@justaussie I rely solely on my pulmonologist. He is well versed in all aspects of broncheactasis and NTMs and therefore I have no need of an infectious disease doctor. Find a pulmonologist at a center of excellence for our condition and maybe that is all you will need.

@justaussie

When you wrote that you had trouble producing sputum, I had that same problem, and I thought it meant things were more okay than not. I now believe the bacteria was just sitting in the wet pockets of my lungs because my condition has worsened. Bronchiectasis, which produces large and floppy bronchioles that don't sweep well, tends to invite or allow MAC to return. I'm convinced (and this is just me, not a doctor speaking) that we need to address both the infection AND the bronchiole issues.

In other words, I'm glad you're getting a doctor who is more engaged and knows the disease better. Even my Infectious Disease specialist has areas of ignorance that are shocking, despite her depth of knowledge in other respects. The disease is not that well understood yet.

Warm regards, and don't get discouraged!
Mokie

@justaussie Hi Justine, I to am just in the process of looking for a new ID doctor, one who I hopefully feel is more attentive, supportive and reliable. Are you in Brisbane Australia? Reading your story was so so similar to mine, I was unable to form any sort of rapport with her as I felt she was lazy and it was just all too much trouble.
My Respiratory Physician could have looked after me far better than her. I agree with Mary, find a good caring, experienced Pulmonologist, one who knows what ‘Duty of Care’ means. Ditch your ID….. big hugs and I wish you all the very best. 🩷