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7% Saline Success Story that warmed my heart.
Last year, I met a woman at our winter church who has had MAI (MAC) and Bronchiectasis for years, and had a horrible chronic cough. When she heard that #1 I knew what it was, and #2 I was on Mayo Connect, she started asking questions.
Over many conversations and text messages I convinced her to give 7% saline and airway clearance a try. Her doctor here never heard of it, so her husband ordered it on Amazon & she started using it daily.
Yesterday, she was waiting by my usual pew when I arrived at church and said to me, "I need to hug you. You saved my life!" She went on to explain she convinced her pulmonologist back home to order it, got Medicare to pay for it, and used it twice a day for months. By Fall, she was down to 5 times a week, and now she uses it twice a week (but daily airway clearance.)
Here was her story - in 2022 she was on antibiotics and/or steroids 19 times. She coughed a lot during the day, all night long, and whenever she tried to exert herself.
In 2023, she had ZERO exacerbations requiring antibiotics or steroids. She coughs far less (they used incense in our service, I was hacking up a lung, and she only coughed once or twice.) Her lung function improved 12% between her Spring appointment and December. She has been able to regain a little weight.
This is a lot like my experience with 7% saline and rigorous daily airway clearance. I made it through 2023 with one exacerbation that required steroids, no antibiotics. My lung function has held steady for 4 years using only airway clearance & saline. In my case I also use oral NAC and Mucinex because I have very "sticky" mucus and it helps keep it thin enough to expel.
Has anyone else managed to "ditch the Big 3" by using airway clearance and saline?
Sue
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Thanks Sue and Arlo for this valuable information!
Do you take inhaled NAC or pills?
My doctor is asking me this question.
I use 600mg capsules twice a day. Adding another neb that ties me to my machine longer did not appeal. Also, NAC has other anti-inflammatory properties and I have other inflammation issues.
Thank you so much for your feedback! I will ask for the same as well.
I am also concerned inhaling too many stuff at the same time!
Dear Sue,
By the way, I will let you know about my phage therapy appointment. They did arrange an online consultation (4/17) for me first , to decide whether I need to go there in person (4/24)!
Thank you again for your help, as always!
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2 ReactionsThank you so much for your feedback! I will ask for the same as well.
I am also concerned inhaling too many stuff at the same time!
I will let you know my page thrapy. They arrange an online consultation before my Belgium trip.
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2 ReactionsDid you check with IPATH in San Diego??
Harry
Hi Sue,
I've tried to take NAC on an empty stomach as suggested in what I've read, but I can't because it causes stomach and throat pain. It doesn't matter what brand, I've tried several, but all have the same effect. I now take it with food, but I'm not sure if that is doing anything for me. Has anyone taking NAC had the same issue? Does anyone have any suggestions about how to take NAC and if it is necessary to take it on an empty stomach?
Thanks!
Leslie
I take mine with or right after a little food, otherwise it makes me nauseous.
Sue
I'll try that and see if it helps. Thanks!