← Return to In shock after MAC diagnosis

Discussion

In shock after MAC diagnosis

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Nov 1, 2022 | Replies (136)

Comment receiving replies
@sueinmn

First, if you are coughing, can you ask them to try a sputum culture from your cough first? Or at least explain why they want a biopsy instead?
As for the 3 antibiotics, I won't say it's easy, but it can be done. Yes! to the probiotics - I take them every other day.
My biggest problems have been weight loss with lack of appetite and fatigue. If you watch the NJH video on food and nutrition, she gives good tips. Three of my strategies are Carnation Instant Breakfast in my morning coffee (I can't face food first thing in the morning), protein powder in smoothies and sauces, and eating something every 1 -2 hours until 8pm. I grab cheese, 1/2 a high protein shake, some smoothie (I make them by the pitcher), part of a Lara Bar, a piece of fruit...
To manage the side effects of the meds, I take all 3 at bedtime, at least 2 hours after last food and my other evening meds, with just a sip of water. I tried taking one in the morning as recommended, but it made me so sick there is no way I could stay on the regimen, so this is my compromise.

Jump to this post


Replies to "First, if you are coughing, can you ask them to try a sputum culture from your..."

@sueinmn I have no symptoms. They found what they originally thought was pneumonia because I had a chest CT. So I am not coughing, except a tiny bit because of post nasal drip. When they did a follow up CT 6 weeks later one area was a tiny bit worse. Because some other doctor gave me that news and didn’t want to say much I had my doctor call me, I thought I needed to do something right away. Like take another round of antibiotics. It was on the phone that she briefly told me about what she called and what the CT report said, MAI. And she suggested a biopsy this week. I have an appt with my doctor not long after the biopsy which I expect she will discuss in more detail what I have. Although I do not think she will have biopsy results that quick! So it’s been 4 days since I got this news. Thank you for telling me how you are handling it.