My CT and PFT is scheduled for October with my visit to Tyler and Dr. McShane.
Sue, you indicate clear sputum.
When I clear my throat or do a huff cough and release into a clear solo cup I see what the repiratory therapist called mucus plugs at the bottom of the cup. This is all under other types of body fluids in the cup..(mucus, moisture from water in a bubbly white form and as well saliva).
You speak of clear sputum meaning mucus???? Can you tell it is mucus???
Can you tell if you are bringing up mucus plugs????
I can only see, identify, what I bring up at times as colored if I release into the white sink. It is pale yellow to darker yellow and sometimes with a tinge of green to it. As I said I feel fine...no fatigue ( just some short lived tiredness if I don't drink enough water and take my vitamins) and as well no fever, chills etc.
Tyler doctor did not start me on anti biotics yet. My sputum tests come back MAI. Hard to know how bad it is via the sputum vile tests...due to no real response to the test results from the pulmonologist after I see the results in the portal.
I may give thought to asking to try anti biotics (even at my age 81 + 9 months) to see if it makes a difference with what I am experiencing. Two other doctors I had appointments with who have practiced for many years, OKC ID and Dallas pulmonologist thought I should have been put on anti biotics in October of 2023 when MAI was diagnosed at NJH. Different philosophies. They thought "nip it in the bud" vs the "watchful waiting." My monthly sputum tests continue to say MAI.
Decisons, decisions.
Barbara