1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis

(MAC/MAI) Mycobacterium Avium Complex Pulmonary Disease: Join us

Posted by Katherine, Alumni Mentor @katemn, Nov 21, 2011

I am new to Mayo online .. I was hoping to find others with .. MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM COMPLEX PULMONARY DISEASE (MAC/MAI) and/or BRONCHIECTASIS. I found only 1 thread on mycobacterium accidently under the catagory "Lungs". I'm hoping by starting a subject matter directly related to MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM COMPLEX PULMONARY DISEASE (MAC/MAI) I may find others out there!

I was diagnosed by a sputum culture August 2007 (but the culture result was accidentally misfiled until 2008!) with MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM COMPLEX PULMONARY DISEASE (MAC/MAI) and BRONCHIECTASIS. I am now on 5 antibiotics. Working with Dr. Timothy Aksamit at Rochester Mayo Clinic .. he is a saint to have put up with me this long! I was terrified of the treatment . started the first antibiotic September 3, 2011 ... am now on all 5 antibiotics for 18 mos to 2 years. Am delighted at the very bearable side effects!

I wrote on the 1 thread I found: If you google NON-TUBERCULOUS MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM COMPLEX PULMONARY DISEASE (MAC/MAI) you will learn a LOT about the disease. But PLEASE do NOT get scared about all the things you read .. that is what I did and nearly refused to do the treatment until after a 2nd Micomacterium was discovered! Educate yourself for "due diligence" .. but take it all with a grain of salt .. you are NOT necessarily going to have all the terrible side effects of the antibiotics! Good luck to you!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
January 2017 Update

One of our great Connect Members .. @Paula_MAC2007  .. had a wonderfully helpful idea that I wanted to share! Her idea .. as you read through the pages to gather information on our shared disease of MAC you can develop a personal "file cabinet" for future reference without the necessity of reading all the pages again!

If you have the "MS Word" program on your computer:
- Document Title Example:  Mayo Clinic Connect MAI/MAC Information
- Then develop different categories that make sense to you such as:  Heath Aids .. Videos .. Healthy Living .. Positive Thinking .. Baseline Testing and Regular Testing .. Antibiotics ..
Tips for
- As you read the pages .. copy/paste/save things of interest into that MS Word document under your preferred categories for future reference.

Then as you want to refer back to something in the future .. YEAH!  You have now created your own personal "file cabinet" on MAC/MAI!  Go to it!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

Maryke | @maryke | May 28, 2015
In reply to @blc "I found this discussion while researching side effects for the meds prescribed for MAC, and possible..." + (show)
@blc

I found this discussion while researching side effects for the meds prescribed for MAC, and possible ways to tolerate them.
I was diagnosed in March 2013 after suffering with a cough for approximately 18 months. When I started coughing up a little blood occasionally, I went to my GP and he sent me across the hall to a pulmonologist. After several CT scans and blood tests and finally a bronchoscopy he determined it was MAC. I started the meds about 3 weeks ago and am very uncomfortable the 3 days a week I take them. I had to stop taking the clarithromycin because it made me break out in a rash. I can't imagine taking these meds for the next year or more!! I'm sensitive to most meds anyway, and this prescription makes me feel worse than the cough. Has anyone really gotten used to the side effects? Normally I'm a very healthy 56 yr old woman, vegetarian, work out 3-4 times a week and eat a lot of fruits, veggies and yogurt. Any suggestions on how to cope with the side effects is appreciated. *B

Jump to this post

Hi Jill<br />
Thanks for the info. I am going for my CT scan in 2 weeks time, then<br />
the doctor will tell be if I can start doing some exercises. It feels<br />
like someone has broken my chest bone and rib cage. Luckily I don't<br />
cough that much after I started on these antibiotics. I have been<br />
sick for 5 months before I got diagnosed. I also drink my meds with<br />
orange juice. I split my meds in 2. I take 500mg in the morning and<br />
the other 1800mg at night. I struggle to eat and try not to eat after<br />
6 at night and nothing to heavy. Sometimes I feel fine (as fine as I<br />
can feel) and then I am so tired my chest pain, and my ears ache my<br />
neck ache. It feels like I want to roll in a ball and climb in a<br />
hole. I feel blue and bruised. But I think I am starting to cope. I<br />
am a housewife and my in-laws moved in as I was diagnosed, so it still<br />
feels a bit weird for them to do everything. My mother in-law says I<br />
should leave the medication and go the herbal route. I am to scared,<br />
because I don't want to take a chance.<br />

REPLY
Jill T Payne | @jilltpayne | May 28, 2015
In reply to @blc "I found this discussion while researching side effects for the meds prescribed for MAC, and possible..." + (show)
@blc

