Re: importance of sputum cutures

[Guest guest]

Not to sound ignorant, Liz, but was is an " ID " specialist? I

see a pulmonologist for my lung disease and yes, he is one of those

doctors who can't be bothered to do sputum culture tests. In fact

early on when I was first diagnosed he only did ordered one upon my

insistance! With all the flareups Ive had he has never requested

any more tests ... just given me antibiotics. Am certainly getting

a little frustrated as he seems to have given up on me. I may just

start looking for another pulmonologist but maybe I should seek out

an ID specialist whatever that is?

Janet in California

>

> I really believe that infectious disease specialists often take

bronchiectasis more seriously than many pulmonologists. I credit my

ID specialist as being a lifesaver. In my opinion, sputum cultures

are vital in following bronchiectasis. They provide a guideline in

treating our exacerbations. My ID specialist always advises that

they be done even prior to starting me on antibiotics. My cultures

take weeks to grow out fully and often I have three or four

different lung bacteria that crop up. Although, my doctors do not

wait for the results they can get preliminary reports that guide

optimal care. I'm surprised that some doctors think cultures are not

important. In my ID specialist's opinion they are essential. We can

also base my treatments on the more recent cultures. I even have

cultures done sometimes mid-treatment and generally at the end - a

week or so later. It all has been so helpful for my care.

>

> Hugs, :0)

> Liz

>

>

> Pre-Lung Transplant Journey - For updates please visit my carepage

and leave a message. Thank you! )

> carepages.com name: maryelizabethholt

>

> Please watch: Live Life Then Give Life! - UK

> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz33i6prkuQ.

>

> " Don't take your organs to Heaven, heaven knows we need them

here. "

>

>

> ---------------------------------

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[Guest guest]

Hi Janet, I was referring to an infectious disease specialist. If you do choose to be followed by an ID specialist look for one that is interested in bronchiectasis. Because, bronchiectasis is sometimes treated similar to cystic fibrosis you might also find help under one that cares for CF patients. Hugs, :0) LizJanet Duhe wrote: Not to sound ignorant, Liz, but was is an "ID" specialist? I

see a pulmonologist for my lung disease and yes, he is one of those doctors who can't be bothered to do sputum culture tests. In fact early on when I was first diagnosed he only did ordered one upon my insistance! With all the flareups Ive had he has never requested any more tests ... just given me antibiotics. Am certainly getting a little frustrated as he seems to have given up on me. I may just start looking for another pulmonologist but maybe I should seek out an ID specialist whatever that is?Janet in California>> I really believe that infectious disease specialists often take bronchiectasis more seriously than many pulmonologists. I credit my ID specialist as being a lifesaver. In my opinion, sputum cultures are vital in following bronchiectasis.

They provide a guideline in treating our exacerbations. My ID specialist always advises that they be done even prior to starting me on antibiotics. My cultures take weeks to grow out fully and often I have three or four different lung bacteria that crop up. Although, my doctors do not wait for the results they can get preliminary reports that guide optimal care. I'm surprised that some doctors think cultures are not important. In my ID specialist's opinion they are essential. We can also base my treatments on the more recent cultures. I even have cultures done sometimes mid-treatment and generally at the end - a week or so later. It all has been so helpful for my care. > > Hugs, :0)> Liz> > > Pre-Lung Transplant Journey - For updates please visit my carepage and leave a message. Thank you! )> carepages.com name: maryelizabethholt > > Please watch: Live Life

Then Give Life! - UK > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz33i6prkuQ. > > "Don't take your organs to Heaven, heaven knows we need them here."> > > ---------------------------------> Be smarter than spam. See how smart SpamGuard is at giving junk email the boot with the All-new Yahoo! Mail>Pre-Lung Transplant Journey - For updates please

visit my carepage and leave a message. Thank you! ) carepages.com name: maryelizabethholt Please watch: Live Life Then Give Life! - UK http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz33i6prkuQ. "Don't take your organs to Heaven, heaven knows we need them here."

