Newbie here. Scared and overwhelmed by MAC treatment plan

I need these comments more than you know. ❤️ Can you take another minute to discuss your daily routine?

To ccarter1004
Are you on any pic line meds? Curious because I’m 65 and I’m very active too, but when I had a pic line in my arm I was told not to exert too much. So NOT fun!

Of course I'll share! I wake up at 5 for sunrise yoga for postural drainage/airway clearance and 1 cup of coffee. Get my run in-which encourages lung clearance, then shower, etc. I take the 500 mg of Zithromax 2 hours after my morning coffee, but at least 1 hour before breakfast. (Max absorption/benefit on empty stomach). Go about my day, and dinner at 5. I prefer to get the Arikayce (w/2 puffs of Proventil beforehand) done before 6:30 pm because it brings up lots of "airway clearance huffing" mucus and I don't want that new "activity" to keep me from a great night's sleep! Ethambutol and rifampin immediately before bed.
Honestly for me, after my diagnosis, I treat this as just another adventure to add to my already fun and full life of daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother to 4 beautiful and busy boys! A positive, upbeat attitude goes a very, very long way in this particular health journey. I'd be happy to answer any specific questions, and know there's a ton of support here for you.

To sarahlynn: My ID docs at the UMN and Mayo know better than to even suggest a piic line for me. I refuse to give up running and they support me 100%---lol!

I haven’t started yet but will have PIKK line for 12 weeks. 67 yrs old. I am not expecting to be able to do anything . That is where my fear is. How I will manage at all. The more hopeful comments are helping me picture otherwise.

Oh wow! You are amazing and a great role model! Thank you! You aren’t tired all the time? Nausea?

I'm not going to deny that I'm never tired, but I have many more great days than not. I just force myself to listen to my body to take it easier those days, and not go 100 mph from morning to night. As far as nausea, it was very slight the first 3 days back in March, but nothing since. I count my blessings of tolerance of these Big 3 plus Arikayce every single day because I know I am one of the lucky ones. As you've read, zero side effects is definitely uncommon. Forge forward regardless, as this new adventure shall pass.

FYI-My husband just reminded me that I had a picc line for chemo six years ago, and I cycled and jogged most days with it after getting the go ahead from my oncologist. Can't believe I forgot about it-duh. Hopefully you too will be encouraged to get in daily cardio. It really, really helps me with airway clearance!

I’m so sorry - I didn’t mean to imply that I couldn’t do anything. I actually did a whole lot of things and even with that arm. I love to play tennis, and that was one thing I wasn’t supposed to do because of the big swings and banging of the ball on the racquet. I walked a lot tho and did other things. I didn’t run because I didn’t think I should based on the dr’s tennis comments, but if I ever have to go back on a pic line I will ask for it to be in my left arm, and ask whether I can run.

Btw I got really used to it and even would forget about it. I wore a sleeve to cover it and went on about my normal business except for vigorous exercise. However I should have asked more specific questions about exercise. I had abscessus and was on oral linezolid, oral nuzyra, and IV amikacin