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Big 3 and weight loss
I have bronchiectasis and NTM. I also have GERD. I have been on the "big 3" for six months. I have no appetite and am losing weight. Anybody else have this problem, and if so what are you doing about it? Is it caused by the antibiotics?
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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.
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2 ReactionsThx so much for listening and helping me sort all this out. I know my scheduled next time to see my doctor, but he really didn’t explain under what circumstances may require an earlier appointment. That might be a good question to send to his office, although as long as I don’t get any infections, my guess is we will stay the course......battling fatigue seems to be a norm and my weight is holding steady.
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2 ReactionsHi extratiredalway,
I was on the big three for three yrs. until couple months ago. The antibiotics affect appetite but the illness itself does too. One thing that will help to put weight on is a product called Naturade Gain Weight. It’s a powder formula. I mix it with rice milk.
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1 ReactionAppreciate the details but can immediately tell I couldn’t persuade spouse to do all of this. Thanks for sharing and continued good health!