← Return to New Diagnosis of MAC/MAI & I'm scared

Discussion

New Diagnosis of MAC/MAI & I'm scared

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

Comment receiving replies
@sueinmn

Hi Laura,
I am not surprised that military docs are unfamiliar with bronchiectasis - it's probably not prevalent in their usual population The infectious disease doc is probably a good bet for treating MAC, but whether the underlying condition require treatment too is a question for pulmonology. Not too familiar with the referral process for active duty military, but you may need to be seen "outside the system" for someone with bronch expertise. Good luck and keep asking questions. PS - the good news is that MAC is a relatively slow-growing infection, so the 2 drugs may be okay to keep it from progressing while you work through the process. There are medications and therapies to manage the bronchiectasis itself, to slow progression of damage and make breathing easier. The "burning" makes me wonder what else is going on...

Jump to this post


Replies to "Hi Laura, I am not surprised that military docs are unfamiliar with bronchiectasis - it's probably..."

Thanks Sue, the army doctor referred me to my current doctor who is a pulmonologist who did the bronch. My pulmonologist is referring me to the infectious medicine doctor to treat the MAC but unfortunately isn’t a lung specialist only infectious medicine. I asked my army doctor whom you’re right isn’t very familiar with this to refer me to a different pulmonologist who also specializes in complex lung infections which would also be able to provide a second opinion on everything hopefully. I hope the referral process is fast. Good to know it’s a relatively slow growing infection until I can meet with the new doctor. I will ask my current pulmonologist the questions you previously asked those are very good questions. Thanks again. I hope wherever you are in this process is going well for you! I’ll post an update once I know more. Have a good weekend.