Hello Queen, Welcome to the Forum! I also have Bronchiectasis and MAC/MAI .. plus Reactive Airway Disease. Truth is I don’t think anyone knows which comes first the chicken or the egg. Did I have the Bronchiectasis first and it became the breeding ground for the MAC .. or the other way around .. who know .. and who cares .. It’s just there and we all have to deal with it!

For myself I was diagnosed in 2007 but was so very afraid of the necessary antibiotics. At the time I did NOT have the support and information of a Forum like this so fear led me to not start the antibiotics until I got a 2nd serious abscesses mycobacterium. After being diagnosed with the 2nd mycobacterium I had no choice and began the journey taking 4-5 antibiotics for 30 months. I lost 18% of my body weight for which I was FORCED to eat my beloved ice cream every night to maintain my weight!

I can only speak for myself .. but yes I was more tired .. I needed a good 10 to 11 hours of sleep at night .. the antibiotic Rifampin did create sleep disturbances for me .. I “ate to live” rather than “lived to eat” but I made the effort that whatever went into my body was healthy and nutritious for my body.

I have now been “stable” and off antibiotics since May 2014. Was it all worth it? You bet!! I am SO aware that we are all given just one body in this lifetime .. and we must take good care of it .. so it can take care of us! During this initial period just know that we are all on this journey together .. keep coming back to this Forum .. and to the Forum at
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mycobacterium-avium-complex-pulmonary-disease-macmai/?pg=7
.. there are really good supportive people on both Forums! Read as much as you have the energy to .. knowledge is power. For now .. just put one foot in front of the other .. it DOES get better! I KNOW because it is GREAT for me! I have fun .. I travel .. and I love life today .. tomorrow .. and EVERY day! Sending you a Big Hug because I know it is tough right now! Katherine

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