No symptoms or health problems

I have thus far been able to avoid antibiotics. Hoping that continues. Doing my nebulizing and airway clearance religiously 2x per day and so far so good. Also created a veritable fortress to keep MAC at bay. Maybe I will be one of those lucky people who manage to coexist with MAC?

Hi! Yes that was the first date they mentioned as being available. I start on April 22. They seem very organized, but there are definite wait times between steps.

I have not and am not taking antibiotics. I don’t really have symptoms, and my bronchiectasis thus far is mild and stable. I am trying so hard to rid myself of MAC with nebulizing and airway clearance but so far I have been unsuccessful.

@jill6063 how long have you been trying? One of the studies supporting the treating guidelines says, and I am paraphrasing, that those with stable CT’s for three years had a roughly 50% chance of spontaneously clearing MAC and the average time for clearance was roughly 2.5 years.

@jill6063 lol I am working on creating my own “veritable fortress”. Would be interested what steps you’ve taken in building your fortress, especially any moats or bridges that may be less discussed. Rooting for you!

Not sure I’ve built any lesser known bridges or moats. Here’s my list - sure I’m forgetting some things:
-All drinking water (and water for cooking) is boiled for 10 minutes. (My husband boils the water when I am not in the house so that I don’t breathe in the vapors.)
-I only brush my teeth with Poland Springs spring water
-Only get dry dental cleanings
-No showers - just shallow baths with warm water, with quick rinsing of my head with hand-held shower with door wide open and strong exhaust fan running (absolutely no steam)
-Changed water heater to tankless
-Making switch to central air with blue light instead of window units
-Wear mask in any crowded places
-No pools, hot tubs or steam rooms
-No purchasing of hot coffee or tea from any establishment
-No plants or gardening
-Got rid of pet birds
-Take 600 mg NAC 2x per day
-Get my iron checked regularly and supplement when warranted (MAC feeds on iron)
-Nebulize with 7% saline 2x per day followed by 60 breaths with aerobika in different postures (left side lying down, right side lying down, sitting up) with huff coughing and clearing after every 10 breaths
-Daily nasal wash with warm water and salt (water boiled for 10 mins)
-Sleep with head elevated on 2 pillows

I hope this helps! Would love to learn from other people’s lists as well!

I'm new to this so I'm trying to figure out the best way to do things. I was boiling water for my use but just got a LifeStraw filter water pitcher (recommended) so thought that this made water safe for tooth-brushing, making coffee, drinks etc.
I live in a rural area and have a large property with a vegetable and flower garden. I will wear a mask when gardening but will not wear one when out for walks where there is likely some exposure.
Does sleeping with your head elevated help your symptoms?
Thanks very much for sharing.

I am 80 years old and have chosen not to go on meds for MAC/BE and to treat a fungus. I feel pretty good, walking daily, O2 normal. I have days of extreme fatigue and other days where I can get lots done. I follow the basic protocol, like wearing a mask in public places, sterilizing my Aerobika, drinking filtered water (which still could have NTM as does about everything else we experience during the day). I do have nighttime GERD and elevate my head at that time, but generally don't have a major problem with GERD.

I do have a local pulmonologist and an ID doctor at NJH. They are watching my health issues and support my choices to enjoy my life everyday, understanding that whatever precautions we take may not or may help us have more functional lives.

After attempting the Big 3 twice with side effects I decided I wanted a quality of life as opposed to quantity. My mother lived to 101 and my father lived to 96 and, in spite of a health issue they did not have, I will attempt to live for quite some time to come. None of us knows what the future holds even when we are in the best of health.

Wishing you the best on your journeys!