@jenblalock Jen, these mycobacteriums are never fully eradicated. Every human and animal has it in their lungs. It is unavoidable because it is everywhere. Most people and animals can keep the colonies in check with their immune systems, and also because they have healthy lungs. Those of us with bronchiecstasis have lungs that are structurally abnormal and are prone to trapping these bacterias so that they colonize. The key is to take good care of yourself. Don't put yourself in situations that may bring on illness. (like I did 2 weeks ago) I was cleared on my last test in June, and feeling pretty good, so I volunteered to help a friend move. Big mistake. I caught an infection (probably not mac) by vacuuming her house and stairway. Her house was FILTHY because she has severe lupus and no energy to clean. The carpet was covered in everything including fur and dander from three dogs. I was choking the whole time and held a shirt over my nose, but still, it was stupid on my part. I won't do that again. Avoid sick people, exercise, do daily saline treatments. Those are only the three 'biggies', there are other steps as well that you can take. I am SO glad to hear that you are clear of an active infection! It takes work to keep it that way.

Good explanation. That makes sense. Ugh! So sorry you caught something. I caught pneumonia 3 weeks after I got off meds. Was not happy. Have been okay so far after that except for once on our road trip but luckily had some Levaquin with me just in case and it cleared up before it turned into anything nasty. I've been off meds only 4 months so won't be counting my chickens yet. I know what you mean about being careful. It's so easy to just forget about it and say "Oh, I'll be fine" until you're not. Got off of the lung clearance for awhile due to traveling and laziness but now am back home and back on a good regimen of that and exercise. Best to you and I sure hope you kick that bug quickly!

My doc at Mayo says there's a 40% chance of re infection. Yes we have to be careful. Perhaps the 60% who do get cured, are not on any forum, any longer. We hear from people who have new NTMs or MAC being treated. Let's hope there's many folks out there that used to have it but are too busy to write in they are well. It's good to hope! My doc has many patients who did not get it back.
Careful and hopeful it's gone!
Kay S

@kaystrand Kay, that is an excellent point that you made! Perhaps you are right; once cured, the people leave the forum......I think we should all commit that if we are ever cured, that we return occasionally and check in to let others know that it can happen. Deal??

@jenblalock Thank you for the well wishes Jen. I had developed post nasal drip after my vacuuming a friend's house. It started to turn green and then infected my lungs. I started to do netti treatments using boiled distilled water with salt. That really helped a lot. The drip has stopped. Plus, the antibiotics are kicking in. Today, I am starting to breathe a bit better also.

Oh gosh, Terri. That sounds like my last bout. So glad the antibiotics are working for you. Hope you get to feeling better quickly! You are still on treatment, right?

@jenblalock Yes, still on treatment. Have three more weeks of tobramycin. Will continue netti for nasal pasages and saline inhalation twice a day.

@windwalker Is Tobramycin like Amikacin? Inhaled?

All the best to you Terri, get well fast !!
PS: No more vacuum cleaner for you ..try another sport 🙂
Andree

Windwalker...what a friend you were!!! Wasn't this about the time you fell on steps and injured foot and whole body??tdrell