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[Guest guest]

, You must be living near a I.D. specialist. It would take me

almost two hours to deliver a sputum specimen. In the meanwhile what

do I do? Most of the time I am too sick to get out of bed. Wait two

weeks for the results and antibiotics? I'd be dead.

Karin

>

> I really believe that infectious disease specialists often take

bronchiectasis more seriously than many pulmonologists. I credit my ID

specialist as being a lifesaver. In my opinion, sputum cultures are

vital in following bronchiectasis. They provide a guideline in

treating our exacerbations. My ID specialist always advises that they

be done even prior to starting me on antibiotics. My cultures take

weeks to grow out fully and often I have three or four different lung

bacteria that crop up. Although, my doctors do not wait for the

results they can get preliminary reports that guide optimal care. I'm

surprised that some doctors think cultures are not important. In my ID

specialist's opinion they are essential. We can also base my

treatments on the more recent cultures. I even have cultures done

sometimes mid-treatment and generally at the end - a week or so later.

It all has been so helpful for my care.

>

> Hugs, :0)

> Liz

>

>

> Pre-Lung Transplant Journey - For updates please visit my carepage

and leave a message. Thank you! )

> carepages.com name: maryelizabethholt

>

> Please watch: Live Life Then Give Life! - UK

> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz33i6prkuQ.

>

> " Don't take your organs to Heaven, heaven knows we need them here. "

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Be smarter than spam. See how smart SpamGuard is at giving junk

email the boot with the All-new Yahoo! Mail

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Karin, Yes by scope I meant bronchoscope--sorry. How fun to carry that lovely container around with you!! My sister who is 9 yrs older than me by the way also is dx as having bronchiectasis. The Drs. are quite interested in us but we don't turn up positive for any of the genetic testing. She also drives around in her car with a plastic container as she says she coughs alot in the car. Latest theory is that, as I think I mentioned before, thin women with slight curvature of the spine (slight hunch in upper back) are turning up with bronchiectasis in their 40s-50s. They don't know why. I'm sure like you I'll get scoped and they'll find nothing which I guess is good. It's the blood I hate so I'm hoping they find an offending vessel they can zap! Take care, Karin wrote: for over 40 years they have been looking, searching for mycobacteria.Never showed in bronchograms, neither in bronchoscopy/lavage, neitherin sputum samples that I left with the hospital lab. Whenever I amnear the hospital, if I happen to cough up nasty stuff, I do deliver asample. I carry one of those plastic containers in my purse. Especially this time of year when the snow thaws, the ground and airis extremely damp, moist and polluted.what is a scope? A bronchoscopy/lavage?Karin-- In bronchiectasis ,

wrote:>> Hi Karin, I'll bet that it indeed depends on what they are lookingfor and of course your Dr. must be looking for something that won't bepicked up unless done quickly. I think since this is my first "runthrough" with tests they're looking for the usual suspects and willthen zero in. My original samples went to the lab in 20 mins. and thefollowup ones were the ones I brought in later. I'm told they will doa scope if all turn up neg. so I hope they find something! XX> > Karin wrote: I was told by my respiralogistthat the bottle has to be in the lab > within 2 hours. If you go and do a search on pub med, it tells you > the same.> karin> >

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[Guest guest]

Just wondering if anyone's cough is worse when they come in touch with cigarette smoke or other odours/smells - such as perfume - dust, etc.

Re: Re: importance of sputum cutures

Hi Karin, Yes by scope I meant bronchoscope--sorry. How fun to carry that lovely container around with you!! My sister who is 9 yrs older than me by the way also is dx as having bronchiectasis. The Drs. are quite interested in us but we don't turn up positive for any of the genetic testing. She also drives around in her car with a plastic container as she says she coughs alot in the car. Latest theory is that, as I think I mentioned before, thin women with slight curvature of the spine (slight hunch in upper back) are turning up with bronchiectasis in their 40s-50s. They don't know why. I'm sure like you I'll get scoped and they'll find nothing which I guess is good. It's the blood I hate so I'm hoping they find an offending vessel they can zap! Take care, Karin <karin_44yahoo (DOT) de> wrote:

