BronchandNTM360social welcomes new member anne-h who joins 5,023 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

๐ŸŽ‰โœจ Hello, New Year โ€” and hello, Bronch & NTM 360social family! โœจ๐ŸŽ‰

As we step into a brand-new year together, itโ€™s a wonderful time to pause and look ahead with hope. A new year doesnโ€™t mean pressure or big resolutions โ€” sometimes it simply means choosing one small goal that supports your breathing, your energy, or your peace of mind.

Maybe itโ€™s learning something new about managing bronchiectasis or NTM, listening more closely to your body, building a routine that works for you, or leaning into this community when things feel heavy. Every step forward counts, no matter how small.

What makes this space so special is how we show up for one another โ€” sharing experiences, offering encouragement, and reminding each other that weโ€™re never walking this path alone. As we move into this new year, letโ€™s keep lifting one another up, celebrating progress, and holding space for both the good days and the hard ones.

Hereโ€™s to a year filled with connection, strength, and moments of hope โ€” together. ๐Ÿ’™

Whatโ€™s one gentle goal youโ€™re carrying into the new year?

2 days ago

Rhetta

Rhetta

Thank you for having me in your group!  I just started the Brinsupri today. Have any of you started or used this new drug for Bronchiactasis? 

1 day ago

  • NewestOldest
  • Ksmiles123Rhetta,
    Hello! Welcome to the community! I hope that Brinsupri really helps you. I am sure that your health care provider informed you that it takes awhile to be effective,@ approximately 6 weeks. I am not taking Brinsupri at present. I hope that other members who are taking Brinsupri chime in. 22 hours ago
  • das23Welcome Rhetta.....I'm not taking it either but Best of luck with it. Keep us posted๐Ÿ‘21 hours ago
Lubna

Lubna

Hi I am Lubna, 33yrs old from Pakistan I have been suffering from "Post-TB bronchiectasis" for many years. In my early years, I was able to do all the activities of daily life properly, but four years ago, when I was diagnosed with a fungal infection, my condition exacerbated and my health declined progressively. I have been hospitalized due to lung infections and done antibiotics courses multiple times in the last four years. Currently, I am dependent on supplemental oxygen, use of BiPAP is necessary, and I am having difficulty performing daily living activities and shortness of breath due to mild exertion.
I and my husband somehow managing and researching the cure for this condition actively as it has a huge toll on us mentally as well as financially. The cure is not available in my country, Pakistan, and limited resources do not allow us to relocate to another country.
Furthermore, we are facing issues here like an inappropriate environment with poor air quality, which even worsens the situation. We can not afford other needed facilities here, like a portable concentrator and air purifier, which are required for me.
I can send you me medical reports, prescription, CT scans and X-rays for the concern to view. 
I request everyone to please help me in this and connect me with the available resources. 
Best Regards. 

2 days ago

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  • 360Coach Brandon Hi Lubna, thank you for reaching out! I responded to you through the message system on the site with some possible resources that may be of help.2 days ago
  • Ksmiles123Lubna,
    Hello! Welcome to the site. You have been through a lot; dealing with a chronic lung issue at a young age can be very challenging, to say the very least. I hope that the resources provided by Brandon will be of great assistance to you.
     Brandon,Thank you for assisting Lubna with resources.2 days ago
das23

das23

HAPPY NEW YEAR Everyone. Thanks for being hereโœŒ

3 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123All of us at the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association wish you a happy and healthy New Year! May 2026 bring you much joy and well-being. 

3 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123To all Bronchiectasis and NTM patients and their families:
Wishing you a 2026 filled with resilience, progress, and the comfort of knowing youโ€™re not alone.
Wishing everyone a strong and hopeful 2026. May you have compassionate care and moments
of joy and peace throughout the year. 
Throughout January, we will be focusing on goal setting for BNTM individuals and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Support, either online or in person, goes a long way when one is dealing with a chronic disorder. We are here for you.

3 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

New Yearโ€™s Eve is a time to review what you are grateful for in your daily lives. Thereโ€™ is a lot of research on the practice of gratitude.  The participants in a particular gratitude research group reported  feeling happier, sleeping better , exercised more and  had more energy and engagement.  
It is easy to start a Gratitude Journal, whether you use a notebook or individual pieces of paper. Lowering stress in our lives helps our immune response. Are you ready to start a Gratitude Journal? 

