I have bronchiectasis (lung damage possibly genetic).

[woodpigeons]

I am 72 and have just been diagnosed with bronchiectasis when having a CT scan for something else. The doctor who diagnosed it said I was vulnerable.
It’s not known what was caused this although it’s possibly genetic.
I’ve been ill for around 10 years with fatigue, pain and have had several chest infections and pneumonia twice,
I’ve just had the flu jab and am waiting for the Covid booster,
I feel I’m in a difficult position with lung damage but would like to stop isolating so much and get about a bit more, while taking precautions of course.
I’m now wondering I should get a pneumonia vaccine and if so how to get one,
The doctor who diagnosed me was private, I didn’t think to ask at the time and I really don’t have a lot of money for private doctors so don’t want to go back to him unless I really have to.
I paid privately as I wanted to find out now, rather than waiting a very long time for an NHS appointment, what my prognosis was and if I was able to start living more ‘normally’.
I don’t know if my GP will be able to help but can try him.
If there’s anyone who has got through reading this and can give me any advice about this vaccine I will be so very grateful.

@woodpigeons
So sorry to hear this and no wonder you’re anxious in the current environment.
NHS seem to advise anyone vulnerable can receive this but I don’t work in General Practice, so call/email your GP. It’s worth asking, as my DF got his this year, having been advised to shield due to COVID.
Boots will do them for £70, so could maybe try your local pharmacy as well. If you are forced to pay, it possibly may be cheaper through a pharmacy than a private GP.
Good luck.

Hi.. I also have the same and had my pneumonia vax through the gp. They might say they don't have any, but keep phoning and asking. You shouldn't have to pay for a private one

My gp gave me mine withoit me asking for it. Can you send an e-consult to your gp asking to have it?

The nhs websites says over 65s should be offered a pneumonia vaccine. Your GP should be able to arrange this for you. www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/when-is-pneumococcal-vaccine-needed/

I had a text from my GP saying I was entitled to one and how to book. I'm 67 and no health conditions at all but had flu and covid vax via GP.
I would imagine your GP can - and should - arrange this OP.

The private doctor should still have sent a letter about his diagnosis to your GP. Did he prescribe any drugs or inhalers? I would book a GP appointment to discuss.
I too have bronchiectasis as well as asthma, I have also just had covid. The asthma nurse at GP gave me the vaccine even though I am under 65. However it only protects against certain strains and with bronchiectasis you can still get pneumonia after a chest infection and may need frequent antibiotics.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/pneumococcal-vaccination/

I also have asthma and bronchiectisis, I had phneumovax at 18 as my chest consultant requested it, if you speak to the practice nurse you should qualify

Did the specialist check your immune system too, some years ago I kept getting repeated chest infections and when they checked I had low immunity to haemophilus influenza, I was vaccinated with the baby hib vaccine and haven’t had one since

@Tomnooktoldmeto That's interesting. I've had haemophylis infections several times, I didn't know there was a vaccine. I'm not under hospital for my bronchiectasis now as they discharged me.

OP another thought. I would still get referred to respiratory on the NHS even though you had a diagnosis because they may do more tests / follow ups.

Op I'm another with bronchiectasis, I had my pneumonia vaccine at the GP (sadly only prevents some strains but worth having.)
Please see your GP to get referred to a consultant. There's some helpful treatment for bronch like inhalers, prophylactic antibiotics and physio, worth trying to see someone to get some more advice and see how badly you are affected. As for covid get your booster as soon as you are offered, I got a text the other day to say I'd be sent one soon as I was shielding, 6 months after my last which was in April.

Sorry to hear you're in the bronch club

I also have bronchiectasis, I'm given my pneumonia jab at my GP. I was diagnosed in my 30s after years of ill health.

I second everyone saying to see your GP to be referred to a consultant. Mine is severe and there's been times I've had a battle getting the receptionists at my GP to let me put a request in for the meds I'm supposed to have. I have regular chest X-rays and other tests to monitor how worse it's getting, I was shown physio exorcises on how to clear my lungs out and I also had other tests to find a cause (it might be something to do with rheumatoid arthritis with me and I'm waiting for the appointments with a rheumatologist to be rescheduled from March 2020)

You can get one at Lloyd’s Pharmacy in Sainsbury for about £75. The Pharmacist can give you advice in store.

Have any other bronchiectasis sufferers had HIB vaccine?

@WhatInTheBodenIsThis I have RA which my Rheumatologist says could have been caused by a bad infection 25 years ago. Coincidentally that was when I developed a chronic cough which wS diagnosed as asthma. I was only diagnosed with bronchiectasis 2 years ago.

Thank you everyone for all your advice.
I was waiting to reply until I had some news to give you.
I contacted my GP early this morning by ‘Ask my doctor’ and he’s arranging for me to have a pneumonia vaccine.
I’ve had 2 Astra Zeneca jabs, the flu one two days ago and will have the booster when I’m called for it.
The private consultant I saw is arranging for me to have physio with a physio experienced in bronchiectasis to clear my chest.
I’ve just received a copy of a letter he sent to my GP in which he says he doesn’t think I need further treatment at present but has advised him how to treat me if I get a chest infection.
That’s pretty much how I feel as tbh I wouldn’t know I had it if It hadn’t been for the frequent chest infections. I don’t have a cough or wheezing and my chest sounded clear.
My concern was really how it would affect me if I contracted Covid.
My chest infections were put down to another illness which I also have but definitely would not cause bronchiectasis.
I think for now I’ll stick with this plan and if I do get worse will return to see the private consultant who will refer me quickly onto the NHS.
Again thank you. Your advice was so useful and I hope you aren’t too badly affected by Covid.

Just to add, my DM (78) has bronchiectasis, having been diagnosed at 21, and I would recommend the British Lung Foundation as an excellent source of information and support.