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I'm supposed to take the 3 meds daily. I haven't been able to start taking them yet because my pulmonologist has ordered baseline reports from an audiologist; ophthalmologist; immunologist and also an EKG. It seems like it's taking forever to even get these appointments scheduled so I can start the meds. My insurance finally approved my ophthalmologist appointment this morning, but they have no opening until December. They are going to try to work me in more quickly, and I'm praying they can get me in sometime within the next week. It doesn't make that easier due to the hurricane that's going to hit Florida this week. In the meantime, I keep reading and researching bronchiectasis and MAC. I was really bummed when I learned yesterday there's no cure for it. I guess the strong antibiotics are supposed to clear it as much as possible and inhibit growth of the bacteria.
Replies to "I'm supposed to take the 3 meds daily. I haven't been able to start taking them..."
Jloy, do not despair! I too was scheduled to begin the Big 3 regimen last April, but put it off because of travel plans and scheduling all those baseline appointments. When I next saw my pulmonologist in August, I had girded my loins and was fully prepared to dive in and just do it - but much to my surprise, he said the last three months' sputum tests were clear of MAC and we could wait a few months to see what future tests showed!!
My doctor thought that my being very diligent about airway clearance and nebulizing at least twice daily with levalbuterol and 7% saline, exercising, and using Mucinex and NAC were key to the clear test results. I have learned so much here at Mayo Connect, particularly the importance of maintaining a routine, and feel like every morning I get a big dose of support and encouragement. And I know that, if I do have to start the Big 3 in the future, that will be of utmost importance. Best of luck to you.
You are lucky your pulmonologist wants all the baseline tests done, I wish I had that. I waited to get ears checked for 8 months while being treated and not sure if meds caused hearing issue or not.. If I was going to my current pulmonologist he would have gotten me an appointment earlier. Can your pulmonologist try to get you earlier appointments so you can start treatment?
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It sounds like you have a very good Pulmo. Ordering all those tests prior to starting is the safest thing to do. Not all Pulmo's take precautions like that.