4 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Tis the day of New Yearโ€™s Eve! Hard to believe we are approaching 2026. Do you have any specific health care goals that you would like to share with the community?

4 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

The H3N2 strain is making the news this week. The article below differentiates this strain from the regular flu and the coronavirus: https://mymedicineadvisor.com/health/new-h3n2-flu-symptoms-doctors-warn/
Please let us know if you have any questions. It is not too late if you havenโ€™t gotten the flu shot. 

5 days ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

As we close out another year here in Bronchiectasis & NTM 360social, itโ€™s a good moment to pause and reflect on the strength, compassion, and connection that live within this community. Every story shared, every question asked, and every word of encouragement reminds us that none of us are walking this journey alone.

This year also asked us to hold space for loss. We said goodbye to some truly special people whose courage, honesty, and kindness helped shape this community. Though they are no longer with us, their spirit remains โ€” in the support we offer, the understanding we share, and the hope they passed along to each of us. Their light continues to guide us forward.

As we look ahead, there is so much to feel hopeful about. New treatments, new knowledge, new connections, and new moments of encouragement await. Even on the harder days, this space reminds us that strength can look like asking questions, sharing experiences, or simply showing up for one another.

Together, we move into the new year with heart, resilience, and a deep sense of care for one another. Weโ€™ll keep learning, supporting, and lifting each other up โ€” one step, one breath, one day at a time.

Thank you for being part of this community and for making it a place of warmth, understanding, and hope. Hereโ€™s to a new year filled with connection, compassion, and brighter days ahead. ๐Ÿ’™

5 days ago

  • Ksmiles123Brandon,
    Thank you for your warmth, understanding and uplifting words of encouragement and hope offered throughout the year. We will continue to support one another in the new year, reminding each member that they are not alone on their journey. 5 days ago
Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Have you been thinking about goals for the new year?
The blog article below reviews information on setting goals and objectives. The article was written in 2022, the first paragraph of the article is outdated. https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/164/Goal-Setting-and-the-NTMBronchiectasis-Patient

5 days ago

Hedgie

Hedgie

Hello All. I'm fairly new to the bronchiectasis journey. I was diagnosed two years ago. It seems like exacerbations are getting more frequent and longer lasting so I am going to Mayo Clinic specialist clinic for more testing and a second opinion.


I'm telling myself regardless of the outcome, I'll know I did my due diligence. But I am really struggling with the limitations this condition is putting on my life. How have you come to terms with the adjustments you had to make in terms of work, social activities, and family?

1 week ago

SoCalSurfer

SoCalSurfer

๐Ÿ˜ŽGlad to be part of this group! This is a new journey, and from what I have read so far, you are a very supportive community.

1 week ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

โ„ A Gentle Weather Check-In for Our 360social Family โ„

As many of you are already seeing โ€” and others are about to feel โ€” an intense wave of cold weather is moving through, even in areas that have already been dealing with heavy snow. We wanted to take a moment to check in and encourage everyone to move gently and mindfully over the next few days.

Cold air, icy conditions, and sudden temperature changes can be especially challenging for those living with COPD, bronchiectasis, NTM, and other lung conditions. If youโ€™re able, try to stay warm, limit time outdoors, and make sure you have what you need close by โ€” medications, oxygen supplies, warm layers, and anything that helps you feel steady and supported.

Itโ€™s also okay to slow things down. Rest when you need to. Cancel plans if it feels like too much. Choosing safety and comfort is not falling behind โ€” itโ€™s caring for yourself.

If youโ€™re in an area being impacted, please know youโ€™re not alone. Weโ€™re holding space for you, sending warmth your way, and hoping everyone stays safe as this weather moves through.

Feel free to check in below and let us know how youโ€™re doing โ€” or share any tips that help you get through colder days. ๐Ÿ’™

Stay warm. Stay safe. Weโ€™re in this together.

1 week ago

Niamhy

Niamhy

Hi there, just wondering if anyone has had symptoms of severe nausea with MAC or M Abcsessus? I have had this on and off for a few months, but now I am suffering on a daily basis. I am not on antibiotics at the moment. I just take Lansoprazole in the morning for my GERD and Vesicare before going to sleep for the kidney damage caused by the big 3. I do regular airway clearance, eat as well as I can and exercise when I feel well enough to do so. I take Ondansetron for the nausea - it worked so well for the first few days but now it appears not to be. Perhaps the Abcsessus is taking hold and causing all this. The nausea goes in the afternoon but I am unable to do anything in the morning. Would love to hear from anyone who has suffered from this problem. 

