Discussions
Discussions
Share Your Story - Sharing with Family and Friends
Have you talked to your family about your condition(s)? If so, what details did you share? Any advice you can give to others who may be planning to share the news with their loved ones?
Replies
Well it was a shock to me that my lungs were damaged. It actually showed up in a Ct scan of my lungs to in 2017 to clear me from pneumonia, but my PC and I both missed it. But in May 2020 it was confirmed as bronchiectasis after another bout with pneumonia.
I did all kinds of googling to educate myself and shared the articles with my 3 adult children. One of them even had helpful illustrations. It was difficult for all of us that I had a chronic condition in the COPD category because My father died of emphysema at 69 and I am 70. It really became real to them when I visited and they heard the constant productive coughing. I also shared with my churches prayer team and that actually was easier than my children
Comments
Hi! Thank you for sharing! I can imagine that receiving this news was scary considering your father's history. Isn't it interesting how we sometimes find the burden of talking about our health to strangers easier than our loved ones? I can only think it is because we don't want our loved ones to worry or become upset. When I was working in pulmonary rehab, it always delighted me to hear my patients sharing with each other information on their diagnosis and helpful tips. Not only did they feel better after the exercise, but I think that they felt better mentally sharing with those that truly understood what life was like.
I have had bronchiectasis for several years. My grown children know that I am ill from time to time. Lately my condition has become worse, and I have now described more in detail, what bronchiectasis is. I think that being honest and factual is best. I have become more comfortable to talk to others about it too. The hardest for me is to accept that I cannot do much of what I did before. I have been depressed thinking about it. I have help from a therapist and my pastor at church, for me to come to terms with it. In my opinion, the most important is to know about the illness as much as I can. And act accordingly. Seek help so you have professionals to support your journey. It is much easier for me to talk about my illness now, when I am more balanced. But it is difficult to talk to you family, and be brave a the same time, and put up a cheerful surface.
Comments
Hi @Maggie O. I love the fact that you are honest with your family however I can imagine that it must be tough to be brave and not let the emotions take hold. It sounds like you have surrounded yourself with a wonderful support network which must help you process the emotions that many people with bronchiectasis experience. I think your advice about educating yourself on your diagnosis is awesome. Learning more about your diagnosis allows you to manage it better. Thank you so much for sharing and being a part of our community!
Hello! Yes, it is difficult to speak with others who do not understand the impact on your daily life, especially when you look normal.
Yes, it can be depressing to deal with, accept limitations. We are here to support you on the journey Please review the previously answered questions on the site and reach out anytime with any specific questions you may have.
Katie
It is not our intention to serve as a substitute for medical advice and any content posted should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. We make every effort to support our members, our medical professionals cannot and will not provide a diagnosis or suggest a specific medication; those decisions should be left to your personal medical team. While we encourage individuals to share their personal experiences with COPD, please consult a physician before making changes to your own COPD management plan.
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