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Is treatment for Mac and airway clearance really necessary
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Sep 17, 2025 | Replies (38)Comment receiving replies
You couldn’t have said it better. That is exactly how I feel! I’m 74 and have had BE and MAC for 4 years. Everything is slowly getting worse. I did try the big 3 and landed in the hospital from side effects. Recently my Dr. added ethambutol, back in the hospital. Went off it a couple of days ago as it made me so sick I couldn’t eat! Became weak and dehydrated. Moral of this story and you nailed it for me, I’m going to stick with what I’m doing, nebulizing with 7% saline every morning, and then I have to nebulize with an inhaled antibiotic- I feel these two are helping get “stuff” up and that’s fine with me, but I don’t feel well at all, I never really did all those 4 years. Did not qualify for any surgery, so, I’m now going to “let nature take its course” because I can’t handle all the pain that comes from all the medication etc..I have wonderful friends, great grandchildren….my pulmonologist finally said at my last visit that I roughly have about 3 years so why kill myself in the meantime by feeling sick every day. Thank YOU for unknowingly helping ME! My new decision - keep doing what I can tolerate and leave the rest to the creator.
Replies to "You couldn’t have said it better. That is exactly how I feel! I’m 74 and have..."
I think your last sentence says it all- do what you can tolerate and leave the rest up to the creator. I’ve had MAC and aspergillosis for so many years and have been treated for both. Some treatments have been harder than others , but I’ve given it my best shot. I was told back in 2019 I would die. Only the good God knows that answer. My husband of 55 years just died last week of complications from sarcoidosis. He was 79. He was diagnosed in 2002. My pulmonologist at UMASS insists I nebulize to keep other unwanted bacteria out of my lungs. I don’t think it’s just because we have MAC but rather we have bronchiectasis which provides a perfect breeding ground for bad bacteria. Sometimes what we can do becomes what we must do. Irene5
I totally agree with you. Although I’m not giving up the fight yet if it gets tooo onerous at 75 I feel I will Enjoy life to the extent possible.
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There is such a kind response And really addresses the question directly
Thank you for your thought
Coincidentally my Pulmo just agreed to try me on the new treatment. I hope I can handle it.
I feel the same way about life. In fact the idea of masking in public is very Repugnant except on airplanes.
Are you still doing airway clearance twice today? That alone is exhausting?
Why did your doctor say you only have three years on what was that predicated? Thank you so much for your reply Jill.