1 week ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments5 comment(s)
  • Ksmiles123Niamhy,
    Hello!  Thank you for your positive words. I am glad that you have seen the specialists to rule out the possible cause of nausea . Do you have a hiatal hernia? Sometimes, doctors make light of this. This diagnosis can be seen on a Endoscopy or a Chest Cat San.
    Yes, anxiety can come into the picture but not many people complain of major nausea due to anxiety.
    It is very challenging to have to go on multiple antibiotics again. I hope that your appointment with your GP goes well and you get a plan in place. Uncertainty about treatment is very anxiety producing . We are here for you. 6 days ago
  • NiamhyI have a 2cm hiatal hernia it only affects me if I bend down to put my socks on instead of sitting on the bed. After my endoscope the person doing it said that it was a small hernia and not worth having an operation. 
    The GP I saw was lovely and said that I had a lot going on and feelings of anxiety could be a cause. She told me to take the 4mg Ondansetron before drinking coffee/green tea in the morning. I did that today and I was fine. I also need to stop doing too many things - learning to pace myself has been a tricky hurdle for me. 
    It has been a tough Christmas too without my mum. I have avoided going to friends etc as many of them have had flu and bad colds. They are very understanding however I do miss the social interaction. My husband has kept me going, he has been my rock. Hopefully 2026 will prove to be positive. Thank you once again for your wise words. This is a bumpy journey for us all. 5 days ago
  • Ksmiles123Niamhy,
    You are most welcome! It does take some time to accept the โ€œ new normal โ€œ and pace ourselves . It is very challenging to have a chronic lung condition, especially at this time of the year. We are torn between protecting ourselves vs. social isolation. We are the only ones who can decide what is best for us.
    I am glad the medicine provided you with some relief this morning.
    Did your doctor recommend Nexium or Pepsin for your hernia? There are certain foods that some people avoid with smaller hiatal hernias if you are interested I will post some links.
    Dealing with a loss is especially difficult around the holidays- we want to go back in time and have the holidays like they used to be.
    I am so glad that you have a supportive, understanding husband.4 days ago
Terrance

Terrance

Better today. NTM several years. Yearly C.T. scans, keeping eye on nodules. Getting over a significant cold. Between the 2 lots of productive coughing. Itโ€™s interesting to read others stories with NTM. 

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! I realize that this is a busy time of year for many people- we cannot forget to do airway clearance at this time of the year. Below is an infographic on airway clearance with links for further information: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Portals/0/DownloadsLibrary/Files/Quick_guide_to_airway_clearance_Web.pdf

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

1 week ago

marsrocket

marsrocketMerry Christmas to all members who celebrate the holiday. 

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Wishing you peace, health and warmth this holiday season! 

1 week ago

das23

das23

Merry Christmas to All๐ŸŽ„โœŒ

1 week ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

Wishing our Bronch & NTM family and friends, a safe and happy holiday. May it be filled with comfort, kindness, and your breathing feel a little easier as we celebrate together! ๐Ÿ’™ 

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Merry Christmas ๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ Eve to the members who celebrate Christmas. I hope that you are feeling okay and are able to enjoy some of the holiday festivities.  This season can be so joyful, especially if you have little children or grandchildren. If you are not feeling well, hold onto hope that the next holiday will be better. Listening to beautiful songs of the season and the traditional movies can be uplifting if youโ€™re not up to being with a group at this time. 

1 week ago

marsrocket

marsrocketHappy first full day of winter. For the next six months the days will slowly get longer, meaning there will be more sunshine to recharge our batteries. 

1 week ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

๐Ÿ’ฅ โœจ Weโ€™re getting close to 5,000 members! Itโ€™s amazing to see our community continue to grow, and weโ€™re so grateful as we look toward a great start to the new year!  โœจ ๐Ÿ’ฅ

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Dealing with a chronic illness can be challenging at anytime of the year, but can be more difficult to deal with around the holiday season. The blog article below may offer you a few tips on how to keep going forward, and holding onto HOPE realizing that better treatments and drugs are in the pipeline: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/190/Its-okay-not-to-be-okay-with-NTMBronchiectasis-Overcoming-fear-related-to-being

It's okay not to be okay with NTM/Bronchiectasis: Overcoming fear related to being diagnosed and dealing with an ongoing chronic diagnosis

This blog post was authored by Katie Keating, RN, MS, and reviewed by the Bronchiectasis and NTM Content Review and Evaluation Committee Feelings of anxiety following a diagnosis of a chronic illness are normal. A diagnosis like bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease can bring shock, denial, anger, …

1 week ago

Hazzardjon

Hazzardjon

New to group.  Had a question if others had success / failures.  


