It is a frightening transition to go from healthy to fighting MAC!
I, too, was concerned when I started the big three in late July three times a week. I was worried about diarrhea, since I’m already too skinny as it is. My clinic’s nurse suggested I take my meds before bed at least a couple of hours after my food. That way, the antibiotics can work while I sleep and the next day I can work on keeping my gut biome healthy by taking probiotics and florastor (a probiotic that survives the onslaught of antibiotics).
My primary care doctor referred me to an integrated medicine practitioner who advised me on how to keep my immune system strong. She basically told me to eat the way we all know we should eat: lots of fruits and vegetables and quality protein (chicken, fish, tofu, garbanzo beans). Avoid fried foods, alcohol, sugar and empty carbohydrates since they tend to create inflammation in the body. I did get an itchy rash from Ethambutol and stopped it after two weeks. I continued the other two antibiotics and I am now taking them every day.
So far, I’ve felt pretty good with no tummy trouble.
BTW, the pharmacy insert that came with Rifampin says to take it two hours after a meal and with a full cup of water. You might ask your doctor about that.
Good luck!!!🍀