1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis

Negative sputum results without treatment

Posted by sayaboleh @sayaboleh, May 12, 2019

Has anyone had spontaneous sputum conversion without taking the big 3? I was told recently that my latest samples produced no pathogens -- i.e. MAC organisms. That is great news of course -- I had no idea that would happen but found some studies that 40- 60% can spontaneously convert without the benefit of treatment. I was diagnosed about 8 years ago and just assumed I would always have it. I have had no symptoms other than a flare up recently when I caught a cold, hence the sputum samples to figure out what was going on. I was given a long explanation by my pulmonologist which was a little difficult to follow. Would love to hear from others if they know anything about this.
Mary

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Brenda R. | @brigby | May 22, 2019
In reply to @sayaboleh "@annya Yes. There were 3 different versions at the conference, one of which (afflovest?) had a..." + (show)
@sayaboleh

@annya Yes. There were 3 different versions at the conference, one of which (afflovest?) had a compressor built-in. I actually tried the Smartvest at the support group meeting a few days ago which was provided by the sales rep. I am not sure that it does anything for me although it works for a lot of folks. I don't think the doctors at the conference were saying not to use them -- on the contrary. Just that there was very little data to support their effectiveness. They also do not recommend any particular one over the other, except to experiment and see what works for you. I find the nebulizer and 7% works quite well for me provided there is mucus -- I suspect I have very little. The Aerobika doesn't really do much for me either. Interestingly, one of the participants in the support group said her pulmonologist at National Jewish told her she did not really need the vest since she is so active. I feel that if you know you have mucus and has trouble getting it out and have not tried the vest -- it is worth investigating and trying it out. --Mary

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@sayaboleh @annya I have the afflo vest. I wear it while nebulizing my 7% saline and I stop every 10 inhalations and do my postural drainage. I’m currently stable now & able to exercise for 2 months - thank you God.

I do get just a little bit of yellow mucus out of my lungs each day, and I think it helps a little bit with my sinuses as well. ( I have m. abscess, MRSA, and Acintobacter Baumanii colonized in my sinuses.) I use the Navage for my sinuses and it seems to have really made a difference.

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1 reply
Brenda R. | @brigby | May 22, 2019
In reply to @sayaboleh "@brigby Thanks for your kind words! Yes I was at the conference. And no I did..." + (show)
@sayaboleh

@brigby Thanks for your kind words! Yes I was at the conference. And no I did not hear any discussion about skin infections other than anecdotal mentions of rashes which may be antibiotic side effects.Mary

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@sayaboleh Thanks for your response. Keep us updated on your progress. Cheers!

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1 reply
Mentor
Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor | @windwalker | May 22, 2019
In reply to @sayaboleh "@pfists Shari -- I forgot one other thing the engineer said about shower heads. He does..." + (show)
@sayaboleh

@pfists Shari -- I forgot one other thing the engineer said about shower heads. He does a monthly hot water routine -- turn the tap on as hot as possible and let it run for 10 - 30 minutes (very unscientific!) I know that Mycobacteria is killed by 140 deg. water so maybe it works. Apparently he has not any any reinfection and he claims that doing that does the trick. The Australian speaker also advises letting your taps run at very hot temperatures for about 5 minutes before using for the day -- to clear out overnight stagnation. Even longer if you have not turned on your water for a long time. I'm afraid I'm not too good at remembering to do any of this. Mary

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@sayaboleh What else did you learn at the conference? Any new info on mac? Or new treatments coming? Or why it is becoming epidemic? Thanks!

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1 reply
deborahwolf | @deborahwolf | May 22, 2019
In reply to @windwalker "@deborahwolf Hi Deb! How was the conference? Do you have anything to share about it?" + (show)
@windwalker

@deborahwolf Hi Deb! How was the conference? Do you have anything to share about it?

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Hi Terri. The conference was excellent! I am so grateful my husband and I were able to attend. There was so much information given that it was difficult to take it all in. I am anxious for the presentations to be posted on YouTube for all of us to see. I encourage others to attend future conferences if possible.

One of the overriding thoughts that we picked up on was how much the experts don’t know. No solid consensus on treatment strategies, who to treat, when to treat, and the overall risks of treatment. But there are a couple of treatments on the horizon which show promise, including nitric oxide inhalation and phage therapy. Hopefully both will continue in development so we have better options for care.

One observation I made is that the experts in the room were the most humble and sincere health care professionals I have encountered. I spent my entire career in this arena and was extremely impressed by the sincerity and honesty in their communication and approach. They are working hard to provide the best care possible and to find better strategies to help us manage our diseases.

And I have to give kudos to this Mayo Connect online forum. The mentors as well as patients are so knowledgeable and willing to share. Nearly everything discussed at the conference has been addressed in various threads on this site. Thank you to all who provide input and guidance, especially to you Terri!

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1 reply
heathert | @heathert | May 22, 2019
In reply to @deborahwolf "Hi Terri. The conference was excellent! I am so grateful my husband and I were able..." + (show)
@deborahwolf

Hi Terri. The conference was excellent! I am so grateful my husband and I were able to attend. There was so much information given that it was difficult to take it all in. I am anxious for the presentations to be posted on YouTube for all of us to see. I encourage others to attend future conferences if possible.

