@cowgirlmt Just because you are tested positive for MAI, it doesn't always mean you have an infection in your lung. The bacteria is very prevalent in our environment. People who are more likely to get infections from them are those who have pre-existing lung diseases or weakened immune system. If your chest X-rays have all come back clear and your lungs have no scarring, taking those strong antibiotics may be an overkill. I had an infection caused by MAC, the root source of which is my bronchiectasis which causes phlegm to accumulate in my bronchial tubes which in turn traps bacteria in my lungs. But my pulmonary doctor and I have decided not to take the "big three" because my situation was not severe enough to warrant the risk of long-term negative effect on my other organs by the drugs. The infection was 3 years ago. I have been doing fine and, although my lungs have old scarring, the chest X-rays have not shown any further progress in the negative way. I will have to live with bronchiectasis for the rest of my life because it is incurable. But I'm happy to be antibiotic-free with no diminished lung function for the past 3 years.