I was on the Big 3 for 6 months before I developed side effects, stopped the drugs, started seeing an NTM specialist and started doing airway clearance twice a day. That was 6 years ago.

I’ve been doing airway clearance twice a day with 7% saline, using the aerobika, huff coughing, postural drainage, etc for 6 years. I still have Mac in my sputum but my bacterial count is low (and fluctuates) and my CT also changes on yearly scans but overall no worse than it was when I was on the Big 3. I’m still patiently hoping for no Mac in my sputum and clear CT scans but who knows how long this will continue. I feel well and function normally (except precautions related to minimizing exposure to Mac and adhering to air quality warnings).

Based on what I’ve learned over the last 6+ years, it seems that my first respirologist started the Big 3 too early and I still don’t have the symptoms that would indicate starting the drugs again.

BTW, I’m not opposed to taking drugs for Mac or any other diseases and I agree with the comments about extreme views on this disease or others!