for over 40 years they have been looking, searching for mycobacteria.Never showed in bronchograms, neither in bronchoscopy/lavage, neitherin sputum samples that I left with the hospital lab. Whenever I amnear the hospital, if I happen to cough up nasty stuff, I do deliver asample. I carry one of those plastic containers in my purse. Especially this time of year when the snow thaws, the ground and airis extremely damp, moist and polluted.what is a scope? A bronchoscopy/lavage?Karin-- In bronchiectasis , wrote:>> Hi Karin, I'll bet that it indeed depends on what they are lookingfor and of course your Dr. must be looking for something that won't bepicked up unless done quickly. I think since this is my first "runthrough" with tests they're looking for the usual suspects and willthen zero in. My original samples went to the lab in 20 mins. and thefollowup ones were the ones I brought in later. I'm told they will doa scope if all turn up neg. so I hope they find something! XX> > Karin wrote: I was told by my respiralogistthat the bottle has to be in the lab > within 2 hours. If you go and do a search on pub med, it tells you > the same.> karin> >

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[Guest guest]

Cannot tolerate cigarette. If I am exposed to it I pay the price for hours

afterward.

Marsha

Donna

Marsha Granville

> Just wondering if anyone's cough is worse when they come in touch with

> cigarette smoke or other odours/smells - such as perfume - dust, etc.

>

>

> Re: Re: importance of sputum cutures

>

>

> Hi Karin, Yes by scope I meant bronchoscope--sorry. How fun to carry that

> lovely container around with you!! My sister who is 9 yrs older than me by the

> way also is dx as having bronchiectasis. The Drs. are quite interested in us

> but we don't turn up positive for any of the genetic testing. She also drives

> around in her car with a plastic container as she says she coughs alot in the

> car. Latest theory is that, as I think I mentioned before, thin women with

> slight curvature of the spine (slight hunch in upper back) are turning up with

> bronchiectasis in their 40s-50s. They don't know why. I'm sure like you I'll

> get scoped and they'll find nothing which I guess is good. It's the blood I

> hate so I'm hoping they find an offending vessel they can zap! Take care,

>

>

> Karin wrote:

>

>

>

> for over 40 years they have been looking, searching for mycobacteria.

> Never showed in bronchograms, neither in bronchoscopy/lavage, neither

> in sputum samples that I left with the hospital lab. Whenever I am

> near the hospital, if I happen to cough up nasty stuff, I do deliver a

> sample. I carry one of those plastic containers in my purse.

> Especially this time of year when the snow thaws, the ground and air

> is extremely damp, moist and polluted.

>

> what is a scope? A bronchoscopy/lavage?

>

> Karin

>

> -- In bronchiectasis ,

> wrote:

>>

>> Hi Karin, I'll bet that it indeed depends on what they are looking

> for and of course your Dr. must be looking for something that won't be

> picked up unless done quickly. I think since this is my first " run

> through " with tests they're looking for the usual suspects and will

> then zero in. My original samples went to the lab in 20 mins. and the

> followup ones were the ones I brought in later. I'm told they will do

> a scope if all turn up neg. so I hope they find something! XX

>>

>> Karin wrote: I was told by my respiralogist

> that the bottle has to be in the lab

>> within 2 hours. If you go and do a search on pub med, it tells you

>> the same.

>> karin

>>

>>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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>

[Guest guest]

Interesting how we try to cope. Other people or friends haven't a clue

what we go through. I carry a very small sealed container with me.

It's happened that I was in the city and coughed up blood. Rather

than go to the ER and ask for a bottle, which means filling out

papers, having it approved by a ER doctor. In order to prevent all

this, I take the little bottle straight to the Hospital lab.

My most recent bronchoscopy was done in late 2005. They did find the

type 'A' streptococcous pneumonia bacteria. I have no idea how

serious that may be, or whether it went away by itself? I will ask at

my May 1 appointment.

It's the cold/flu season right now. I prefer to stay away from the ER

and doctor's office. I find it interesing that a few here also have

antibiotics on hand at all times.

