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Question regarding symptoms
Hi all, I'm wondering if anyone else with bronchiectasis and/or cavitary lesions has this symptom or feels this way. I had MAC which was successfully treated and I have been off meds since April 2017. I also have mild bronchiectasis and two cavitary lesions that remain stable. For several months after I got off meds I felt really good but for the past month and a half I get afternoon fatigue, don't feel well and have a dry cough. No night sweats or fever.
If I take ibuprofen the cough clears up and I feel better. I don't really know why ibuprofen would cause my cough to clear up and my primary doc seems confused by this also. I've had a chest Xray which is stable since last Xray and my primary doctor only hears a bit of wheezing which is normal for me. Could it be as simple as allergies? Of course I'm paranoid because of previous MAC infection.
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@jkiemen I'm not a doctor. But I have read a lot on line after I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis and MAC. Since the bacteria are found in soil and water, I assume the ones we get from the soil would most likely by inhaled and the ones from the water would likely be either inhaled through stream/vapor, such as when we take a shower, or aspirated from the stomach for people with GERD. These bacteria are prevalent. Most people have them in their systems. Only the unlucky few get infections from them. And we are some of the latter. So far, there is no consensus as to why some of us get the infections and others are not bothered by these bacteria. But one factor seems to come up a lot: those who already have pre-existing lung diseases and those who have weakened immune systems tend to be infected a lot more easily than people who are otherwise health. I believe I got the MAC infection because I have bronchiectasis.
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1 ReactionLearned it didn't mean anything important. From PA: It just means that sometimes when we see the initial sputum sample, they put a "stain" on it and it can tell us if they see "something" right away or nothing at first glance. There was no growth from that culture at the end of 6 weeks, so nothing to do. When he said "some bugs", he was assuming that something would culture out but nothing did. 🙂
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2 ReactionsWonderful news I hope I hear those same words some day.
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1 Reaction@jkiemen I hope you do too!
@jenblalock, Good morning, Jen! Oh! I am SO glad that the prednisone is working! Especially here at the holidays. I am doing great, thank you for asking. I was just in Virginia this past weekend and had an early Christmas with my daughter. Also helped a friend up there get unpacked from a move. We are having a Christmas party this weekend; so I have had fun shopping for décor for the party. I have not entertained in seven years due to illness. It feels good to get back to my old self. I hope you continue to improve and have a safe and happy holiday. Hugs, Terri
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2 Reactions@pfist, Hi Shari! Wow! I did not know that candles were that toxic. I only knew that the heavily scented ones would cause me to cough. I will def switch to the beeswax, Thank you for that info.
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1 Reaction@pfist, Girl, you don't know how relieved I am to hear how well you are doing! I will consider that a Christmas gift. Your good news made my day. It sounds like you are doing everything right with your precautions. BIG HUG!
@jenblalock, Jen, have they tried having you nebulize that strong saline to bring up sputem from deep down in the lungs?
@windwalker Hi Terri. I use 7% saline and an aerobika. I think that maybe when I spit I produce too much saliva? But honestly, how does one spit without producing saliva??
@jkiemen If I can keep busy I worry much less. Easier said than done.
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