Hi Ali,

I was diagnosed with "Latent TB" 5 years ago and now I am being pressured by an Infectious Disease (ID) Doctor to start on the 3-month treatment you mentioned above. However, my pulmonologist (I have a mild case of Bronchiectasis), is totally opposed to ANY treatment, due to my age: 66.

While in the Army, I had a positive TB tine test (around 35 years ago); nothing was done then. Apparently, I have lived with this "issue" for a while. However, now the term is "Latent TB" and it is something the ID Doctor wants to take care of.

Are there any guidelines regarding "age"? Is there some sort of research indicating what is the appropriate way to go?

Thanks!

Daniela

Hi @danielad,
Here are some treatment guidelines for Latent TB, posted by the CDC (Centers for disease control &Prevention): http://bit.ly/2h7wUyZ

I also hope that @flor, @melissa23, @imeehaight, can share their experiences with you as they have written previously about being treated for latent TB or TB.

@danielad, besides your age, did your pulmonologist give you any other reasons that he/she is reluctant to treat the Latent TB?

Hi @kanaazpereira,

Thank you for the prompt reply and the CDC URL. I will check it.

To answer your question, my Pulmonologist said that Latent TB treatment is dangerous under the best of circumstances (liver toxicity). However, for people over 65 (such as me), she said the treatment would be even more dangerous with possible disastrous effects on the liver. She considers this risk unacceptable; thus, will not agree to ANY type of Latent TB treatment.

Thanks! Daniela

Hello Daniela, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! You have found an excellent source of information and support. I myself know ZERO about "Latent TB" .. but I know a LOT about dealing with doctors and medical issues in general! Might I suggest you take a look at my particular Mayo Clinic Connect Forum that deals with a type of Non Tubercular lung issues .. frankly MANY of the members on our Forum have been MISDIAGNOSED and UNTIL they become advocated for themselves .. EDUCATE themselves .. due their OWN "Due Diligence" .. they do NOT get the proper medical attention! Sorry but this has been the truth.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mycobacterium-avium-complex-pulmonary-disease-macmai/?pg=18#post-243182

On this particular Forum you WILL learn how to advocate for yourself .. how to put together a game plan .. now NOT to be pressured into ANYTHING because you have educated YOURSELF! Once you have posted on our Forum all of us will try to help you further. Read a few pages of our Mayo Clinic Connect .. after you have done so .. post a few questions .. then we will all try to help you further. We will be there for you on this journey as far as we can despite the fact we have NOT been diagnosed as "Latent TB".
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Here is one article you might want to read on Latent TB:
https://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/factsheets/general/ltbiandactivetb.htm

and http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/symptoms-causes/dxc-20188557
Symptoms Although your body may harbor the bacteria that cause tuberculosis, your immune system usually can prevent you from becoming sick. Latent TB. In this condition, you have a TB infection, but the bacteria remain in your body in an inactive state and cause no symptoms. Latent TB, also called inactive TB or TB infection, isn't contagious. It can turn into active TB, so treatment is important for the person with latent TB and to help control the spread of TB. An estimated 2 billion people have latent TB.

**here are more: https://www.google.com/search?q=LATENT+TB&ie=&oe=

Good Luck Daniela, hope the above helps you just a little. I know this is a really tough time for you .. sending you a Hug! Katherine

Daniela, he above is a REAL reason to get on my Mayo Clinic Connect Forum that I suggested below .. we have all had to deal with he side effects of drugs ... do NOT be afraid .. we have been though this journey .. we will help you! Katherine