Replies to @thumperguy Don, I have had MAC since around 2010. I was on the famous 3 super…

← Return to Has anyone ever been cured of MAC?

Discussion

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Mar 9 9:07am | Replies (62)

Comment receiving replies

@florage7

Don,
I have had MAC since around 2010. I was on the famous 3 super antibiotics for a year. The MAC went dormant for about 10 years then returned with a vengeance after I had covid in 2024. In 2025 I was on a picc line with Cefepime, an oral, Clarithromycin, and Nebulized with Arikayce for four months. It killed my gut. I have lost 20 lbs. I still have no appetite & can barely eat. I have such shortness of breath, and very weak. It also has promoted osteoporosis and I have 5 fractures in my lower back. I saw your post one week ago started nebulizing with 7% saline twice a day. How long does it take to feel better? Does it really help to reduce the MAC? Is there anything else that might help?? My Dr now recommends Brinsupri. Gayle

Jump to this post

Replies to "@thumperguy Don, I have had MAC since around 2010. I was on the famous 3 super..."

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Feb 25 8:21pm

@florage7 Not @thumperguy here, but someone who took the antibiotics and had weight loss with it.

I'm wondering what follow-up you have had with your doctors since finishing the antibiotic regimen?

Also, I lost over 20% of my body weight on the antibiotics, and had to force myself to eat - six small high calorie meals a day. It took 3 years to regain the weight, which I really couldn't afford to lose. You might need to consult a nutritionist/ dietician to get on a personal eating plan.

As for the weakness, once I began to gain weight, I gradually started a walking plan - just got into it when Covid hit, and by 9 months after starting, I was walking a couple miles daily. I would nebulizer 7% saline, then do my "walk and cough" for airway clearance. This gradually made me stronger, at first I had to take a rest after even a short walk, but gradually got stronger.

Shortness of breath was a different matter. With my pulmonologist, we determined it was caused by my asthma and I got on proper medication for that.

What are your docs doing to treat your osteoporosis?

VIEW AND REPLY