Connect
Alternative Treatments for MAC: immunotherapy, etc.
I was diagnosed with MAC a little over 2 years ago. Have not yet starting taking antibodies. Although I suspect this will happen in the very near future. Has anyone explored alternative treatment, i.e. immune therapy?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.
Connect
I am very sorry Barbara. We were told that the specimen was too foamy and they were unable to get a strain.
Thank you so very much!!
I make a smoothie every day with 6 oz yogurt that has good protein, 1 cup frozen or fresh fruit and Fairlife milk till it’s thin enough to drink. When I needed the extra protein I added the protein shake instead of milk or a scoop of protein powder. When I was on antibiotics it was a good way to get my yogurt in. It makes a big smoothie but I just take my time.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI’m so sorry your family is going thru this. I have not been on big 3 but know from my time here that sometimes the meds and med schedule is modified in order for patients to tolerate it better. You might discuss that with her physicians.
Is the saline hypertonic? Many of us use 3 or 7%, preferably 7 since it’s thought to inhibit bacterial growth. It helps get mucus out. That is another thing to consider.
One other thing to help with weight is to maximize number of calories in every bite and swallow even if using cream and other things considered “not healthy.” We used to say “no free liquids” meaning every swallow had calories.
Good luck to you. It’s so hard to watch family suffer.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThanks Linda, Well I am one of those people drastically underweight. Pseudo for sure. MAC suspected but never grows. But with my GI issues/food sensitivities and close to diabetic I find the sweet very off putting and just cannot drink it. But I can see how most people could/should. I did try Orgain. It was super sweet! But thank you so much and I will check out these other options. Barbara posted home made protein smoothie that I will try.
@maureengdds , did your mom try Red Light Therapy? Some people in this group have added it to their toolbox and they seem to be happy with the results.
Some doctors used it successfully on Covid lungs also. There are some YouTube videos on it (e.g. dr. Anderson, etc).
It seems to be quite helpful at reducing inflammation in the lungs. If there is less inflammation, there is less infection (I do believe this, but I could be wrong).
Best wishes of great health to all of us!
Hi Irene,
Yes, a homemade shake would be best. But, I find that some of the people I speak with don't have the energy or interest to regularly make shakes. Perhaps a solution might be to make a two-day batch so you only have to fuss every other day. Or, maybe you can freeze portions-worth a try.
A nutritionist who works with chronic lung disease and diabetic populations sent me this email when months ago I asked for nutritional drinks that are not sweet:
"I routinely recommend: Kate Farms 1.4 or 1.5 (these are the higher calorie shakes that Kate Farms offers), Ripple, Orgain, Owyn, and Koia. There are others too!
She really wants to pick the highest calorie shakes - Kate Farms 1.4 or 1.5 (1.4 and 1.5 calories per mL) are her best bets."
I hope you find one that works for you. Be sure to let us know.
Warm regards,
Linda
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsI make my own yogurt. Recently I decided to try almond milk yogurt (recipe called for Almond milk, plain gelatin, cornstarch and Store-bought plain unsweetened yogurt). Yuck! I didn’t want to waste it so I put it in the blender with fresh almonds a frozen banana and some peanut butter. After refrigerating, it ended up almost like a creamy yummy ice cream! It is high in calories and tastes like a treat…. and YAY, I am gaining weight!
Hello Linda-
I tried the Kate Farms, it was one of the better ones but still too thick for me, and that is what took me back to making my own with just filtered, clean water with the yogurt and other ingredients. I like the idea of adding a bit of plain gelatin mentioned in ktw1124's post and going to try that. Yes I make enough for at least two days.
Barbara
I like the idea of adding plain gelatin to the smoothie, thanks for that information.
Not sure about the cornstarch especially since already using the gelatin. For myself, I decided to just do plain filtered, clean water, rather than a non dairy milk or dairy milk and it's just fine.
I also like to put natural peanut butter and honey in non-fat cottage cheese and that's a nice treat and helpful for the weight gain. But, in all things, watching cholesterol levels keeps me from having as much as I want to indulge in.
So, YAY, for both of us. I am gradually and consistently putting the weight back on. Looking forward to seeing what my BMI is during my next doctor visit.
Barbara