One of the overriding thoughts that we picked up on was how much the experts don’t know. No solid consensus on treatment strategies, who to treat, when to treat, and the overall risks of treatment. But there are a couple of treatments on the horizon which show promise, including nitric oxide inhalation and phage therapy. Hopefully both will continue in development so we have better options for care.

One observation I made is that the experts in the room were the most humble and sincere health care professionals I have encountered. I spent my entire career in this arena and was extremely impressed by the sincerity and honesty in their communication and approach. They are working hard to provide the best care possible and to find better strategies to help us manage our diseases.

And I have to give kudos to this Mayo Connect online forum. The mentors as well as patients are so knowledgeable and willing to share. Nearly everything discussed at the conference has been addressed in various threads on this site. Thank you to all who provide input and guidance, especially to you Terri!

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@deborahwolf Thank you so much for that information. There is hope in our future, yay.

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Jo Ann K | @jkiemen | May 22, 2019
In reply to @alleycatkate "@pfists @windwalker Regarding the 40-60 conversion sputum rate, I was happy to find the following article..." + (show)
@alleycatkate

@pfists @windwalker Regarding the 40-60 conversion sputum rate, I was happy to find the following article that helps substantiate those numbers. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28275170

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@alleycat @pfists @windwalker I have been finding it hard to produce sputum all along. But my MAC after 17 months of the Big 3 is still present on a biopsy I had a month ago. I am still waiting for sensitivity tests to return. I am not sure what the next step will be. I guess it will all be pending the sensitivity results. Any other suggestions from anyone? I have not felt like I did prior to the biopsy. I am not sure if it is physical or mental. I don't want to let this beat me physically or mentally.

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3 replies
Mentor
Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor | @windwalker | May 22, 2019

@jkiemen Hi Jo Ann. That has to feel very disheartening to test positive after 17 months on those meds. Wish I could hug you right now. Could your dr tell if it was a low colony count? Was there any improvement? Did your dr discuss other treatment options?

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pfists | @pfists | May 22, 2019
In reply to @jkiemen "@alleycat @pfists @windwalker I have been finding it hard to produce sputum all along. But my..." + (show)
@jkiemen

@alleycat @pfists @windwalker I have been finding it hard to produce sputum all along. But my MAC after 17 months of the Big 3 is still present on a biopsy I had a month ago. I am still waiting for sensitivity tests to return. I am not sure what the next step will be. I guess it will all be pending the sensitivity results. Any other suggestions from anyone? I have not felt like I did prior to the biopsy. I am not sure if it is physical or mental. I don't want to let this beat me physically or mentally.

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@jkiemen
Jo Ann
I'm so sorry that's not the news we wanted to hear from you.
Try and keep the faith and not to be too discouraged.
Hopefully they will tweek your meds after the sensitivity report and get the right combo.
I know there is a big body mind connection and just getting news like that can effect your whole body. So try and not let that happen.
Im sending you a special prayer for healing tonight.

Shari

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1 reply
sayaboleh | @sayaboleh | May 23, 2019
In reply to @brigby "@sayaboleh Thanks for your response. Keep us updated on your progress. Cheers!" + (show)
@brigby

@sayaboleh Thanks for your response. Keep us updated on your progress. Cheers!

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@brigby. Thank you. I'm afraid I'm going to have to whine a little now. As I may have mentioned elsewhere I have other health issues, one of which is atrial fib. or in my case flutter. About 3 days ago, I went back into afib. which in itself is not too bad. Not long after the onset, as I sat down to do my nebulizing and bent down to pick something up, I pulled my back muscle. I have not been able to get an appointment with a physical therapist (not for weeks anyway) so I am just doing a lot of stretching, heat and ice. Not fun with either one problem but horrible with both at the same time! I do a lot of stretching and exercise everyday -- wondering if I did too much somehow and strained something. I am scheduled for a cardioversion tomorrow which will fix the afib (temporarily at least). Wish there was a similar fix for my back other than time. (sigh). Mary

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alleycatkate | @alleycatkate | May 23, 2019
In reply to @jkiemen "@alleycat @pfists @windwalker I have been finding it hard to produce sputum all along. But my..." + (show)
@jkiemen

@alleycat @pfists @windwalker I have been finding it hard to produce sputum all along. But my MAC after 17 months of the Big 3 is still present on a biopsy I had a month ago. I am still waiting for sensitivity tests to return. I am not sure what the next step will be. I guess it will all be pending the sensitivity results. Any other suggestions from anyone? I have not felt like I did prior to the biopsy. I am not sure if it is physical or mental. I don't want to let this beat me physically or mentally.

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Oh @jkiemen Jo Ann...I am so very sorry to hear your news on the MAC still being active. How difficult. Terri's thought was interesting...wondering if you have discussed an alternative treatment option with your Dr.?? I wish I could add good advice other than try to stay strong and positive. My heart goes out to you and my thoughts and prayers are with you also. Keep fighting the fight.

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