I can stop MAC antibiotics in June!

Posted by rits @rits, Mar 18, 2020

Hi all, i just received my test results for the sputum sample I left at my pulmonologist's on January 29. Acid fast bacilli is negative and no growth for 42 days! I have been taking azithromycin and ethambutol 3x per week since March (2019) and had my first negative two months later in June. I took Arikayce 3x per week from August to December. I hadn't been tested since October and my doctor had reduced my azithromycin dosage back then so this news is a relief!

If this darn virus horror is over by June, I am considering a road trip to Tyler to see Dr Mcshane who has treated me throughout my MAC ordeal when she was here in Chicago. Due to colon issues, flying would be a tremendous challenge.

It's something to look forward to while I'm beating myself up for spending the last few days lying around. Except for walking the dog 3x a day, I'm staying home. You too? I have a thousand chores to do around here but am so lazy! Can't get off my butt! I hope everyone is doing well. Thanks for all the support. Rita

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irene5 Irene Estes | @irene5 | Mar 25, 2020

In reply to @windwalker "@irene5 We are going to get you there one of these days!" + (show)

Merci buckets!

Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor | @windwalker | Mar 25, 2020

In reply to @margiebanks "@rits This is great news! I haven't been on the site for awhile, but you're the..." + (show)

@margiebanks Hey Margie, when did you test negative?

Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor | @windwalker | Mar 25, 2020

@ling123 Ling!!! Where are you? I have been thinking of you a lot lately because I know you have family in China. Two things: how have you been?, and has any of your friends and family in China (or here) been affected by the corona virus? I sure hope not. Stay safe my friend.

rits | @rits | Apr 3, 2020

I need to send a sputum sample to Dr McShane at Tyler. They sent me a "cup" with my info on it and a tin can which has a plastic biohazard container inside. The instructions are to take it to the post office and pay $3 to send it. I may be able to avoid the post office because we have a receiving room in my building and I have sent Fed Ex from there. I'm pretty sure I can send it through just about any carrier through them. I'm reluctant to even go to the receiving room during this plague but I need to have my sputum checked for what Dr. McShane calls "organisms".

I believe some (many) of you have sent samples to Mayo or elsewhere. Do you just send the tin can? Or do I need a US mail or Fed Ex envelope?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

esssbeee | @esssbeee | Apr 3, 2020

I sent
My sputum sample via USPS to NJH. They had given me the containers you mentioned but also a mailing envelope. I suppose any sturdy mailing envelope would be just fine. Best wishes!