Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Below is information on the Covid vaccinations; 5 are in phase three of clinical trials. I am sure that you have heard that vaccinations for the front line hospital workers hopefully will be starting within the next two weeks. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines.html

43 minutes ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Taking care of our gut/ digestive system is of upmost importance.  Serotonin is created in the gut. Below is a review on the digestive system.https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/digestive-system-how-it-works

1 day ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! How are you doing today? Are you wearing a kn95 masks when you are going out? Below is information on k95 masks: https://www.terrycralle.com/kn95-mask/

2 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! We frequently hear about the need to increase our zinc and vitamin D supplements to boost our immune systems. Selenium is another supplement that boosts our immune system.https://thenutritionwatchdog.com/seven-amazing-benefits-of-the-super-mineral-selenium/?utm_source=mg&utm_campaign=selenium

Seven Amazing Benefits of the Super Mineral Selenium - thenutritionwatchdog.com

By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 F

3 days ago

Kandy

Kandy

3 days ago

  • Ksmiles123Kandy,
    Hello! I hope that you are feeling a little better today.
    Distribution of vitamin D is a great idea. As the old cliche states, “Better to be penny wise, than pound foolish “.  Better d levels may lessen the severity of covid cases. A liquid vitamin D exists for those who cannot take capsules or pills.3 days ago
Gretchen

Gretchenadded a new article This Holiday Time: Activities That Put You First

This blog post was written by Katie Keating, RN, MS, patient advocate

Do you feel misunderstood with your concerns and fears about your chronic lung disease and the coronavirus? Do other people compare their current lockdown experiences to yours?

For many NTM/bronchiectasis patients, our lung diseases are invisible; the COVID-19 virus is also invisible. The coronavirus can spread like wildfire before a person exhibits symptoms.

...

3 days ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

I hope everyone is doing well after the holiday!

National Jewish Hospital is having a webinar this week called: Dialogue with a Doc: COVID-19 and Beyond, and the topic for this week's webinar is Gastroenterology: The Gut, the Lung and Beyond

This will be on Thursday, December 3 Live at 3 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. CT / 1 p.m. MT / noon PT

Here is the link to register for this free webinar:


https://donate.nationaljewish.org/page/22489/event/1?locale=en-US



3 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Have you used a UV lamp throughout the pandemic? https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=249403&ecd=mnl_day_120120

3 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Are you checking to see if you are getting the best price on your prescription drugs? I was quite surprised to notice the difference in price with the discount card on one of my prescriptions. The cost of the prescription was less than my insurance copay. https://www.goodrx.com/go/homepage-lander-sem-6?kw=price&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=good.rx%7Cp&utm_campaign=Brand&utm_content=Ad-Group_GoodRx&msclkid=e90b43d46ce71e92762a1c117f500840

5 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question NTM risk to others

Kat, Hello! I have two nieces and would want to do the same for them. However, it may be risky since she will be in and out if the hospital, doctors offices . I am sure that the center where she will go for treatment will maintain the highest infection …

5 days ago

Kat P

Kat Pasked the question: NTM risk to others

My niece will soon be getting a bone marrow transplant. I realize that my NTM is not considered infectious to others, but are there any exceptions? I would like to help with her post-transplant care, but that is when she is most vulnerable to infection. …

5 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Are you up to listening to a NTM podcast? https://ntmtalk.com/

6 days ago

sunflowergayle

sunflowergayle

Hi my name is gayle and I just came across this site.  I have had asthma for 18 yrs after inhaling a poisonous gas at work.  The beginning of the year I got very sick with respiratory infections and ending up in the ER twice - told to eat toast and that would help - it didn't.  Symptoms were congestion in the sinuses - shortness of breath and a chronic cough.  It wasn't till about 2 months ago that I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis.  God has blessed me with a Pulmonary Dr whose speciality is bronchiectasis.  We are working on triggers and what I can do to manage it.  Anyone else have these systems and how do you deal with them?

