Big 3 and weight loss

I have a question that perhaps you can help me with. I had a sputum test last fall and two of the three tests came back with positive results and my doctor (whom I like and respect a good deal) described the cultures as some kind of bacteria that acts as a colonizer and is not a mycobacterium that requires antibiotics. He asked me to return to twice daily respiratory therapy (which I’m doing) but I don’t really understand the difference between all the terms that get discussed on this forum. I guess what I’m asking do you think a wait and see approach with what I’m doing is best or do you think I should pursue further? Although I wouldn’t really know what to pursue. I am not actively sick -I’m working- but have a good deal of fatigue. Thx for listening to this ramble😜

Hi migizii, do you see a pulmonologist who is experienced in treating bronchiectasis? What is the colonizing bacteria, and what can you learn about it? If you are coughing up sputum after respiratory therapy, is it clear or yellow/green? Have you had a CT scan to show if there is evidence of infectious damage to your lungs? I would be hesitant to "wait and see" without complete testing and evaluation by a specialist. The waiting advised by my family practitioner left me very ill, weak and fatigued before treatment commenced. My pulmonologist explained that damage from bronchiectasis leaves one susceptible to infection by bugs that normal lungs would be able to overcome, thus he may treat me now, but would not do so for a patient with normal lungs/lung function.

I see a pulmonologist at Mayo in Rochester, MN. I had a CT scan prior to the sputum test and that’s why he ordered the tests. I do cough up sputum (it is usually clear, murky, or slightly blood stroked, but not yellow or green) after respiratory therapy. Information is limited on the internet but here’s what my doctor told me: 2 of the 3 cultures showed mycobacterial current-gordornia polyisoprenivorans, which he called and does not cause disease unless there is an immunodeficiency (which I do not have)........I am stable as far as no illness is concerned and I am due to see him again in 6 months. I do experience ongoing fatigue and some chest pain (this is minimal). What do you think?

migizii - I am not a doctor, but live my life surrounded by medical professionals, and I know there are MANY infections which are not treated unless you are immuno-compromised. The folks at Mayo are among the best in the field, my brother sees them, and trusts them implicitly. If you feel like you are getting good care, go with it! Also, the purpose of the respiratory therapy is to bring up the mucus, so sounds like it's working. Just be sure the doc explains when you should be in contact if your condition changes. For example, in September, my doc said he would see me in April, but just recently his nurse said he wants to see me in February instead.

Initially I lost my appetite and I wasn't understanding why. I started drinking tumeric and ginger tea with lemon,medicinal strength manuka honey, coconut oil and black pepper. I also started taking a probiotic with 12 strains/10 billion active cultures. Also includes a probiotic. The name of the product is Trunature. I also take liquid vitamins and a sublingual B12. I also take CBD oil. My appetite is much better.