I found this discussion while researching side effects for the meds prescribed for MAC, and possible ways to tolerate them.
I was diagnosed in March 2013 after suffering with a cough for approximately 18 months. When I started coughing up a little blood occasionally, I went to my GP and he sent me across the hall to a pulmonologist. After several CT scans and blood tests and finally a bronchoscopy he determined it was MAC. I started the meds about 3 weeks ago and am very uncomfortable the 3 days a week I take them. I had to stop taking the clarithromycin because it made me break out in a rash. I can't imagine taking these meds for the next year or more!! I'm sensitive to most meds anyway, and this prescription makes me feel worse than the cough. Has anyone really gotten used to the side effects? Normally I'm a very healthy 56 yr old woman, vegetarian, work out 3-4 times a week and eat a lot of fruits, veggies and yogurt. Any suggestions on how to cope with the side effects is appreciated. *B

Jump to this post

Definitely not the herbal route only. It sounds like you were very advanced by the time they figured out what was wrong. I think it is hard to cure MAI and many people probably do not stick with it long enough to be cured. The herbal remedy might make you feel better but it won't cure the condition. Let your mom-in law help and tell her how grateful you are. Hopefully, in a few weeks you will feel better. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />

REPLY
Paula_MAC-2007 | @Paula_MAC2007 | May 28, 2015
In reply to @blc "I found this discussion while researching side effects for the meds prescribed for MAC, and possible..." + (show)
@blc

I found this discussion while researching side effects for the meds prescribed for MAC, and possible ways to tolerate them.
I was diagnosed in March 2013 after suffering with a cough for approximately 18 months. When I started coughing up a little blood occasionally, I went to my GP and he sent me across the hall to a pulmonologist. After several CT scans and blood tests and finally a bronchoscopy he determined it was MAC. I started the meds about 3 weeks ago and am very uncomfortable the 3 days a week I take them. I had to stop taking the clarithromycin because it made me break out in a rash. I can't imagine taking these meds for the next year or more!! I'm sensitive to most meds anyway, and this prescription makes me feel worse than the cough. Has anyone really gotten used to the side effects? Normally I'm a very healthy 56 yr old woman, vegetarian, work out 3-4 times a week and eat a lot of fruits, veggies and yogurt. Any suggestions on how to cope with the side effects is appreciated. *B

Jump to this post

Maryke, I agree with Jill - not the herbal route only!! Per my pulmonologist, it's much easier to cure TB than MAC - - can cure TB in six months on the drugs. MAC is a stronger form of the bacteria. So take your prescribed meds. I too felt like an elephant on my chest ... but after a year on the drugs, that feeling subsided and now occurs when I'm in hot, humid weather. You really do need to 'baby' yourself along the way with this. It's nothing to fool around with. Your in-laws can be a real help to you. Thank them for their help and care! Try to walk, exercise, build up your strength in your lungs and chest. It does take time so pace yourself. Blessings to you and Jill.

Paula Stroud

REPLY
Melissa23 | @melissa23 | Jun 19, 2015

Hello my comrades with MAC. I am Active Duty military and frustrated with my limited access to answers about my infection.

I had a >21mm PPD in 2011 along with gross reading CT Scans and misread chest x-rays. For three months in 2011 I was treated for Latent Tuberculosis then released from treatment after I demanded a QuantiFERON TB test which came back negative for TB.

In 2014, my body finally deteriorated to the point that my neurologist addressed my persistent cough and ordered an AFB sputum culture – Positive for Mycobacterium avium. My doctors act as if they have never seen the manifestation of this infection. My CT Scans have revealed “reticulondular, interstitial, pleuroparenchymal opacities in both lung apices” and x-rays range in readings from “mild, bilateral nodular changes in the lung apices” and “biapical pleural thickening”, to “the lungs are normal in appearance without evidence of active disease”. It seems that “normal” was much easier to deal with than the potential of missing the infection back in 2011.

I am currently on 2 antibiotics (azitrthromycin 500mg 3xs a week and rifampin 600mg 3xs a week) and have been since FEB 2015, yet sputum cultures continue to come back Postive.

Has anybody out there had AFB cultures to determine if the MAC is in their Blood & Urine?

Had anybody out there had their M. avium subspecies identified?

To aggravate matters more, I am told that the MAC is not in my lungs. My doctors are thinking of discontinuing the “toxic” antibiotic treatment. Over the past three years I have developed SVT, Raynaud’s disease, migraines, levido reticularis, vulvudynia, unspecified diffuse connective tissue disease and now I have left-side-facial muscle pain/droop and similar pain/swelling/immobility in my right hand.

I have asked the Military to Please send me to see Dr. Timothy Aksamit at the Mayo Clinic.

REPLY
9 replies
debymacc | @debymacc | Jun 20, 2015
In reply to @melissa23 "Hello my comrades with MAC. I am Active Duty military and frustrated with my limited access..." + (show)
@melissa23

Hello my comrades with MAC. I am Active Duty military and frustrated with my limited access to answers about my infection.

