Discussions
Discussions
Lung Disease Management
Managing chronic lung conditions like bronchiectasis and NTM can be an all-encompassing task. Many patients’ primary concern is clearing their airways. What other things do you do daily or weekly that you believe help manage your condition or improve your health? Have you made any nutritional, exercise, or other health and wellness changes since your diagnosis?
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Exercise exercise is the most important with these lung diseases.
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Thanks Kandy. Definitely! A strong body can help so much. :) What activities do you incorporate in your exercising?
I LOVE pulmonary rehab. I worked as an RT for 10 years until Covid hit. I miss the people there as well. I tell folks all the time... that there's just something about how the patients there motivate and inspire others. Pulmonary rehab does a fantastic job at building confidence with exercise. It sounds to me that you are doing ALL the right things with your exercise. Cardio and strength training. Good job Kandy!
Hello! Yes, I agree with Kandy that exercise is so important when you have the energy to exercise. Airway clearance is of upmost important, especially in the infectious state. Eating well, plenty of vegetables 🌶 is of upmost importance for healing. Speaking with someone, whether online or in person is key to assist you in the healing process. Positive psychology, faith,hope, some source of spirituality is so important to continue going forward
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I agree Katie. Putting the proper foods in your body is a must! Also surrounding yourself with a strong support network as well as positive thinking is crucial from a mental standpoint. Managing a condition like bronch and NTM is definitely mind, body, and spirit! :)
I altered my diet to increase good stuff and decrease the bad.
Activity has always been my companion. I make it a goal to 'raise my ceiling'. Meaning I try to bust thru perceived barriers. If I'm doing something physical, and I'm totally outta breath - I do it again. And then again. The effort pays off. It's much better to be active than non-active. Unless you're a volcano.
My FEV1 averages 25%. That means I have 75% somewhere out there. So I go in search for it frequently. And to search for it, that means I have to be active.
There are medical studies at the NIH which conclude humor helps when it comes to the healing process. Below is a hyperlink to The Mayo Clinic about the benefits of laughter.
Mayo Clinic
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I love how you phrased "I have 75% somewhere out there so I go and search for it frequently." I agree it is important to challenge the body and strengthen the muscle groups so that they help you.
I loved the article by the way.... "Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. By contrast, positive thoughts can actually release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more-serious illnesses."
I always knew there was power in positivity but I didn't understand the science behind it. Good to know!
We appreciate your humor in our community! I always look forward to a good chuckle! :)
I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis 16 years ago. I have always used herbs, so I have combined their use along with traditional medicine. Symptoms have gotten worse over the years and antibiotics have lost their effectiveness, but I will list things that have worked for me. I used to use Breo in between exacerbations and Pulmicort/Brovana in the nebulizer during episodes. Currently use Pulmicort/Brovana every day and the addition of acetylcysteine 10% in the nebulizer has helped to reduce mucous. I use Tobramycin in the nebulizer for 10 days about every 6 weeks after I see the mucous and symptoms have increased. I also use the Smart Vest 2x a day. I keep a daily log of temperature and symptoms so that I know what is working. Even before Covid, I avoided public places and wore a mask when traveling by train. When my breathing gets tight, I use lobelia tincture under the tongue and take NOW brand of Quercitin w/Bromelain, which helps. I eat a good diet, eliminate sugar and have reduced carbs. It takes about 5 months to get over an exacerbation. I live alone and have no help, but in between episodes my life returns to mostly normal, exercising, bicycling, etc. I have always daily used several herbal antibiotics (Echinacea, Goldenseal, Monolaurin, Oregano, Olive Leaf, etc.) at a time and rotate them every two or three weeks. Last year I had a really bad period that I could not seem to get over, so I started IV infusions (hydrogen peroxide and high nutrient) for about 7 months. The hydrogen peroxide became too painful, but I continued with the high nutrient infusions. That brought me out of that bad period. I recently have started using Digestacure, which is supposed to heal the immune system, and Pau d Arco, which is an anti-fungal because they just found a fungus in my lungs and I would not be able to handle the two antibiotics for a year that are used with a fungus. I won’t know for about 6 months whether the Digestacure and Pau d Arco have worked, but I have already noticed a slight improvement in symptoms from the Digestacure. This disease can be disheartening, but there are ways that we can keep our lives as close to normal as possible, and we just need to find them.
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DAJ, Thank you for sharing your journey with bronchiectasis. One thing I admire is your commitment to feeling your best. Your experience with natural and herbal medicine is very interesting. Sounds like you have adopted a very "clean" nutrition plan which I would imagine helps to fuel your body and aid in recovery. Keep us posted on how you are able to combat this fungal infection. Thanks again for the awesome feedback.
Hi @DAJ :) That is crazy with the seriousness of the fungus that they never told you that you had it! Wow. I haven't heard of Pau d Arco tea. What was the original purpose for drinking the tea? I need to research that. You do an amazing job at record keeping. I believe it is through your due diligence that you are able to really pinpoint what sorts of therapy/herbs/teas that have helped you through the years. Sending you positive vibes as you fight this new fungal infection! You've got this!
Thank you for the information regarding the tea. It is always great to learn about new things. Sounds like you have had great success in doing your own research and figuring out what will work best for your health.
@DAJ How are you doing with the fungal infection? Any progress?
@DAJ Sounds like a lengthy process with treating the fungal infection. I am sorry that the vaccine had you down for a couple of days. Keep in touch friend! Keeping your in my thoughts. :)
DAJ,
Thank you for the update and info on the PauDArco teas. Coincidentally, a friend just suggested this for me recently. I am so glad that it was effective for you. It is great to read about natural cures.
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