to tell the person that you have a lot of questions and may need more than the normal app't time. Any exercise will be of benefit to you! If you can do yoga, go for it (I'm jealous of your flexibility!). Pulmonary rehab can help improve pulmonary function and endurance - I know this because it has worked for me and because I've been told this by the respiratory therapists, too. It also helps depression, which can be common (and quite understandable!) when one has a chronic disease that limits ones activities/social life. There is no ONE treatment for bronchiectasis - it must be treated with a combination of methods - drugs, respiration therapy, percussion therapy, exercise. Those who do all these things, have the best results. Cheers! Suzanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2011 Report Share Posted February 10, 2011 Hi Suzanne,Cheers to you, as you can see I have been wondering about a number of things for awhile and I know I have asked some disgusting questions (ha ha) but how nice, direct and helpful you have been, especially when I see how you are helping Herb with his mother. All I can say is God Bless you. Before I call the Dr. I needed to get information like this so I know what to ask. I thought after I left Mayo if I did the nebulizer, acapella, and percussion postural drng and keep my sinuses clear I would be good. Well it goes to show you have to take your health inpart in your own hands and see what else is out there. I have been on a roller coaster with feeling down at times just because I thought I would feel better with doing what I was told. Time to move forward and look into these things you have mentioned. Good for you in seeking out all that you can with having asthma on top of the bronchiectasis, I wish you all the best as you deal with your situation. I would love to know alittle more about you, I think I saw you live in Kansas City, is that right. Like your hobbies, your age or whatever just to feel like I know you more than the disease we have. I am 53, I live on a small lake that I love and have a lovely flower garden I like to work in. I have a number of bird feeders outside my window which is fun. We have a nature area a few blocks away and love to take our dog down there and run not in the winter though. A little story for you. My oldest son is 30 today 2-10-11, he is a pilot in the air force and was in Hawaii yesterday getting ready to leave for Australia last night, so I called him to wish him a happy birthday early. He said the funny thing is since he will be flying over the international date line when he gets to Australia it will be the 11th so he will miss his 30th birthday. Anyway you have a great day and I will go forward. My Dr. is 5 hrs away so will start with a call and see how to handle this. To: bronchiectasis Sent: Wed, February 9, 2011 9:08:12 AMSubject: Re: NEW MEMBER Hi My bronchiectasis is mild/moderate, but I also have asthma and any infection/inflammation causes it to flare up and give me trouble breathing. That's why for me, keeping infection at bay is so very important. It doesn't really matter if one swallows the mucus or spits it out, but I prefer to spit it out - can see how much and color etc (I know - TOO much information - disgusting!!!!). I find I get the best results if I do this after exercising or drinking hot liquid, and I lie flat on my back. I do this for 5-10 minutes, depending on the amount of congestion I have. I get up quite a bit of stuff, and afterwards feel SO much better. Some days, I'm good for the entire day - some days, a half day - all depends on the amount of congestion. I do not have MAC, so I cannot tell you about taking the antibiotics for long periods of time, other than all meds have side effects, and some people are more bothered by them than others are. The ability to tolerate the meds will always be taken into account with any treatment protocol. It's something one must discuss in detail with ones doctor. Anytime a prescribed treatment is not working well, it's important to have a conversation with ones physician and let them know this. Your doctor should make time to answer ALL your questions! When you make an app't, be sure to tell the person that you have a lot of questions and may need more than the normal app't time. Any exercise will be of benefit to you! If you can do yoga, go for it (I'm jealous of your flexibility!). Pulmonary rehab can help improve pulmonary function and endurance - I know this because it has worked for me and because I've been told this by the respiratory therapists, too. It also helps depression, which can be common (and quite understandable!) when one has a chronic disease that limits ones activities/social life. There is no ONE treatment for bronchiectasis - it must be treated with a combination of methods - drugs, respiration therapy, percussion therapy, exercise. Those who do all these things, have the best results. Cheers! Suzanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2011 Report Share Posted February 11, 2011 Hi Suzanne, Wow, thanks so much for your info. Interesting my Dr. at Mayo is letting me try it without antibiotics. He said the MAC is colonized in my lung and said it is like you have a robber living next door to you and has not invaded your house, now if he invades your house we need to treat it. Have you or has anyone had to be on 3 antibiotics for a year or more and is that the standard treatment for MAC. I wonder how it is tolerated. He also said my bronchiectasis is mild, so I wonder how aggressive I need to get. I am going to look into this percussion vest. I also noticed the strength of your saline, I have often wondered about mine which is 0.9%, it doesn't seem to do too much for me. I wonder about coughing. I seem to be (huffing) or coughing pretty constant throughout the day and evening and always bring stuff up. I am not able to get it up enough to spit it out but enough to swallow it, I don't know if that is right or not. My Mother's doctor said swallowing it is OK but not ideal since you might get a little bit of nausea from swallowing the mucus. After you get the sputum up are you good for half a day, all day, or is it constant like I seem to have. I liked your input on pulmonary rehab, I am going to yoga to see if that will help open my rib cage and lungs. I have been physically active all my life so I like to work out. I think maybe I need to get more targeted. Can I ask Suzanne what level is your bronchiectasis. I have asked alot of questions so will end for now. You have me thinking though and I so appreciate your info. To: bronchiectasis Sent: Mon, February 7, 2011 10:30:38 AM Subject: Re: NEW MEMBER When one has bronchiectasis and MAC, antibiotics are a must. We cannot follow today's recommendations of fewer/none for infection. You may well have to try several in order to find ones you can tolerate - fortunately there are several out there. I have bronchiectasis and use a percussion vest, use inhaled 7% saline in my nebulizer, if congested, also use the Acapella. I take a ton of meds as I also have asthma. One of the things that I have found that helps me tremendously, is pulmonary rehab. I go 4 times a week and do the NuStep (15 minutes), the rowing machine (5 minutes), the elliptical trainer (18 minutes), and various weights. I push myself very hard on each of these and rest for 10-15 minutes in between. After using the NuStep and the rowing machine, I go in a back room and lie down and try to cough up as much stuff as I can for about 5-10 minutes, depending on my level of congestion. I cannot tell you how much better I feel when I leave - less congestion, more energy. The other thing that has helped me is the proper antacid. Most people with lung problems also have problems with acid reflux/regurgitation. I had a test done and they discovered that I had reflux 54 times in a 48 hour period, and I was only aware of one time! The doctor changed my antacid and the difference in my oxygen sat rate and pulmonary function have been dramatic. I was at 42% pulmonary function in early Nov - now I'm at 65%. My oxygen sat rate was at about 90 - now it's regularly at 97-98. One must attack these diseases with multiple tools. It's not just a matter of one treatment/drug - it's multiple ones. And having a good doctor makes an enormous difference! I was getting no where with my local pulmonologist and finally went to St Louis in June to a pulmonologist at Washington Univ Med School. He has since been able to find two new doctors for me who recently came to Univ of Louisville Med School - they both trained at Wash U in pulmonology. They put me in touch with the chairman of the dept of gastroenterology. Going to the best (as you did when you went to Mayo's) is essential for a disease such as this. Hang in there - it WILL get better with time, work and treatment! Suzanne -- Herb Schilling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 13, 2011 Report Share Posted February 13, 2011 Hello, Bronchiectasis for 20 yrs. Need help coping. Disease progressing. Like to join your group. Sharyn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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