I am new to this forum/site. I was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis in 2005, at the age of 55, but treatment for that condition had to be delayed because they found problems with my heart at the same time. My heart problems are, hopefully, behind me. This year my chest consultant is focussed on reducing the incidences of infection so that my lungs can recover and I can get some quality of life back (can't walk far without getting breathless, have a nasty though productive cough, and feel tired a lot). So far we have not found the right treatment. My question is has anyone been able to return to their normal jobs when diagnosed with this condition. I was a senior administrator for a public company, and would like to think I can return, but only believe this is possible if my cough is capable of being controlled. Am I being unrealistic in thinking this is possible?
I have had lung problems for many years and in 2000 i had a heart attack. my lung problem was then diagnoised as COPD but after further tests and scans it has now nbeen diagnosed as brochiectasis. Like you i find it vdifficult to walk particularly up a gradient. However I still at the age of 67 work 20 a week am Chairman of the District Planning committee and play bowls.
At the present I am struggling as I have a bad infection but if I stayed at home I would just sit and vegitate. My recommendation would be to do what you can and dont let the b*****d beat you
Hi Shades, well done you.
Hi jonwadams, Your consultant is right in wanting to lessen the amount of infections that you are having. It is a bit of a trial trying to find the right medications. There are a lot of people with Bronchiectasis that manage to work. Some full time, some part time, depends on the severity of the condition.
Sometimes it may need a change in employment. If, for instance you did a very physically demanding job, it might be that you would have to look for something not so physical.
But movement is essential even if you can only do a little.
I do hope you find the right treatment soon and start to feel better.
Let us know how you get on
Regards
Tessa
Hi All,This is my firt post...
-Jonwadams- i was diagnosed with bronchiectasis at 15,i recently turned 40,I also have asthma. Unfortunately I have not worked since i was 20 because of constant infections,chest pain,muscle aches and chronic fatigue etc etc. I had part of my right lung removed as the worst of the damage was concentrated there at age 21 which did help.I would much rather feel useful to society and work,i hope you manage to get back to work soon.
I get depressed because i cant work, but i would take so much time off that my G.P says i am unemployable rather than incapable of work at all times, this makes things very difficult especially at medicals for my incapacity benefit- I have just received a form to fill in for the next medical and it concentrates mainly on mobility!!!
take care all Deb