RE: Re: Are We Alive Out There?

[Guest guest]

Dear Bunny, Interestingly my sister suffered more than I did as a child with resp. infections but nothing like the stories I've read here. No asthma. Both of us were hit hard by pneumonia in our 30's when we were having babies and rundown maybe. The bronchiectasis did not show itself (in both of our cases by coughing up blood--pure not mixed with mucous) until we were in our 40's (me), 50's (my sister). My Dr. explained to me that many doctors expected bronchiectasis to "disappear" but it hasn't. By disappear he means that with the discovery of better anti biotics for treating pneumonia the incidence of bronchiectasis should have declined and it hasn't. So....that's why they look for the drug resistant bacteria strains as the culprit and/or the concept that some of us are more vulnerable to them due to our genetic/physiology. Sorry for the long answer! Bunny & Bob wrote: Yes I think they are considering the hereditary factors now. As I've mentioned my sister has bronchiectasis as well and Dr (Ny Presby) seems quite interested in that. Neither of us test for the usual genetic diseases (CF, Alpha 1 etc.) so there's something else to be investigated. W'e've volunteered for anything they do so I'll let you know. Hi , It is interesting that both you and your sister have bronch, with no apparent cause or other chest conditions. Just wondering if you were both diagnosed later in life, or had any signs of a cough, etc. when you were kids. I hope you don't mind me asking questions, but I have been dealing with this condition for most of my life and I'm learning as I go along. It is good that your doctor is showing genuine interest in you both, rather than just treating the symptoms. Please keep us posted if you find out any further info. Take care and keep well. Love Bunny (Sydney, Aust)

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[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thank you for the info about you and your sister. It sounds like the bad cases of pneumonia that you both suffered (in your 30's) may have contributed to the lung damage that led to bronch. It also seems likely that there could be a genetic connection, and I hope your doctor is able to work on this.

I was told that "bronch" is a condition from the dark ages, and I was considered unlucky to have developed it in childhood. However we are all proof that "bronch" is still out there and more people are being diagnosed all the time. No doubt the treatment methods are better now, with antibiotics, and breathing medications, however the drug resistant bacterial infections are becoming problematic. I am always hopeful that there will be more research and better treatment options for us in the future :-)

Take care and keep well.

Love Bunny