I think when you're first diagnosed, the enormity of NTM infection and bronchiectasis can be overwhelming and it's normal to want reassurance that you'll get truly "cured." There are people in my support group who have gone over five years without reinfection. There's also people who, although they have diffuse bronchiectasis in both lungs, never get an NTM.

The new drugs coming on the horizon and in trials are potential gamechangers. Brensocatib should be released before year's end. Arina-1 will hopefully see phase 2 trials in non-CF bronchiectasis patients. Arikayce has helped many people convert who were unable to before. If your doctor hasn't tested you for CF gene mutation and Alpha 1 deficiency, that information could be really important, along with ruling out GERD.

I was totally asymptomatic at diagnosis, and for a while I had wished I hadn't found out (incidental finding on a chest CT). But after the shock wore off, I realized knowledge is power, and knowing the things that could potentially cause NTM infections and how to avoid them is huge. I've made it my goal to be as proactive in educating myself and making good decisions in the balance of daily life.

Because I am an overachiever at most things, I had to treat MAC twice. We'll never know if it was an indolent original infection or a reinfection (which is quite possible because I was hiking 1100 miles on the Appalachian Trail when I finished the Big 3 the first time). I am clear now, and it's been 8 months since I finished medications. Every month is another small victory for me! I don't think we can ever let our guard down, but we can live full, productive, happy lives.

Best of luck!