Airway clearance

Posted by maryjanechilds @maryjanechilds, Aug 17, 2023

I have MAC (found along with pseudomonas in a sputum culture)and Bronchiectasis. I was treated with Cipro for the pseudomonas and have been on the Big 3 for almost two months for the MAC. Every discussion I read talks about nebulizing with saline solution and daily airway clearance. I have no cough and am unable to cough up any mucous. I use my albuterol inhaler and then my accapella but do not produce any mucous. Does anyone else have “dry” MAC? I do have slight drainage down the back of my throat but I wonder if I could figure out how to clear out my lungs if I would get well faster.

Mary Jane

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lilianna | @lilianna | Sep 2 7:46pm

In reply to @laborday24 "Omg. Exactly same thing. I Am going to Jewish national health in November" + (show)

Please hope for the best. I know they will find a solution for you. What doctor are you going to see there?

lilianna | @lilianna | Sep 2 7:58pm

In reply to @laborday24 "I went off big three after two years. Drug resistant to azythromycin. I am coughing more...." + (show)

What % saline are you using. Try 3% or even 0.9 which is isotonic solution. Try may be it will help and also do the job of moisturize your lungs at least. Also keep calling NJH, your assigned person- they have cancellations, do not give up. I know how waiting and coughing is depressing. I hope you will find help soon.

laborday24 | @laborday24 | Sep 2 9:53pm

In reply to @lilianna "What % saline are you using. Try 3% or even 0.9 which is isotonic solution. Try..." + (show)

It’s 6% saline. I sm only using half with the albuteral. I have appointment with njh in November. I think I am coughing more because I went off antibiotics end of May

laborday24 | @laborday24 | Sep 2 9:55pm

In reply to @lilianna "Please hope for the best. I know they will find a solution for you. What doctor..." + (show)

I have a whole schedule planned out for that week with tests and different people

laborday24 | @laborday24 | Sep 2 9:58pm

In reply to @lilianna "Laborday24 do you still have MAC after two years of treatment?" + (show)

Yes

raney | @raney | Sep 3 5:34am

In reply to @annagh "To me it feels like the saliva will flow and collect in the bottom of my..." + (show)

Same for me and my airway stays irritate because the mucus deep in my lungs is so thick. Any suggestions will help...
I use a humidifier by my bed, walk about a mile a day, drink lots of liquids.
Need belp

bamaqueen | @bamaqueen | Sep 3 9:15am

In reply to @rstel7272 "After years of private insurance, I was glad to get on Medicare but the part D..." + (show)

Rick, have you found a Medicare insurance that covers Arikayce? My BCBS Advantage plan does not. There are a lot of common meds they don’t cover too.
I read all these people on here using Arikayce and I don’t know understand how anyone can afford it.
My last prescribed treatment in March the IV med had a $600 a month copay and the Arikayce never got filled because my ID doctor didn’t order it correctly. So, I had no treatment at all. I think I dodged a bullet, but want to be prepared for the future. Thanks!

blm1007blm1007 | @blm1007blm1007 | Sep 3 10:05am

In reply to @raney "Same for me and my airway stays irritate because the mucus deep in my lungs is..." + (show)

You may already know this.....but....those humidifiers need constant care and cleaning to keep bacteria from growing on the innter parts. I prefer to boil water daily on the stove so that I can easily clean the pot. I believe, and hope, it keeps just enough humidity in my home. If those humidifiers grow bacteria inside it doesn't help our BE, as you know. I really need to get a humidity testing guage/tester and now that I write this and hear myself....I'm getting the guage.!
Barbara

scoop | @scoop | Sep 3 10:36am

In reply to @raney "Same for me and my airway stays irritate because the mucus deep in my lungs is..." + (show)

@raney Diligent airway clearance will help with the deep mucus removal. It took time to build up and it will take time to get out. Mucinex 1200mg tablet twice day and 7% saline via nebulizer twice day. Albuterol before nebulizer often helps especially in asthmatics.

Rick | @rstel7272 | Sep 3 11:22am

In reply to @bamaqueen "Rick, have you found a Medicare insurance that covers Arikayce? My BCBS Advantage plan does not...." + (show)

My AARP Medicare Rx Preferred from UHC does not. I don't need it now but maybe in the future, The Medicare part d inconsistencies drives me crazy. How about the same plan for all?