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New Diagnosis of MAC/MAI & I'm scared

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Oct 13, 2022 | Replies (349)

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@ginak

@andyj Hi, I see an NTM specialist in NYC at NYU. When I was first diagnosed in 2016, I asked him about going in the hot tub wearing a mask. He laughed, and said he “was never asked that question” and then said he wouldn’t recommend it, but, it’s up to me if I wanted to take the chance. I decided not to take the chance. Thankfully, I never had, and still don’t have, any symptoms of an active infection. I’ve never been on the antibiotics. I DO have lung nodules, which they watch with CT scans yearly, (or sooner if necessary depending on what shows up). I also have bronchiectasis so I use the Aerobika twice a day for lung clearance and I alternately nebulize .9% and 3% saline daily. I guess, ultimately, it’s up to you if you want to take that chance. I was also going to look into salt water hot tubs but never bothered. That might be something you could consider if you REALLY can’t give up the the hot tub. Good luck.

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Replies to "@andyj Hi, I see an NTM specialist in NYC at NYU. When I was first diagnosed..."

Thanks for your reply and info. I've thought of the mask idea too! Looks like you have the bronchiectasis (which I've just read about for the first time) diagnosis, but not MAC, and that you don't have any symptoms of active infection (what good news!). What prompted you to seek medical attention in 2016? I was bothered by several things which my PC doc sent me to specialist for: shortness of breath when walking uphill, weight loss, and sputum production which required 'clearing' daily and eventually became discolored. Initially I thought that A-Fib was causing shortness of breath, but after cardioversion and medication for A-fib last March, it didn't improve. I too have nodules and tree buds showing on CT scans going back 4-5 years but the doc suggested it might be COPD from 2nd hand smokers. Maybe the infection has been there for years!?!