6 days ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments5 comment(s)
  • KandyNo topical cream either my daughter gave me Lidoderm patches  to put on they do not help either This stuff is awful.  What topical cream would help?  I do have lidocaine cream but not sure can put on the shingles.  1 day ago
  • Ksmiles123I don’t remember the name since it was so long ago. I went to a dermatologist. Call your doctor?1 day ago
  • KandyA dermatologist is 100 miles away we have no specialty here do what ya can.  My dr is not much help here really to busy with covid.  I do put some calamine lotion on what I can reach. 12 hours ago
Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Link below is in the shingles vaccination:https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/index.html

1 week ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments11 comment(s)
  • Ksmiles123Is the pain medicine effective? Do you have to increase your dosage, frequency? Feel better soon.1 day ago
  • KandyNo don't seem to be I have like shooting pain by the ribs. Its feels like when you have a muscle spasm I am assuming its on the nerve that runs there.  Put ice on but not much help there either.  1 day ago
  • Ksmiles123Hello! I hope that you can speak to your doc, get a referral to a dermatologist today. I am so sorry that you are dealing with this.1 day ago
Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello we all need to read words of HOPE throughout challenging times. https://www.goalcast.com/2020/02/27/hope-quotes/ Let me know what your favorite optimistic quote is. Katie

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Are you watching the foods you are eating this holiday weekend? https://www.onhealth.com/content/1/digestive_health_myths

Digestive Disorders: Common Misconceptions

Learn about the digestive system and common misconceptions of digestive disorders. Read about what causes ulcers, heartburn, constipation, and more.

1 week ago

Elizabeth79

Elizabeth79

Hello, I am new to the group and feeling quite distressed and in need of some advice please. I am a 41 year old with bronchiectasis. It was diagnosed a few years ago when I randomly coughed up blood and had a scan. I had whooping cough in my 20s and coughed so hard that apparently I damaged my lung a little. 


I have morning phlegm and clear my throat a lot after waking up but the condition hasn’t really bothered me until a few months ago when I got an infection. I noticed that the mucus increased. The dr gave me antibiotics that didn’t work, so they gave me a second type which didn’t work either. A chest x ray revealed that I had inflammation in the damaged area. I then coughed up a little blood so was sent for a CT scan where they confirmed bronchiectasis again with inflammation. They gave me a pot so I could give a sample of the mucus but I struggled to get any up far enough to put in the pot. 
I started coughing up fresh blood a little at night time as soon as I lay down. I gave them a sample on Monday (from Friday night) and am currently awaiting the results. 


An hour ago my chest rattled when I inhaled and I cough up blood. I’m so worried as this hasn’t happened whilst I’ve been upright before and the quantity is more than before. 
I don’t know anyone with this condition and not sure if these symptoms are typical for this condition. Any insight or tips would be really appreciated. I see lots of members are in the USA so happy thanks giving to you. Thank you x

1 week ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments5 comment(s)
  • Ksmiles123Hello! Ahh, thank you for your words-we are here to help you. I have been in your shoes, not knowing anyone in a similar situation.
    I would recommend taking it easy for the weekend. Your job requires energy, it is more important to take care of yourself if you can do so. There is information on airway clearance on this site, scroll through the questions and answer section. I would not push with heavy airway clearance today- call your doctor tomorrow to see if they have any results. You can do simple deep breathing exercises, 4in, 6 out only if you are up to it.
    They do not rush to do surgery.  They most likely would have mentioned this as a possibility if they saw specific issues on your cat scan. 1st line of treatment are medications. Katie1 week ago
  • Elizabeth79Thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to help 😊1 week ago
  • Ksmiles123You are most welcome! I realize how hard it is to put the brakes on at a young age- have hope, new treatments are available or in the pipeline which were not available a decade ago. Call the MD office first thing in the am before it gets super busy. Katie1 week ago
Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Have a pleasant Thanksgiving Holiday. I am grateful to be a member on this site with all of you. I am also grateful for new medications and many other new medications in the pipeline. If you are not feeling well-please post any questions that you have.  We are here to support you. Katie 

1 week ago

Gretchen

Gretchen

Welcome back everyone! Apologies for the site issues, but a great thank you to our dedicated staff, Vinny and Pete, who worked above and beyond to get us back online! Have a safe and warm Thanksgiving, however it looks this year! Find some importance in this world that you can feel grateful for and that helps to bring you into the season. I offer my gratitude to this community, our health care workers and all those that make it possible to live as healthy and happy as we can. 

