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My own CT is stable, with some scarring from long-term infection. My radiology reports don't include descriptions of "mucus plugs" - I know I had them in early days - I haven't seen one in my sputum in years. Right now, we have decided not to do a sputum culture unless I have an exacerbation, so I have a standing order.
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MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: 21 hours ago | Replies (16)
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Barbara, sorry for the late reply, my typing time is very limited and will be so for another 4+ weeks while I am in a sling full-time. Only then can I start PT - let me say that I am not a patient person and this enforced inactivity is driving me bonkers.
Back to your question - The answer is BOTH are important - watch the YouTube video below, one of the latest from NJH. In addition, symptoms and progression are taken into account. That's the purpose of "watchful waiting."
There are guidelines for deciding, like these:
https://ntminfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/NTMguidelines2020.pdf
This is the treatment guideline for physicians.
Or in an easier to follow format:
My own CT is stable, with some scarring from long-term infection. My radiology reports don't include descriptions of "mucus plugs" - I know I had them in early days - I haven't seen one in my sputum in years. Right now, we have decided not to do a sputum culture unless I have an exacerbation, so I have a standing order.
Replies to "Barbara, sorry for the late reply, my typing time is very limited and will be so..."
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Sue-
I think I lost my first response.
You do good with one arm still in a sling. So kind of you to reply. Thanks.
I have a better understanding now after the video.
I thought one had to be having a full blown exacerbation....fever, night sweats, chills, etc. etc. along with the BE/Infection for the start of the antibiotics.
I have not had fever, night sweats, chills, etc. and I am gaining weight and sleeping well. It's the constant need to clear the throat of what automatically comes up all day long...'mucus' etc.
Hopefully I will see an improvement in that also, besides the infection, once I start the antibiotics.
Barbara