I was cold plunging for 5 minutes a day for 4 months.  I had been reading up about benefits specifically boosted immune system.  During that time, no lung issues and I felt great.  Stopped for a week around thanksgiving, then had a flare up and was very sick for 3 weeks.  Could be a coincidence, or could be that I was getting an immune benifit from the plunge.  Normally get my flare ups between end of August - early November.  


Thoughts?  Any success stories?  Nervous to restart it, but I want to.


Thank you for your time.

1 week ago

  • Ksmiles123Hazzardjohn Hello! Welcome to the BNTM Community. I have never cold plunged- I had to read up on some of the possible benefits and risks which are listed in the article below: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-to-know-about-cold-plunges


    Flare ups in August maybe due to the higher humidity, and due to mold or other environmental factors in the fall months. Some of these factors are within our control. Winter flare ups are higher since people are indoors more. . There is a lot of information in the menu above on the right, including blog articles, podcasts, information sheets and more. 1 week ago
Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Today marks the winter solstice, the shortest day and the longest night of the year. Winter officially begins today, and the days gradually begin to get longer:). Below are some uplifting quotes relevant to this time of year: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/80-uplifting-winter-solstice-quotes-120000644.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall

2 weeks ago

Happyjen

Happyjen

I habe had bronchiectasis caused by pneumonia/respitarory failure/ sepsis last March and looking for more  information than my pulmonologist was able to give me about dealing with small  changes in elevation causing me to need to use oxygen concentrater . I  live at sea level but travel by car occasionally to visit my grandkids at 4500 feet .  It took 2 days of oxygen a dew months ago to adjust to the elevation but still had chest pain and feeling ill. 

2 weeks ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments4 comment(s)
  • Ksmiles123Welcome to the community. No worry about the errors. I am sorry that you are not feeling well when you travel to visit your family. It takes time for oneโ€™s body to adapt to the change in altitude. Perhaps, a visit to your Pulmonologist prior to your trip is in order to check your pulse oximeter, lungs. There are meds for patients who have difficulty with higher elevation, such as Diamox but uncertain of the criteria for using it. We have assistance available for you in many forms. In addition to the community support you receive here on BronchiectasisandNTM360, you can call one of our Patient Ambassadors directly by phone atโ€ฏ(833) 411-5864 which may be the best choice to discuss this specific topic. Our Ambassadors are real live patients with experiences similar to yours and understand what you are going through.โ€ฏ You can alsoโ€ฏemail us atโ€ฏcontactus@bronchandntm.orgโ€ฏto get more information about changes in elevation and oxygen. Preparation is far better than dealing with such issues while traveling. 
    Our Ambassadors canโ€™t provide medical advice but may be able to assist you with additional information and resources. 2 weeks ago
  • HappyjenThank you . What is a good time of day to call that phone number? Are they on eastern standard time ?6 days ago
  • Ksmiles123You can call either Eastern time  or Western Time. Someone will call you back within a day. 6 days ago
360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

As the holidays approach and decorations start going up, flu season is already off to a tough start. For those living with bronchiectasis or NTM, protecting your lungs during this time of year is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. ๐ŸŽ

A few festive-season reminders to help keep you well:

Wash hands often (think of it as spreading cheer, not germs ๐Ÿ˜‰)

Carry hand sanitizer when youโ€™re out and about

Consider a mask in crowded indoor spaces

Keep a little extra distance from anyone whoโ€™s sick or heavily exposed

Stay up to date on vaccines recommended by your care team

Listen to your body and rest when it asks for it

And just as importantโ€”thereโ€™s no guilt in saying no. Skipping a gathering, choosing a smaller celebration, or leaving early is not missing the fun; itโ€™s taking care of your breathing so you can enjoy more moments ahead. ๐ŸŽ„โœจ

This season, give yourself permission to put your health first. Your lungs deserve a little extra holiday care. ๐Ÿ’™

2 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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