Hi all, It really interests me that so many of us have a multitude of health ailments, not just MAC/Bronchiectasis. It's interesting as well the number of people that specifically have RA (I haven't been diagnosed yet at this time but my dr's feel that it is likely) with MAC...which makes me believe that somehow this is all connected.

I listened to the part 1 of the MAC Conference (from D.C.) last night. I had a little difficulty hearing all of it clearly. The epidemiology part was quite interesting to me. They don't necessarily have the answers to why their data shows what it does, in terms of things such Hawaii having the largest prevalence. Trying to understand why some people "get" MAC as opposed to those that simply exhale "it" back out...other than reasons we know of, such as having excess mucous to "catch" & "hold on to it". I'm not speaking very scientifically here & I apologize, especially seeing that I'm an RN. That being said, it's one thing to be a nurse, it's another thing to be the patient!!! It's a whole another ball game! I'm sure your conversations have gone over these topics before & I still have yet to get through all of the back log of posts since I started being apart of the group (I try to do it a little bit every now & then).

Anyway, I was just thinking out loud... I look forward to listening to the rest of the Conference.

Best,
Jen

I think the ailments that lower the defense of one's immune system could possibly make the person more susceptible to MAC. Again, I'm not a doctor. Just seem to remember reading about this somewhere.

I got a call today from the Rheumatologists office. The pulmonologist said I can stay on the Humira. I have minimal deformities because with the Humira it prevents inflammation by blocking the cytokines that cause the damage in the joints. I'd rather deal with the Bronchiectasis than a major RA flare-up. When I have flare-ups I can barely get out of bed and haven't had one in a few years.

It does. Usually only individuals with an impaired or suppressed immune function get MAC.

Tdrell, thanks for the info. I also have a Masters in Nursing education. I'm still able to work although I'm off for the summer. Had a bad time in the spring and was out over a week from work so we'll see about this semester.

@jentaylor Wow
Jen! You sound like a totally different person since you first came on board.
You seem so much more empowered!  Hugs - Terri M.
 

If you don't have MAC, absolutely I agree w/staying on the Humira...may even help the bronchiectasis a bit as it is brought on by RA for those who have RA. Thought you had MAC as well...

@tdrell My current Rheumy wasn't sure so he had one of my nodules (on my arm) biopsied...RA it is....sigh....Also, I have no joint damage; mine is in tendons and connective tissue...verrrrry interesting!

Oh absolutely! I was on a motorcycle travelling europe in 70's and it was just too cold. Came back and had bronchial conditions for 6 months, I think that was a good opportunity for the MAC to set in. Also had damaged lungs from double pneumonia when 3, more MAC chances. Also had hep C! and did not know it, more immune suppression. hep c gone now (harvoni, wonder drug) but the damage is done. They say MAC is an opportunistic disease.

@boomerexpert that sounds aweful. I am seeing a pattern here, and that is that
many of us also have RA or some kind of arthritic disorder. I have it in my
knees and fingers. It used to bother my elbows and hips when I was in my teens
and twenties. Now both of my middle finger knuckles are big. Oh the
joys....