Hi Candy, when I started Arikayce daily in July it triggered an exacerbation of my copd (chronic bronchitis) after only 5 days and my doctor said to stop. It took a couple of weeks to be able to resume some activities. On August, my doctor told me to try it again but only 3x per week or every other day. I opted for 3x per week and it seemed fine for a while.

In December, I realized that I was almost homebound. It crept up on me slowly. I forced myself out for errands and occasionally to my health club. But I had a dogwalker for all 3 walks. I also was coughing up what I called marbles of mucus and once I thought I had broken a tooth again but it was a thick sputum glob about the consistency of a gummy bear. I basically sat on the couch watching television or reading.

I stopped at Christmas. I know some people thought I shouldn't quit without talking to my doctor but it was impossible to reach her until after Feb 1 because she was moving to Tyler. Also, I was negative since last June so I was using Arikayce as insurance and also to kill pseudomonas and klebsiella which had also been negative for several months.

My breathing has improved a lot since I stopped. I'm back to walking the dog all 3 walks and going to the health club for water aerobics 3x per week. I'm also getting some things done in the house when I'm not totally fatigued. I still spend way too much time on the couch though. So tired!

I hope my relating my experience helps you. It's a fantastic drug and I believe the only drug developed specifically to kill ntm's.

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