Connect
← Return to MAC Diagnosis and Medication side effects
Discussion
MAC Diagnosis and Medication side effects
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: May 5 6:11pm | Replies (42)Comment receiving replies
I felt that way in the beginning. It was after the “watch and wait period” when CT scan showed continued MAC growth that I decided to try medicines so I didn’t progress to cavities. I have the “nodular” kind of MAC. So far I am tolerating the big 3. I have blood work and EKGs monitored monthly, hearing and vision monitored every 3months. Not everyone has horrible side effects. Not everyone can squelch MAC using ACTs only. I based my decision on the results of my CT scans which I have done every 3-4 months or so.
Currently I take the big 3 every M-W-F. If nodular growth continues will switch to everyday per infectious disease Dr instructions.
Replies to "I felt that way in the beginning. It was after the “watch and wait period” when..."
I take the big three every day. MY doctor has me do a blood test every two weeks,
an EKG once a month, and hearing test and vision test every two months.
Harry
It is very heartening to me to hear that you are tolerating the "Big 3". How long have you been taking them? I have an aspergilllus infection as well as MAC with a cavity. I started this week treating the aspergillus. I understand that aspergilllus as well as MAC can cause cavities so we are starting off treating the aspergillus to see if there is any success with closing the cavity. I will move into the Big 3 sometime in the not too distant future and understand I will then be on all 4 medicines for 12-18 months. If the cavity doesn't close, they will consider adding a weekly infusion. This for someone who rarely takes any medicine. Fingers crossed this all works and I can tolerate the medicine. I am very happy to have this group.
Connect
You are saying something that is very interesting to me -- I do have nodules. I had no idea that nodules had anything to do with MAC. About meds, I'm concerned about hearing loss, since I've already lost so much of my hearing. Should I be seeing a pulmonologist and infectious disease doctor simultaneously? Please, what are ACTs? I'm so new to this and I'm terrified.