Aspergillus with MAC

@brigby Hello. No, of course I don't mind sharing. My lung function is at 37 % as of my last Lung Function Test (LFT) last June. I am getting another one done in the next month as my shortness of breath has gotten worse. I have COPD, which is a progressive disease, so it could be that getting worse, or it might be that I have not been to the gym in three months. My severe lung disease is due in part also to something genetic of which they cannot figure out. My diaphragm is totally flat and stiff; so, it requires more effort and concentration to breathe normally. I am on oxygen at night because the conscious effort to breathe diminishes due to sleeping. My 02 levels drop to about 80 many times during the night for periods longer than 5 mins. I must use a portable 02 concentrator when I go to the gym. There is NO way I could exercise without it. This all sounds bad, and it is; but, to meet me, you'd never know it unless you were beside me after taking the stairs. That is when it becomes obvious.

@teriwalker The Hypoxia is disconcerting, isn’t it?

She didn't say no. I didn't understand how it would be helpful, and with so much to discuss, I think it got left to the side.

@franthony Hi. This is how the inhaled saline can be beneficial. The saline is 7% sodium chloride. It is inhaled as a mist by using a nebulizer. The benefits are that it adds moisture to the phlegm making it thinner and easier to cough up. Phlegm is often very sticky and clings to the insides of your lungs and bronchial tube. Thick phlegm is attractive to mac and pseudomonas. They look for goo to colonize in. Since you are not coughing, you may not need the saline at this point. You may want to discuss with your dr as to whether it would be a good prophilaxis (preventative measure).

@brigby Hello. No, of course I don't mind sharing. My lung function is at 37 % as of my last Lung Function Test (LFT) last June. I am getting another one done in the next month as my shortness of breath has gotten worse. I have COPD, which is a progressive disease, so it could be that getting worse, or it might be that I have not been to the gym in three months. My severe lung disease is due in part also to something genetic of which they cannot figure out. My diaphragm is totally flat and stiff; so, it requires more effort and concentration to breathe normally. I am on oxygen at night because the conscious effort to breathe diminishes due to sleeping. My 02 levels drop to about 80 many times during the night for periods longer than 5 mins. I must use a portable 02 concentrator when I go to the gym. There is NO way I could exercise without it. This all sounds bad, and it is; but, to meet me, you'd never know it unless you were beside me after taking the stairs. That is when it becomes obvious.

@windwalker I am sorry to hear that, I had no idea you were so short of breath and felt so bad you always sound so upbeat and helpful and often out bike riding in summer with your wee dog! We are so lucky to have you on here and really really appreciate all your help, an inspiration to us all. Friggin genetics, I have a CF gene, I guess you have been tested for that. I hope you Stay well over winter avoid those nasty bugs. Bring on a cure! Take care Heather

She didn't say no. I didn't understand how it would be helpful, and with so much to discuss, I think it got left to the side.

@franthony Hi. This is how the inhaled saline can be beneficial. The saline is 7% sodium chloride. It is inhaled as a mist by using a nebulizer. The benefits are that it adds moisture to the phlegm making it thinner and easier to cough up. Phlegm is often very sticky and clings to the insides of your lungs and bronchial tube. Thick phlegm is attractive to mac and pseudomonas. They look for goo to colonize in. Since you are not coughing, you may not need the saline at this point. You may want to discuss with your dr as to whether it would be a good prophilaxis (preventative measure).