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Eligibility for antibiotic therapy
I was diagnosed with MAC about 1 1/2 years ago, verified via bronchoscopy, nodule lung biopsy.
I have been told that since I don’t have a frequent cough, pretty much asymptomatic, that I should postpone antibiotics.
Anyone being treated with these meds and have no symptoms.
I just feel I should be doing something to eradicate this kind of dormant infection that I found I had just by accident.
Any help/advise would be welcomed.
Thanks
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@helenmp There is a fairly specific protocol for when to treat the infection. Let me say, after doing it, it is no "walk in the park" and also not something I would do if not quite ill.
If you want to wade through a very detailed document, you can read it here:
https://ntminfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/NTMguidelines2020.pdf
If you would rather watch a video from NJH, take a look at this:
After you watch, come on back with any questions.
Sue
My doctors are on a "no antibiotic" roll. My PCP and pulmonologist both are against antibiotics. Just two years ago, another infection specialist told me I may need to go on three antibiotics for a year or two.
Since antibiotics cause other problems for me, I am going with PCP and pulmonologist. I have found that the heavy honey brings up all my mucus and has kept my lungs clean. I spit up all day long but do not feel sick.
Crossing my legs and arms that everything holds as I don't miss the montly bronchoscopies.
Great wishes to everyone.
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Hug
1 ReactionThanks for your comment and suggestions.
I’m not familiar with heavy honey. Are you referring to just plain honey or is there a special brand of honey that is heavy?
Thanks
Helen
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Hug
1 ReactionThank you Sue for your response, will check it out
and get back with you.
Helen
Do you need Bronchoscopy every month? Why?
Ditto on question about heavy honey @dolllover Are you just eating lots of honey?
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Hug
1 ReactionSame here. . . .completely asymptomatic. Did all the imaging, bronchoscopy, biopsy, cultures and smears. The doctors were looking for something different. But i am positive for MAC. Its hard for me to believe since i have no symptoms, no lung cavities just many lung nodules. My only issue is fatigue, which they say MAC can cause.
I am newly diagnosed and the ID just sent the big three prescriptions to the pharmacy. After reading this forums post now i am afraid to take the antibiotics. Have appts with the PCP and pulmonologist, to discuss my option of doing active surveillance instead. I dont want to take medicines just to become sick from side effects. I dont know what to do since i am at this crossroad. But none of the doctors can tell me the consequences of doing nothing. Cathy
Cathy - Welcome to our group. There is a big difference between "active surveillance" and "doing nothing" - let me direct you to a list of the basic reading that might help you understand the choices so you can talk with your pulmonologist before starting the meds.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/resources-for-the-abcs-on-bronchiectasis-and-mac-ntm/
Reading some of these will lead to lots of questions - we're here to help - some of us are new to MAC like you, others have been dealing with MAC for 5, 10 or even 20 years.
Sue