I was recently diagnosed with Bronchiectasis.

Posted by mmteach @mmteach, May 10, 2016

I was recently diagnosed with Bronchiectasis. No symptoms yet just starting different tests- another CAT scan, pulminary function test, and possible bronchoscopy. Any advice/suggestions would be greaty appreciated. Thank you!

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irene5 Irene Estes | @irene5 | Jul 17, 2020

In reply to @nina1944 "What is the side effect of Arikayce? I can't take anymore diahrrea I'm 75 yrs old." + (show)

@nina1944 Side effects vary, but I would say the most prevalent and for the most people seem to be scratchy voice and/or loss of voice which come back after stopping it. There are many side effects, but not everyone experiences them. Additionally, practicing “mindfulness as medicine” can help as well. One of the reasons Arikayce is recommended is because of patients who have difficulty with the Big 3 and/or do not achieve negative MAC sputum results. You know your body best. With that said, MAC is progressive for most people. There comes a time when we have to weigh the pros and cons of treatment options. In the research statistics, Arikayce appears to have good outcomes. irene5

boomerexpert | @boomerexpert | Jul 17, 2020

I agree with @nina1944 - antibiotics are for an infection...bronchiectasis in itself is not an infection. I find an inhaler helps when I get flares from it...otherwise, eat healthy, get exercise (icluding breathing exercises) and of course, stay Covid free.

nina1944 | @nina1944 | Jul 17, 2020

I do have infection but meds caused cdiff and I had to stop. Afraid to try anything else. On nebulizer and vest.

heathert | @heathert | Jul 17, 2020

In reply to @nina1944 "What is the side effect of Arikayce? I can't take anymore diahrrea I'm 75 yrs old." + (show)

@nina1944 Hi My side effects from Arikayce were minimal also, just a hoarse voice which improved over time and with strepfen, and a bit of a cough when I stat inhaling, just have a glass of water near by. It is great stuff!

nina1944 | @nina1944 | Jul 17, 2020

In reply to @heathert "@nina1944 Hi My side effects from Arikayce were minimal also, just a hoarse voice which improved..." + (show)

How long did you take it

heathert | @heathert | Jul 17, 2020

In reply to @nina1944 "How long did you take it" + (show)

@nina1994 I took it for a year.
All the best Heather

Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor | @windwalker | Jul 19, 2020

In reply to @thumperguy "Gotta laugh. Taking a hint from Daniel Pecaut I recently tried to meditate while the vest..." + (show)

Thumperguy, You are a funny guy!

Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor | @windwalker | Jul 19, 2020

@gaylewroc, Hi Gayle! I hope you are doing well and staying safe from covid. I was just reading over this older post of yours, and was wondering how you are currently doing? Did the more natural route of treatment work for you?

thumperguy | @thumperguy | Jul 20, 2020

In reply to @windwalker "Thumperguy, You are a funny guy!" + (show)

Febrile Flareups and the spacing between them constitute my criterion measure of treatment results. I’m silly with glee as I near 9 months w/o swallowing an antibiotic. Don

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jul 21, 2020

In reply to @thumperguy "Febrile Flareups and the spacing between them constitute my criterion measure of treatment results. I’m silly..." + (show)

@thumperguy Wow Don - that's great news. I was just telling my friend on the phone this morning that this week marks 7 months with no antibiotics and no flare up of MAC - just saline nebs and lots of exercise.
I'm wondering if all the mask-wearing and social distancing are helping all of us avoid exposure to common respiratory bugs that lead to exacerbations - maybe a sliver of a silver lining to this awful pandemic?
Stay well and keep thumping.
Sue