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Just found out I have mycobacterium abscessus!

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Apr 12, 2023 | Replies (118)

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@sueinmn

@terryb1 Frustrating! I had three different cultures that grew out mycobacteria other than MAI, and each time the docs said not to be alarmed, the numbers were small. Right now, I had positive cultures for MAC in December but have been off meds anyway - the ID doc says we'll retest sputum only if symptoms return, or if CT after one year off meds shows increasing problems in my lungs. He says there are many reasons for positive cultures, especially with small numbers of colonies, and unless you are feeling ill or showing lung deterioration, the cure may be worse than the infection. So, for now I neb 7% saline, levalbuterol if needed, and go on with life. At 4 months, so far, so good. Sounds like your doc is recommending a similar conservative approach.
Have you been scheduled for any followup cultures? Are you feeling okay?
Sue

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Replies to "@terryb1 Frustrating! I had three different cultures that grew out mycobacteria other than MAI, and each..."

I am feeling ok. Sputum a little more yellow than usual but that could mean a million things. The doctor said for me to send another sputum sample 3-4 months after I had sent this one. I was alarmed because it was abscessus. Thank you for sharing that you had different mycobacteria cultures in the past. By the way, doctor is Dr. Huitt from National Jewish. Better known as the "Queen of Mac". I see a local doctor as well.