Whenever my bronchiectasis flares up, which it does frequently I experience extreme fatigue. There is very little I can do except go to bed (and when I do lie down I am normally out like a light within a minute) . Is this common? (I've recently been diagnosed with the disease but have been experiencing the fatigue for many months).
It's probably safe to assume you've had bronchiectasis for a while before your diagnosis. And I don't know if the fatigue you're describing is common, per se, but I can say you're not alone; on any given day, once I get up in the morning I have about 3-4 hours in which I can be halfway productive before I have to just go back to bed, and then I can sleep for 2-3 hours at a time, easily. It's really disruptive.
It is common, and right now that's how I know that I have an infection, that and the increase in sputum. It is so frustrating, and limits me holding down a job. Only people with bronchiectasis understand. Keeping our lungs clear, eating well and keeping away from coughs and colds is difficult when you have to work, but it is not classed as a disability?
I'm different. I rarely sleep more than 2-3 hours a night but feel fatigued often. My problem now is I can't do very much before I'm out of breath and I have more coughing fits without producing sputum although its there in my tubes.
I agree about the fatigue. I was diagnosed with bronch and pseudamonas 5 yrs ago and have not worked in 4 yrs. I had to hire an attorney to receive disability. It was very annoying. I get a pittance compared to what I was earning yet I had to fight to get it. Who would willingly get sucked into severe financial issues just to receive disability if they could work?? Plus we cannot be around people that are sick (which is impossible at a job), dust, dirt, fumes, chemicals etc. Prayer is the way to healing I believe. God bless you all on this journey.
It is common for me. Like daily. When you are not going through a flare up I would suggest trying to exercise. As tough as it sounds it can help a bit. I put a calender on my wall right next to my treadmill to motivate me. I write how far and how long I walked in sharpie every day I manage it. Just seeing days with no sharpie on them pushes me a bit to try. It is really hard some days. I just say to myself I will just go a very slow 1/2 mile. But then I say just a little more and I sometimes end up doing 1.5 miles. Putting a distracting show on tv helps. I watch nature shows and the animals really peak my interest. The first month is not easy but it seems to pay off and keeps me healthier longer. Ask God to heal you also. He is the Almighty and nothing is impossible to Him. God bless you.
Fatigue is common with Bronchiectasis.
With mucus in the airways and the tightening of the airways, the lungs just can't get enough oxygen. Less oxygen in the body, the more tired you get.
Talk to your specialist about inhalers to keep the airways open and try to get the lungs clear of mucus (which I know can be difficult). And don't get lung infections.
Beth
I was coughing most of the day for 9 months before it was diagnosed after a CT scan. My primary care insisted the persistent chronic cough was due to post nasal drip. Finally she ordered a CT scan.