Long-term Antibiotics for Bronchiectasis & MAC
Diagnosed w/Bronchiectasis in 2008, MAC in 2011 and have been on many medications since then. Under control for several years, but reinfected a couple of years ago while on antibiotics. My body became somewhat immune to some of meds I was on. I am now taking several more drugs that have pretty significant side affects. Fortunately, I've been okay with them. Anyone else been on antibiotics for this length of time?
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My energy level varies. I have days when I own the world and days when I can barely get dressed. And days when it's a combination of both. Already a slim person I have lost about 25 lbs and don't seem able to gain weight. I've always had a light appetite. and not much of a cook. Thanks for telling me about the saline used in France. I use it twice a day. Sometimes it is difficult, makes me cough a lot and then feel exhausted. But I'm not complaining; whatever it takes to have the good days.
lauriefrancis, I'm glad to hear you've booked respirologist appt. in June. My Toronto doc successfully gave me treatment for MAC. It is true doc's don't know much about Mac, but I recommend find out if respirology doctors are qualified equally in bronchiectasis inclusive. I trust they also will get to the bottom of her bloated and painful stomach. It is possible she may have hernia. Best of care.
May I ask what you took for your treatment?
The weight thing is a tough one. Many people don’t understand. We never would think to say” Oh my gosh you are so fat!” But people think nothing of saying “ What’s wrong with you? Don’t you eat? Are you anorexic?” I always reply with a smile and say “That’s how the good God put me together!” I should reply with something less kind, but it’s not in my nature to embarrass someone back. People should not prejudge someone without knowing the “rest of the story.”The ID doctors hope to get me up to 100 pounds by taking an appetite stimulant and using marijuana. Since I’m not a party gal I haven’t even tried the latter. Anyway what made sense was the doctor telling me to force myself to eat more so that my stomach would get bigger. When you don’t eat your stomach shrinks which keeps the cycle of not eating going. With ten children plus teaching, I spent the better part of my life eating off of people’s plates. It may not have been the best, but it was easy, and I ate plenty. Good luck to you! The ID doctor tells me that if my nutrition improved the MAC would not be happy and might take up residency elsewhere. I am not sure about that as there are way more contributory factors. But I am trying to eliminate one!
@lauriefrancis Does your mom has “irritable bowel syndrom” for her bloating? Check the symptoms on the internet. You can also find good info in Dr Balch book “Nutritional healing “. Did she ever had her gallbladder removed?
I live in New Brunswick Canada. Also a snowbird and I live in Largo Florida for 5 months and a half. Good luck with your mom! Nick
@lauriefrancis there is a good infectiologist in Rivière du Loup Qb Dr Harvey! He treat many patients with the MAC. When I had a MAC it was diagnosed by a broncoscopy lab test.
@lauriefrancis Has your mom seen a doctor to check the condition of her ovaries for the symptoms of bloating and painful stomach?
@ling123 she had a hysterectomy. Maybe the ovaries are still there. She's had xray and ultrasound.
@nick52 she has diverticulousis and yes her gallbladder removed 7 yrs ago. After surgery the surgeon said it probably wasn't her gallbladder causing her problems.
We were wondering if the bloating was related to the Mac infection. From what you are all sharing it doesn't seem to be part of the usual symptoms. @windwalker888 am I right?
Thanks everyone!
@lauriefrancis OK. Diverticulosis explains the symptoms of bloating and stomach pain. I don't belie these symptoms have anything to do with MAC, at least not directly.