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What does this fluctuation in AFB sputum tests in a short time mean?
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (12)Comment receiving replies
It's hard to tell from these reports, which don't contain any quantifiers. I would feel in the dark as well. How soon do you see the new doctor?
Replies to "It's hard to tell from these reports, which don't contain any quantifiers. I would feel in..."
Sue- Should we expect with each report the name of the specific bacteria and a 1+ - 4+ etc. indication of how bad it is?
I am also concerned with my recent results from the Tyler Lab. It appears to me they are not being consistent in the way they report each time causing confusion, concern and as you said it makes one feel one is "in the dark"....It is now over 8 weeks (March 2, 2025 submission) and no final AFB Culture Report that has in the past indicated the type of bacteria. At this point I have to assume it is still being cultured. The December report did indicate MAI and stated Abnormal...Prior to the December report it gave a numeral associated with the bacteria. For me I would like to know specifically ....how abnormal....
I have messaged Tyler and am asking for an explanation and details.
I also am in the middle of determining who to see as a new pulmonologist and as well the lab due to McShane leaving and taking with her...... her expectations and standards she required at Tyler in all aspects.
Always going to be changes in life but not always an easy thing to deal with.
Barbara
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Hi Sue,
I thought I had responded to this but apparently not. Thank you for taking the time to give me feedback.
I don’t even know what quantifiers are, so obviously I have a ton to learn about what tests to ask for, and how to read them. I’m a Kaiser member and I wanted to wait and transfer my care after filing a grievance but realized that was too risky: if I have any emergency, I will have to come into contact with the pulmonologist that failed to tell me I had bronchiectasis though it was plain as day on my CT scan back in 2019. So last night I just chose another person who may or may not know very much about BE but who went to UCSF and is supposed to be a nice person. It’s all on flux.