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Long-term Antibiotics for Bronchiectasis & MAC
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Aug 14, 2020 | Replies (164)Comment receiving replies
I was taking three drugs to combat this disease: Ethambutol, Riflaxin, and Cipro. every other day, (3 days), no weekends. Like clockwork,
I would expell it all about 2 hours later. My doctor told me to stick with the regimen. Was also on Prednisone for R/A. I got tired of vomiting and was losing weight. I made the decision to stop all the drugs. Am now taking 13 mg. of Prednisone a day and it keeps me comfortable. In addition. am taking 2mg. of Sulfasalazine twice a day for the rheumatoid arthritis. No vomiting and no arthritic pain I walk for 30 minutes each day & do moderate exercises, nothing strenuous. I am in my eighties, live alone, do my own cooking. When I feel good I tend to do too much, which causes painful flare-ups. I have to remember to take it easy & keep it simple.
Replies to "I was taking three drugs to combat this disease: Ethambutol, Riflaxin, and Cipro. every other day,..."
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@hmt1931 Hi. How are you doing today? Thought that I would check in on you. I am doing good at the moment, although no energy and so much to do! Just wanted to let you know that I was thinking about you. -Terri
@hmt1931 and @gatortail, Just want to say there are other treatment options out there that are less harsh on the body. I am very surprised that your dr put you on the Big 3 at your age. Many doctors won't. Depending on the susceptibility test that should have been done along with the testing of your sputem samples; You can be put on singular antibiotics that have few side effects and take only for ten days a month. For example: I was taking Cipro for 10 days one month, and then Doxycycline on the next month. I was on those alternating the months. Now I am on the Cipro for 10 months and tobramycin for 30 days on alternating months. I have no side effects from either and am in better shape now than I have been in 15 years. Plus, I do two nebulized treatments of 7% sodium chloride, which is just saline, but has proven to thwart off mac and keep your lungs clean. You may want to discuss these options with your physician.
Terri, that is so true about celebrating the good days. One day a week ago, I felt like I was 20. I shopped in four stores, had a rare cup of coffee and donut and sat in a parking lot watching a lovely summer storm. I had forgotten how wonderful it is to feel well...so freeing and hopeful. Feel the opposite today but I do have a lovely memory.
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@hmt1931 Hi there. You actually sound like you are doing quite well to be in your 80's, dealing with mac and still living on your own and....cooking! I am only 59 yrs old and have zero energy after 3:00. There is no cooking being done by this mermaid. Sorry, that is an inside joke with my cousin who always says "Mermaids don't cook." I too tend to over-do it on days that I feel good. I think that is typical. My husband and my friends fuss at me every time that I do it. I totally get it get as to why we tend to do that. It is almost like we are celebrating the good days. Right?