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Should I take Big 3 + inhaled ARIKAYCE
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (106)Comment receiving replies
Dear Sue, thanks a lot for your advice. I know that you are very knowledgeable and experienced. As I remember, you don't have cavity. Did you pick up other new bacteria after all the medication? I also have cavity, said toughest to cure and I also have to go through a surgery. So I try to equip myself as much as I can. I know all the possible side effects and I know I may be on medication in the rest of my life. I just want to know as much as I can so I can be prepared psychologically. 🙂
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As I mentioned, I have not had a recurrence of MAC or Pseudomonas. By doing airway clearance with 7% saline, I have avoided picking up any other lung infections, except once after a bad case of bronchitis - this was easily treated with a short course of steroids and antibiotics. This is NOT because I isolate myself - I am often with young grandchildren and other people in my over-70 age group all the time. My daughters who are nurses call both groups "Petri dishes for disease."
Having a cavity does not guarantee you will need surgery - often smaller cavities can heal during antibiotic therapy. But delaying taking antibiotics if you already have cavities is very dangerous - the larger the cavity grows, the more lung tissue you will lose in surgery.
While we hope for better solutions in the future, the best way to fight an extensive MAC infection in 2024 is the Big-3 antibiotics, Arikayce and daily airway clearance.