Guest guest Posted October 29, 2006 Report Share Posted October 29, 2006 Just came down with my first cold since being diagnosed with bronch. Any advice? Marsha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2006 Report Share Posted October 29, 2006 Just came down with my first cold since being diagnosed with bronch. Anyadvice?Marsha Marsha..because our lungs are so vunerable, I suggest you start an anti biotic. Colds are viral and can't be cured w/anti's, yes..but the concern is now a secondary bacterial infection..also, drink lots of water to keep the stuff in your chest thinned out so it'll come up easier. Rest..lots of rest. Continue to wash your hands frequently..use a saline nasal spray to keep your nasal passages cleaned out to also avoid any sinus infections which could develop. Feel better..I'm going thru the same thing right now. Sandie in MD Never Look Down on SomeoneUnless You're Gonna Help Them Up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2006 Report Share Posted October 29, 2006 the cough cannot be suppressed as we age. I have done that and endedup SOB or pain in the lowere l. lobe.karin I would think, as much as we'd like to suppress our cough, it's a good thing. The coughing expels that mucous in our lungs that plugs us up..and of course, if we're plugged up we can't breathe, right? So, as inconvenient, as embarrassing as it is..it's bittersweet ..and necessary. Sandie in MD Never Look Down on SomeoneUnless You're Gonna Help Them Up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 30, 2006 Report Share Posted October 30, 2006 Often my doctors prefer not to start offwith antibiotics immediately during a cold. Myinfectious disease specialist only wants me on them ifI develop a secondary bacterial infection.Resting/sleep and staying hydrated is one of the mostimportant things you can do to prevent becoming rundown. Watch for your typical signs of infection forexample do you get high fevers with your bacteriallung infections? Not everyone does, so you need to goon your typical signs, and if something does not seemright see your doctor. We have to remember my disorder is different from a lot of you others because I'm A1ATD complicated w/bronchiactasis. I agree we need to learn our own body signs. After 7 years of this mess I've learned mine. And my Dr trusts me enough, after 7 years, to know my body and the signs of a recurring flare up. That said, I always have a supply of antibiotics on hand. My Dr isnt always available, then if it's the weekend that's even a worse scene..some pharmacies are closed..etc. It only takes a matter of less than 24 hours for me to go from walking to lying totally withered..in pain..high fever. From that point I could develop pneumonia w/in another 24 -48 hours. This is why I say..know your own body..at the first sign of sputum color change..move fast..use that antibiotic asap..dont wait for it to turn green..don't wait till you've got a fever and can't walk 10 feet..learn your body is the best advice I can give you. Sandie in MD Never Look Down on SomeoneUnless You're Gonna Help Them Up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 30, 2006 Report Share Posted October 30, 2006 Sandy, Thank you and I will follow your advice. Marsha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 30, 2006 Report Share Posted October 30, 2006 Sandie, great advice! I recently had a dreadful infection - flare up - and the recent dose of antibiotics have helped my lungs but the residual "virus" caused me to have a dreadful sinus/cold infection. Yes, I, too, use the saline nasal spray which helped me immensely. I also found an otc medicine at Walgreens, called Mucus Relief PE which essentially clears nasal/sinus congestion and thins and loosens mucus. Another Walgreen product I purchased was basically similar to Mucinex, thins and loosens mucus and sooths the cough. I am armed for the winter bugs, haha! Don't forget we all definitely need our flu shot and pneumonia jab! JanetSunniesback55@... wrote: In a message dated 10/29/2006 6:27:55 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, marsha.granville@... writes: Just came down with my first cold since being diagnosed with bronch. Anyadvice?Marsha Marsha..because our lungs are so vunerable, I suggest you start an anti biotic. Colds are viral and can't be cured w/anti's, yes..but the concern is now a secondary bacterial infection..also, drink lots of water to keep the stuff in your chest thinned out so it'll come up easier. Rest..lots of rest. Continue to wash your hands frequently..use a saline nasal spray to keep your nasal passages cleaned out to also avoid any sinus infections which could develop. Feel better..I'm going thru the same thing right now. Sandie in MD Never Look Down on SomeoneUnless You're Gonna Help Them Up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 30, 2006 Report Share Posted October 30, 