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Length of Time on Antibiotic Regimen
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: 9 hours ago | Replies (48)Comment receiving replies
I was on the big 3 for 2 1/2 years, but after 1 year was taken off Ethambutol because of eye problems. I was then put on Arycase for 1 year but my cough kept getting worse so I was taken off it. I had my last CT scan about 6 mos ago and it was much better, in fact I was taken off all antibiotics. So far I have beat MAC and at 77 years old I feel I am very lucky. However I did suffer from MAC for 7 years before it was diagnosed, loosing 100 lbs.
Good luck to you and don't get discouraged it can get better. Just remember everyone is different. It may take longer for some and some antibiotics work good for some and not for others. Hang in There!
Replies to "I was on the big 3 for 2 1/2 years, but after 1 year was taken..."
I have had a dry cough for the last 7 years. Had Covid the end of March 2023. Still had dry cough in Jan 2024, had CT which revealed a few nodules they thought could be infection. Follow-up CT w/contrast in June revealed nodules in lungs had increased in size and number. Biopsy and wash done in August. Not cancer. Received MAI diagnosis mid-September. (Husband started Chemo so I put my stuff on hold.) I really didn’t want to take these meds after reading all the side effects. Another CT-w/contrast in mid-Nov. showed more nodules. Pulmonary doc said I needed to start meds. So I gave in and started them on Nov 25, 2024.
Azithromycin (500 mg)
Rifampin (600 mg)
Ethambutol (1600 mg)
3 times a week
The vision part scares me to death.
What are the symptoms of eye problems I need to watch for.
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Thanks so much for the feedback. The more I read, the more I understand about everyone's MAC experience being different. That alone is worth knowing. So glad to hear you beat MAC, especially given all the factors you described. Stay well.