Have to start the big three

I am just so sad that Pulmonologist let my lungs get the point they are before recommending treatment. I reacted to the Rifabutin so now for week I am on 2 of the 3 before he will replace it with something else. He doesn't talk much to me and it makes me feel very isolated. He did no baseline labs and said no when I asked for them. I am pretty frustrated.

You need an infectious disease Dr. not just the pulmonologist. The meds should be taken one at a time so if you react then you know which drug is the cause. Also, a culture should have been taken so they know which drugs will work with your diagnosis. This is my third year dealing with MAC, two lung surgeries and now the second round of drugs. Additionally, you should never just take two drugs, in order to be effective, a third drug needs to be added....

@jkiemen I know how you feel, I wasn't told much either by my dr, I dont think she knew alot, now she has been to a few conferences and is much better. I just did my own research which took a lot of time, time I guess my dr did not have time, so if you have time become a google dr, its a great help, and this site is a great help also. Alot of people cannot tolerate Rifabutin. You are your own best advocate, stick up for yourself with him. I hope you get sorted soon.

I spoke with the Infectious Disease Doctor and he told me he will be adding a 3rd one back so I anticipate being on 3 again before the end of the week. I am so glad I have all of you to communicate with because you are all the only ones that really understand what each one of us are going through. So thank you all again. I have no idea what I would have done with out you all.

I am newly diagnosed with MAC and was at the gym every day and working with a
Personal trainer. Recently my severe Crohn’s disease flared. I was hospitalized 5 days last week at Mayo Florida.
My question: since you were athletic, did you suspect any problems with your lungs? I am still stunned. If I were to have a doctor listen to my lungs they sound clear. I cough up nothing and in fact, don’t even cough. My question is: once the 3 medicines start to work, will I ever cough up anything? Is there something in there to loosen up and I don’t know it exists. This is so frustrating to me to have to go on antibiotics for 18 months when I feel fine concerning my lungs. Meanwhile, I cannot start my Remicade for my Crohn’s, which is severe , until the MAC is treated.

I have similar symptoms. I exercised every day treadmill, elliptical etc and was doing OK. In fact, a week before my last CT I was climbing mountains in California with my 25 year old son. I rarely cough and when I do it seems it is more of congestion in by throat from what feels like post nasal drip. I can't cough anything up with inductions, mucinex and my Aribika device. Then I got the CT results and the prescription. Now I feel like an invalid in just one week. Maybe part if it is feeling vulnerable. I don't know. It is all overwhelming.

@jkiemen, Did you ask your dr why he would not have the baseline tests done? I can hear Katherine right now; INSIST on them! Can you get a different pulmonolgist? and do you have an infectious Disease dr also?

@heathert You are absolutely right. WE are our own BEST advocate in this. People, it is very important to Google this disease and learn ALL that you can. My doctor was impressed at the amount of knowledge that I had and was asking very important questions. I have found that when your doctor sees how involved and serious you are about getting your health back on track; they tend to work harder for you. You would be sursprised how many people go to the dr and have no interest in knowing exactly what is going on with them and how they can be a part of the team in the healing process. Many people just want to be given pills and go on their merry way. Knowlege is power!

@jkiemen, This really is an awesome community. We are all here for each other and genuinely care. I too am grateful for this forum.

@jkiemen, which Mayo?