2006 Hi Marsha, There is a product, Cold FX available at Wal-Mart and other locations. Not sure if it works or how it works. You might like to ask your doctor about this product. I am unable to take many of these products, because I'm on coumadin (blood thinner). Supposedly if the cold is caught early Cold FX may control/cure it, I guess, but who knows the cold will most likely run its course. Chicken soup, hot lemon tea and plenty of rest are all helpful. I agree with saline rinses. Ask your doctor if you need to bump up any of your respiratory meds. A nebulizer can be helpful during colds, but your doctor may prefer instead that you use your inhaler(s). Often my doctors prefer not to start off with antibiotics immediately during a cold. My infectious disease specialist only wants me on them if I develop a secondary bacterial infection. Resting/sleep and staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do to prevent becoming run down. Watch for your typical signs of infection for example do you get high fevers with your bacterial lung infections? Not everyone does, so you need to go on your typical signs, and if something does not seem right see your doctor. Hoping you feel better soon, Hugs:0) Liz e-mail:maryholt12@... or lungsformary@... Pre-Lung Transplant Journey - For updates please visit my carepage and leave a message. Thank you!:0) carepages.com name:maryelizabethholt ) " Miracles happen with love..... " ..... Please support your local children's hospital.... and " Give with all your might! " http://iwkfoundation.org/ )Visit.... Children's Miracle Network.... http://www.cmn.org/ ) " I don't give in, I don't give up, and I don't take no for an answer. " ~Doris ~ __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 30, 2006 Report Share Posted October 30, 2006 Thank you everyone. This support group really supports! Marsha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 30, 2006 Report Share Posted October 30, 2006 Hi Sandy, I too get sick fast and cannot wait for antibiotics. Can be fine in the morning and running a 101+ tempts by afternoon/evening. Often my fever does climb above 103. Sometimes I go to bed fine and wake up in the morning running a tempt and coughing up army green mucous. My lungs current culture for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (heavy growth), Staphylococcus aureus, and Achromobacter xylosoxidans, and often grow others. I'm considered at risk for respiratory failure, as I have been an ICU patient before. Every month my GP puts me on IVs for 21 days at a time, because they became necessary. Also, inhale tobramycin 28 days on and 28 off. I understand what you mean about waiting, but not all bronch. patients require antibiotics at these times. Is milder and stable they are not necessarily at a higher risk of developing a secondary bacterial lung infection. We are all at risk however for developing antibiotic resistance bacteria that are nasty and challenging to treat. Speaking from experience. My lungs developed a difficult to treat MRSA pneumonia approximately 3-4 years ago. I was flat out sick and hospitalised with MRSA. My ID specialist believes my normally regular Staph a. bacteria converted for a time to MRSA. In my case, it was only ever found in my lungs. Skin cultures came up neg. Not only did my lungs take longer to get over the MRSA pneumonia. My joints also experienced more pain than they normally do with infections, as I am prone to reactive arthritis during lung infections. I understand that everyone is “different” when it comes to their bronch, but I also believe that antibiotics should be used sparingly and only if necessary. My GP and infectious disease specialist feel that when I need antibiotics that IVs are necessary. I agree with them. Orals do not work anymore for me. This is why they do not give them to me or let me have them on hand. My GP or the ER doctors prefer to consult with infectious diseases by telephone ID specialists over an hour away) before I'm placed on IVs. They look at my past sputum cultures (via lab and computer) before placing me on the IVs. I have cystic fibrosis cultures done about every 6 weeks or so. There is always a current culture to use as a guideline. System does not always work. I am in a rural area, however for the most part it all comes together. I am well known at the local hospital - many records, so the doctors are not entirely in the dark. In a way, attending a smaller rural-regional hospital has its advantages although the hospital can at times lack resources and I am always educating the newer nurses about bronch. and CF care. Fortunately, my GP's office is open 6 days a week. If my doctor is not available, there are two other doctors who know my case well. Office runs patient records on the computer system (none by paper). I honestly feel safer in my GPs hands via the help of my ID specialist. Most GPs