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Can a CT Scan improve without meds and no sputum?
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (25)Comment receiving replies
Asymptomatic MAC patient here, on the big three for one year now. . . . . chest xrays and CT scans show no changes, doctor says my images will always show battle scars . . . . .so my question is. . . . how will they know when i can stop the drugs, how will they see changes or improvement. I have no sputum to culture. If i stop the antibiotics, will i progress to BE? I do have lung nodules.
Replies to "Asymptomatic MAC patient here, on the big three for one year now. . . . ...."
It is my understanding after seeing Dr. Pamela McShane in Texas (before she moved to a position with NIH in Wash DC); that you need 2 negative sputum samples in a row, then in my case, she recommended I continue the Big 3 AND nebulized Arikayce for another year. Everyone's anatomy is different. MAC is VERY slow growing & slow to culture. If you have no sputum, she recommends nebulizing with 7% hypertonic saline/airway clearance to get sputum out, & if still no sputum, possibly need to ask about a bronchoscopy to check status in lungs & get sputum samples. Just my opinion. I've been on the big 3 for 11 months & Arikayce nebulized since March 7, 2025. Best wishes to you !
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It's so hard when there are so many questions. If you don't produce sputum, are they likely to do a bronchoscopy, and stop the treatment if your cultures are negative? It's great that it is not progressing and scans remain the same!