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! What are you doing for Thanksgiving? We are here to support you, to answer questions throughout the weekend.  I am not traveling to family in NJ which is my Thanksgiving Tradition. I am staying home, simple Turkey dinner for three. 
Being alone, or with a few people may be very difficult; however, your life is of great value. It is important to maintain all Covid infection control precautions and believe that we can get to the other side of this issue. Vaccinations are around the corner.

1 week ago

  • NewestOldest
  • GretchenWe are staying in Virginia, with no family coming in from Ohio. I think COVID has taught us to live a little more simply and without all the extras. It makes me sad to not see my siblings and father, as well as my in-laws, but I know we will all be better off staying in our own bubbles! Be well all!1 week ago
  • Ksmiles123I agree that Covid has taught us to live simpler and other life lessons.
    Let us just take one day at a time, being grateful for what we do have until we get to the other side of this challenge.1 week ago
Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! How are you doing today? I really missed this site when it was down for updates. I have become so accustomed to checking in several times a day.

1 week ago

  • NewestOldest
  • DeliaHi, I'm doing ok - cannot complain. Looking forward to the holiday... Even though it will look a little different this year, I will continue my tradition of taking a step back and reflecting on the year that is almost behind us, and recognize all the things for which I am grateful. 

    I came across an Instagram post that Hoda Kotb's shared, which really resonated with me - posting it below. 

    Wishing you all a wonderful (and safe) Thanksgiving!1 week ago
  • Ksmiles123Delia,
    Hello! Thank you for sharing Hodas post.  Yes,  this year has been a huge eye 👁 opener -to be grateful for what we do have. We must see the positive outcomes of our present challenges,  despite the difficulties that we continue to face. Stay safe.1 week ago
Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! How are you doing today? Is there a specific question that you would like answered? 
Below is an article on social distancing: https://www.jwatch.org/na52712/2020/11/03/social-distancings-effects-covid-19-roles-timing-and?query=C19&cid=DM103097_NEJM_Registered_Users_and_InActive&bid=304499312

NEJM Journal Watch: Summaries of and commentary on original medical and scientific articles from key medical journals

NEJM Journal Watch reviews over 250 scientific and medical journals to present important clinical research findings and insightful commentary

3 weeks ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Today is World Kindness Day! The link below lists 7 ways to add more kindness into your day: https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/world-kindness-day/seven-ways
Patients always remember a person who uplifted them when they were not feeling up to par. Do you remember a particular person who uplifted you?

3 weeks ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Another new treatment for Covid 19: https://www.lilly.com/news/media/media-kits/bamlanivimab-covid19

3 weeks ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Are you doing your airway clearance on a regular basis? Flu season is upon us- airway clearance is really needed now and in the months ahead. Please review the slides frim the NTM / Bronchiectasis Patient Education Series:https://ntminfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Airway-Clearance-Talk-for-NTMir-October-2020.pdf

3 weeks ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123commented onFall Precautions for NTM/Bronchiectasis Patients During the Covid-19 Pandemic

 Kathy,I am glad that the article was helpful. Good question- I never thought about your question. Most people get allergies in the spring, not the flu since the flu is usually seasonal, November until April. Katie ...

3 weeks ago

Medical Advice

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. While we encourage individuals to share their personal experiences with bronchiectasis and NTM, please consult a physician before making changes to your own disease management plan.


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