Hi Terri. I am 76 and was a teacher - a career open to women back then. At age 40, I went to law school and practiced law until I retired due to health issues.

While I traveled outside of the U.S. when I was younger, the last foreign country trip I can remember was in the 1990's.

Rita

Hi Terri, I worked in the school system for 25 years. I also traveled extensively in Europe and in every State. I became intensely sick in 3 3rd world countries. Also had H-pylori. at age 62 ws DX COPD. Hdn't smoked in 40 Yrs. I came down with my first pneumonia after sight seeing in Washington DC.

Windwalker. Hello Terri, I have had many jobs throughout my working life. Started out as a sculptress for a toy company, then a jewelry designer, then an aerobics instructor and yoga instructor. After my divorce, I worked as an art teacher for a brief year then for another year as a director of a ymca senior center in a building that had asbestos and black mold. After that I settled into a Home Depot as a decorator and then a kitchen designer. I have been there for 15 years. Environment there is, as you might surmise, extremely dirty and particulate filled... not to mention full of various toxic chemicals. I have traveled to Greece and New Zealand, but mostly travel to west coast and New Mexico. I live in New England. What seems to be the common element that you are finding among MAC and bronchiectasis patients? I would have thought it to be more a gastrointestinal issue that causes the bronchiectasis and that makes us more susceptible to the micobacteria. I find it fascinating that there are so many women who are well educated, independent and who seem not only take care of themselves well, but who also advocate for themselves well. It sure is interesting that it is more common in women over 65. I would be pleased if you could share any commonalities that you find we all share.

Windwalker. I called Mayo Rochester yesterday to make an appointment and they said all appointments were taken. Is this a usual response? I am able to make an appt a full year ahead with my doctors I was taken aback that they could not accommodate me.

Windwalker. Hello Terri, I called Mayo Pulomonary again today and they were much more accommodating and told me to call every day at 9 my time to check for any cancelations. I felt much more positive about getting an eventual appointment. Just wanted to share.