offices work 4-5 day week. I am happy my new doctor moved to NS from Vancouver. We now have access to a GP and do not necessarily need to wait in outpatients or the ER. Hugs:0) Liz e-mail:maryholt12@... or lungsformary@... Pre-Lung Transplant Journey - For updates please visit my carepage and leave a message. Thank you!:0) carepages.com name:maryelizabethholt ) " Miracles happen with love..... " ..... Please support your local children's hospital.... and " Give with all your might! " http://iwkfoundation.org/ )Visit.... Children's Miracle Network.... http://www.cmn.org/ ) " I don't give in, I don't give up, and I don't take no for an answer. " ~Doris ~ __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 30, 2006 Report Share Posted October 30, 2006 Iunderstand that everyone is “different†when it comesto their bronch, but I also believe that antibioticsshould be used sparingly and only if necessary. Liz...God bless you. I am not where you are yet. And I pray I am fortunate enough to be there. It scared me reading your post..I can't imagine what you go thru. ( And I thought " I " had it bad. ) Goes to show..' it can always be worse ' . You're right about using the biotics sparingly if possible. I totally agree. For those who don't have the more serious bronch flare ups, try as try may if at all possible. For those of us beyond that point..it's become a way of life. You're in my thoughts.. Sandie in MD Never Look Down on SomeoneUnless You're Gonna Help Them Up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 31, 2006 Report Share Posted October 31, 2006 Very true, but standing in a crowded bus or subway, not exactly apleasant thing to do.My lungs co-operate most times. I have to cough up phlegm between 2pmand 7pm. I try to be at home during those hours. I was dx'd with B.42 years ago. Things were easier then. It's been in the last 5 yearsthat I experience pain when I try to supress the cough until a latermore convenient time. The pain I was told is progression of the B. Wonder why that is Karin? Most of my coughing..the really violent coughing happens in the morning. Not too too bad during the day.. Sandie in MD Never Look Down on SomeoneUnless You're Gonna Help Them Up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 31, 2006 Report Share Posted October 31, 2006 I live in rural area and it is wonderful to have docs who actually believe me with my symptons when I call, usually on the weekends. In fact my Ear, Nose, Throat guy hasn't seen me in months because he knows my sinus infections are a result of the bronch. It is kind of an unwritten agreement that he will see me once a year just to check in. Re: Re: Re Sandy et al Often my doctors prefer not to start offwith antibiotics immediately during a cold. Myinfectious disease specialist only wants me on them ifI develop a secondary bacterial infection.Resting/sleep and staying hydrated is one of the mostimportant things you can do to prevent becoming rundown. Watch for your typical signs of infection forexample do you get high fevers with your bacteriallung infections? Not everyone does, so you need to goon your typical signs, and if something does not seemright see your doctor. We have to remember my disorder is different from a lot of you others because I'm A1ATD complicated w/bronchiactasis. I agree we need to learn our own body signs. After 7 years of this mess I've learned mine. And my Dr trusts me enough, after 7 years, to know my body and the signs of a recurring flare up. That said, I always have a supply of antibiotics on hand. My Dr isnt always available, then if it's the weekend that's even a worse scene..some pharmacies are closed..etc. It only takes a matter of less than 24 hours for me to go from walking to lying totally withered..in pain..high fever. From that point I could develop pneumonia w/in another 24 -48 hours. This is why I say..know your own body..at the first sign of sputum color change..move fast..use that antibiotic asap..dont wait for it to turn green..don't wait till you've got a fever and can't walk 10 feet..learn your body is the best advice I can give you. Sandie in MD Never Look Down on SomeoneUnless You're Gonna Help Them Up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 31, 2006 Report Share Posted October 31, 2006 Karin, Me too, nothing to cough up in the morning. But by late afternoon there's a copious amount. Marsha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 31, 2006 Report Share Posted October 31, 2006 We can't worry about what other people think. I think most of my colleagues feel sorry for me when they hear me. And yes, I run to the bathroom too. We can't help that we have this condition. It's just a fact so don't worry. Bronchiectasis is not who you are, you are a person who has bronchiectasis. Marsha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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