Karin

>

> Hi Karin, Yes by scope I meant bronchoscope--sorry. How fun to carry

that lovely container around with you!! My sister who is 9 yrs older

than me by the way also is dx as having bronchiectasis. The Drs. are

quite interested in us but we don't turn up positive for any of the

genetic testing. She also drives around in her car with a plastic

container as she says she coughs alot in the car. Latest theory is

that, as I think I mentioned before, thin women with slight curvature

of the spine (slight hunch in upper back) are turning up with

bronchiectasis in their 40s-50s. They don't know why. I'm sure like

you I'll get scoped and they'll find nothing which I guess is good.

It's the blood I hate so I'm hoping they find an offending vessel they

can zap! Take care,

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yes yes yes to all!! Especially cig smoke, cleaning fluids, dust--not so much perfume. My lungs feel very vulnerable when exposed. Donna wrote: Just wondering if anyone's cough is worse when they come in touch with cigarette smoke or other odours/smells - such as perfume - dust, etc. Re: Re: importance of sputum cutures Hi Karin, Yes by scope I meant bronchoscope--sorry. How fun to carry that lovely container around with you!! My sister who is 9 yrs older than me by the way also is dx as having bronchiectasis. The Drs. are quite interested in us but we don't turn up positive for any of the genetic testing. She also drives around in her car with a plastic container as she says she coughs alot in

the car. Latest theory is that, as I think I mentioned before, thin women with slight curvature of the spine (slight hunch in upper back) are turning up with bronchiectasis in their 40s-50s. They don't know why. I'm sure like you I'll get scoped and they'll find nothing which I guess is good. It's the blood I hate so I'm hoping they find an offending vessel they can zap! Take care, Karin <karin_44yahoo (DOT) de> wrote: for over 40 years they have been looking, searching for mycobacteria.Never showed in bronchograms, neither in bronchoscopy/lavage, neitherin sputum samples that I left with the hospital lab. Whenever I amnear the hospital, if I happen to cough up nasty stuff, I do deliver asample. I carry one of those plastic containers in my purse. Especially

this time of year when the snow thaws, the ground and airis extremely damp, moist and polluted.what is a scope? A bronchoscopy/lavage?Karin-- In bronchiectasis , wrote:>> Hi Karin, I'll bet that it indeed depends on what they are lookingfor and of course your Dr. must be looking for something that won't bepicked up unless done quickly. I think since this is my first "runthrough" with tests they're looking for the usual suspects and willthen zero in. My original samples went to the lab in 20 mins. and thefollowup ones were the ones I brought in later. I'm told they will doa scope if all turn up neg. so I hope they find something! XX> > Karin wrote: I was told by my respiralogistthat the bottle has to be in the lab > within

2 hours. If you go and do a search on pub med, it tells you > the same.> karin> > Never miss an email again!Yahoo! Toolbar alerts you the instant new Mail arrives. Check it out.

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[Guest guest]

When I am out at a store or anywhere there are other people ....I usually cough from time to time (more some times than others) - which I now know is from the bronchiectasis. Someone always comments about the cough and asks if I am a smoker (which, by the way, I have never been). Before finding out that I have bronchiectasis ....... I had been told (incorrectly) that I had a sinus problem. So when asked about the cough ...... I would just say that I have a sinus problem. I know that I can now say I have bronchiectasis ......but I also know that most people will not know what that is and may think that it is contagious. I would be interested in finding out what other people with bronchiectasis say when asked about coughing. Any good ideas out there?

Donna

Re: Re: importance of sputum cutures

Hi Karin, Yes by scope I meant bronchoscope--sorry. How fun to carry that lovely container around with you!! My sister who is 9 yrs older than me by the way also is dx as having bronchiectasis. The Drs. are quite interested in us but we don't turn up positive for any of the genetic testing. She also drives around in her car with a plastic container as she says she coughs alot in the car. Latest theory is that, as I think I mentioned before, thin women with slight curvature of the spine (slight hunch in upper back) are turning up with bronchiectasis in their 40s-50s. They don't know why. I'm sure like you I'll get scoped and they'll find nothing which I guess is good. It's the blood I hate so I'm hoping they find an offending vessel they can zap! Take care, Karin <karin_44yahoo (DOT) de> wrote:

