Less than a year ago I was diagnosed with MAC and bronchiectasis. I've had asthma since my 20's. I was so fortunate to get in with Dr. Kevin Winthrop at Oregon Health Science University OHSU.... saw him last MID December. I had read everything I could in order to be prepared for that appointment and ask right questions. I knew of antibiotics that would be recommended and side effects. I was very concerned that treatment would be as bad as the diseases themselves. I could hardly walk a few feet because breathing was so bad and it happened pretty fast once it started. I am not exaggerating when I say by third treatment I was breathing better with no side affects other than my voice getting horse from nebulizer treatment.
OHSU is a teaching hospital and research. I did agree to be in several study groups. So, I'm in one using 2 antibiotics not three. I use Etambutol and Azithrymicin 3x week. My instructions were to take them 2 hours before bed with ice cream...lol... true story. No nausea, upset tummy.. nothing. I take them with about 1/2 cup of skin milk or a tlsp spoon or 2 of yogurt. And, sometimes ice cream. I started breathing so much better so fast I was able to resume my exercise and dancing. It was a miracle. Dr Winthrop had told me he was going to get me healthy again but, it could take at least 1-2 years. I just did a new CT scan and pulmonary study. PFT was 44% last year and I am now 56%. CT shows much improvement. Tree n bud still present was much less and bronchiectasis improved as well. I see Dr again early Dec. And will get new prognosis. I'm thinking I might be on antibiotics forever because of age (76), and I have autoimmune hepatitis and on immunotherapy drugs which allowed the MAC to enter my already compromised lungs.
Good luck to you..I encourage you to start treatment!