Watch and Wait Protocol?

Posted by greenly @greenly, Sep 10 6:47pm

I was recently diagnosed with MAC and bronchiectasis. I'm 66 years old. The only symptoms I have is a dry cough and shortness of breath during exercise. A CT scan of my shoulder showed something of concern in my right lung. This led to a pulmonologist and lots of tests. I don't feel sick at all. Yesterday was my first appointment with the infectious disease doctor. He agreed that I could take a "watch and wait" approach before starting the medication regimen. He's going to see me in six months unless I need to see him sooner. Just wondering if anyone else is "watching and waiting"...

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lorifin777 | @lorifin777 | Sep 13 7:31am

In reply to @suzyqueue "It's a good thing you didn't wait. I'm convinced it would've gotten bigger. Are you doing..." + (show)

No, just meds from infectious disease

busybeans | @busybeans | Sep 13 5:34pm

I use a 7% hypertonic saline solution emptied into the nebulizing cup attached to my Aerobika. I then attach the tubing from my OMBRA compressor to the bottom of the nebulizing cup. I set the timer for 15 minutes and alternate between fast breaths followed by huff coughing and deep breaths followed by huff coughing. I'm not a productive cougher so this often results in nothing. But my NJH doctor says to keep doing it because it moves "stuff" around that I may later cough up. I hope this was helpful!

sadair20 | @sadair20 | Sep 14 8:14am

i was diagnosed about 18 months ago after having the diagnosis of 'asthma' for years. I had several CT scans the first 6 months, sputum tests, and visits with pulmonologist and infectious disease doctor. I had 3 nodules, one larger and 2 small. After so many CT scans they always came back as stable. My pulmonologist said, ok, next CT in 6 months which was this past June, again stable. Next CT in December, praying it's stable. I can't tolerate albuterol or leventhol (sp?) so I nebulize once a day with 3% saline, I take NAC, and lots of other supplements. I think I have 'dry' bronchiectasis since I rarely have sputum unless I'm sick, which I have been really sick with coughs from time to time. I'm going to up my saline to 7%, I think. Hopefully the nebulizing keeps the MAC unhappy enough that it doesn't want to further infect? I don't know, for now I am ok.