Discussions
Discussions
How much time does airway clearance take?
I found out that I have bronchiectasis and probable NTM last December, and my pulmonologist recommended just watching it for a while. I had a follow-up CT in June and then a bronchoscopy in July because I have never produced any sputum. One of the cultures identified acid fast bacilli but they are still trying to identify the specific one. I feel like I should probably start airway clearance at the very least, and I'm wondering how much time is typically required to do that because I am still working full time and only have 2 -3 free hours per day. I was thinking about cutting back to part time as I transition towards retirement. I'm 65 so that is a possibility, but I do like my current health insurance and worry about the stability of Medicare (I'm currently only on Part D). I'm scheduled to see my doctor on 9/12 so I'm trying to think about how I want to proceed. Thanks for your input!
Replies
Jane,
Hello! Welcome to the site. Any airway clearance is better than no airway clearance. You can use a hand held device, such as the Aerobica, do 3 sets of 10 that doesn’t take too much time out of your day. Below is information on the airway clearance:https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Coping-with-Airway-Mucus
In addition to the community support you receive here on BronchiectasisandNTM360, you can call one of our Patient Ambassadors directly by phone at (833) 411-5864. Our Ambassadors are real live patients with experiences similar to yours. You can also email us at contactus@bronchandntm.org to get more information about Airw Clearance. Our Ambassadors can’t provide medical advice but may be able to assist you with additional information and resources.
Comments
I know that feeling. After completing 6 weeks of Pulmonary Rehab the key advice I took away from the sessions was to pace yourself. Give yourself extra time in the morning. Airway clearance is super plus exercise is key. Difficult to fit all in but your health comes first. I was working full time up until last year. I have bronchiectasis and MAC so have gone down to 3 days a week. A difficult decision as I am only 58 and had not planned on retiring until 65ish! I was able to take my pension early as a teacher here in the UK and along with working 3 days life is working out. It is such a shock to your system and nothing prepares you for the impact it has on your life but we adapt and cope. I still ask the question 'why me' but I am more accepting now almost 3 years down the line. I did not cope well with the big 3. My NTM returned last February after being clear for almost a year. Anyway I wish you luck with whatever treatment you have. I am doing watchful waiting at the moment but know that I will have to return to some sort of treatment soon.
Jane,
it is okay to be overthinking- any new diagnosis is overwhelming.
I am glad you are reading about this diagnosis- preventative strategies , such as airway clearance, infection prevention are the key to a better quality of life.
Niamhy,
Hello! Glad to see your post. It does take time to accept that many of us have to pace our activities; we learn to adapt over time. Energy management strategies assist us in our everyday lives.
I think that we all ask the question,” why me?, why at this time in my life?”. We don’t know the answers. We go through a different type of grieving process periodically. However, we are here to support one another on the journey, to encourage one another to keep going forward. :)
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