for over 40 years they have been looking, searching for mycobacteria.Never showed in bronchograms, neither in bronchoscopy/lavage, neitherin sputum samples that I left with the hospital lab. Whenever I amnear the hospital, if I happen to cough up nasty stuff, I do deliver asample. I carry one of those plastic containers in my purse. Especially this time of year when the snow thaws, the ground and airis extremely damp, moist and polluted.what is a scope? A bronchoscopy/lavage?Karin-- In bronchiectasis , wrote:>> Hi Karin, I'll bet that it indeed depends on what they are lookingfor and of course your Dr. must be looking for something that won't bepicked up unless done quickly. I think since this is my first "runthrough" with tests they're looking for the usual suspects and willthen zero in. My original samples went to the lab in 20 mins. and thefollowup ones were the ones I brought in later. I'm told they will doa scope if all turn up neg. so I hope they find something! XX> > Karin wrote: I was told by my respiralogistthat the bottle has to be in the lab > within 2 hours. If you go and do a search on pub med, it tells you > the same.> karin> >

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[Guest guest]

Hi Donna, Sometimes its just easier to say that you have a chronic lung disease. Most people are happy with this explanation. If they want further information you can go into more info, but often just saying lung disease will do. I often also add that my lung problems are not caused by smoking, because people often lump all lung diseases together and think that we are all smokers. Hugs, :0) LizPre-Lung Transplant Journey - For updates please visit my carepage and leave a message. Thank you! ) carepages.com name: maryelizabethholt Please watch: Live Life Then Give Life! - UK http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz33i6prkuQ. "Don't take your organs to Heaven, heaven knows we need them here."

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[Guest guest]

Yes first sign of heavy mucus/cough/blood any of that I have 5 diff anti biotics to choose from in my bathroom (of course call the dr first). Karin wrote: Interesting how we try to cope. Other people or friends haven't a cluewhat we go through. I carry a very small sealed container with me. It's happened that I was in the city and coughed up blood. Ratherthan go to the ER and ask for a bottle, which means filling outpapers, having it approved by a ER doctor. In order

to prevent allthis, I take the little bottle straight to the Hospital lab.My most recent bronchoscopy was done in late 2005. They did find thetype 'A' streptococcous pneumonia bacteria. I have no idea howserious that may be, or whether it went away by itself? I will ask atmy May 1 appointment.It's the cold/flu season right now. I prefer to stay away from the ERand doctor's office. I find it interesing that a few here also haveantibiotics on hand at all times. Karin>> Hi Karin, Yes by scope I meant bronchoscope--sorry. How fun to carrythat lovely container around with you!! My sister who is 9 yrs olderthan me by the way also is dx as having bronchiectasis. The Drs. arequite interested in us but we don't turn up positive for any of

thegenetic testing. She also drives around in her car with a plasticcontainer as she says she coughs alot in the car. Latest theory isthat, as I think I mentioned before, thin women with slight curvatureof the spine (slight hunch in upper back) are turning up withbronchiectasis in their 40s-50s. They don't know why. I'm sure likeyou I'll get scoped and they'll find nothing which I guess is good.It's the blood I hate so I'm hoping they find an offending vessel theycan zap! Take care, > >

8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time with theYahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut.

[Guest guest]

Hi Donna,

When I worked, I used to say I had chronic bronchitis, as I got asked so often, however "bronch" or a "lung condition" will also do.

I'm sure if we said bronchiectasis, most would never have heard of it or they would get alarmed.

Take care and keep well.

Love Bunny

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the e-mail. I like the idea of explaining my cough as chronic bronchitis - I think almost everyone knows what bronchitis is. I just did not want to go into great details with a store clerk unless I had to. So thanks for the idea.

Donna

RE: Re: importance of sputum cutures

Hi Donna,

When I worked, I used to say I had chronic bronchitis, as I got asked so often, however "bronch" or a "lung condition" will also do.

I'm sure if we said bronchiectasis, most would never have heard of it or they would get alarmed.

Take care and keep well.

Love Bunny