I had a >21mm PPD in 2011 along with gross reading CT Scans and misread chest x-rays. For three months in 2011 I was treated for Latent Tuberculosis then released from treatment after I demanded a QuantiFERON TB test which came back negative for TB.

In 2014, my body finally deteriorated to the point that my neurologist addressed my persistent cough and ordered an AFB sputum culture – Positive for Mycobacterium avium. My doctors act as if they have never seen the manifestation of this infection. My CT Scans have revealed “reticulondular, interstitial, pleuroparenchymal opacities in both lung apices” and x-rays range in readings from “mild, bilateral nodular changes in the lung apices” and “biapical pleural thickening”, to “the lungs are normal in appearance without evidence of active disease”. It seems that “normal” was much easier to deal with than the potential of missing the infection back in 2011.

I am currently on 2 antibiotics (azitrthromycin 500mg 3xs a week and rifampin 600mg 3xs a week) and have been since FEB 2015, yet sputum cultures continue to come back Postive.

Has anybody out there had AFB cultures to determine if the MAC is in their Blood & Urine?

Had anybody out there had their M. avium subspecies identified?

To aggravate matters more, I am told that the MAC is not in my lungs. My doctors are thinking of discontinuing the “toxic” antibiotic treatment. Over the past three years I have developed SVT, Raynaud’s disease, migraines, levido reticularis, vulvudynia, unspecified diffuse connective tissue disease and now I have left-side-facial muscle pain/droop and similar pain/swelling/immobility in my right hand.

I have asked the Military to Please send me to see Dr. Timothy Aksamit at the Mayo Clinic.

Jump to this post

I'm reading these comments with much understanding . I really never thought<br />
I would live to see another year. That was 2008. I also had antibiotic<br />
therapy for a year. High doses about 3200 milgrams of antibiotics a day. It<br />
worked . I was very week for that year and had very few side effects.<br />
Coughed up every morning for awhile to rid my lungs of mucus. I had a great<br />
lung physician , without him I wouldn't be here today.<br />
<br />

REPLY
Melissa23 | @melissa23 | Jun 20, 2015

Hi DebyMacc. Have you been tested for MAC since your recovery?

REPLY
1 reply
Marr j | @marr | Jul 2, 2015
In reply to @blc "I found this discussion while researching side effects for the meds prescribed for MAC, and possible..." + (show)
@blc

I found this discussion while researching side effects for the meds prescribed for MAC, and possible ways to tolerate them.
I was diagnosed in March 2013 after suffering with a cough for approximately 18 months. When I started coughing up a little blood occasionally, I went to my GP and he sent me across the hall to a pulmonologist. After several CT scans and blood tests and finally a bronchoscopy he determined it was MAC. I started the meds about 3 weeks ago and am very uncomfortable the 3 days a week I take them. I had to stop taking the clarithromycin because it made me break out in a rash. I can't imagine taking these meds for the next year or more!! I'm sensitive to most meds anyway, and this prescription makes me feel worse than the cough. Has anyone really gotten used to the side effects? Normally I'm a very healthy 56 yr old woman, vegetarian, work out 3-4 times a week and eat a lot of fruits, veggies and yogurt. Any suggestions on how to cope with the side effects is appreciated. *B

Jump to this post

How are you doing now? Are you still taking the meds?

REPLY
debymacc | @debymacc | Jul 2, 2015
In reply to @blc "I found this discussion while researching side effects for the meds prescribed for MAC, and possible..." + (show)
@blc

I found this discussion while researching side effects for the meds prescribed for MAC, and possible ways to tolerate them.
I was diagnosed in March 2013 after suffering with a cough for approximately 18 months. When I started coughing up a little blood occasionally, I went to my GP and he sent me across the hall to a pulmonologist. After several CT scans and blood tests and finally a bronchoscopy he determined it was MAC. I started the meds about 3 weeks ago and am very uncomfortable the 3 days a week I take them. I had to stop taking the clarithromycin because it made me break out in a rash. I can't imagine taking these meds for the next year or more!! I'm sensitive to most meds anyway, and this prescription makes me feel worse than the cough. Has anyone really gotten used to the side effects? Normally I'm a very healthy 56 yr old woman, vegetarian, work out 3-4 times a week and eat a lot of fruits, veggies and yogurt. Any suggestions on how to cope with the side effects is appreciated. *B

Jump to this post

I am doing wonderful! No meds after the year of treatment . I do believe I<br />
would have died without them. I could not even shower myself. Had no energy<br />
and would fall into the bed each day after work. The treatment was rough<br />
but it killed the spores. Took me awhile to get over the treatment if<br />
antibiotics .<br />
<br />
-- <br />
<br />
*Deby *<br />

REPLY
Jill T Payne | @jilltpayne | Jul 2, 2015
In reply to @blc "I found this discussion while researching side effects for the meds prescribed for MAC, and possible..." + (show)
@blc

I found this discussion while researching side effects for the meds prescribed for MAC, and possible ways to tolerate them.
I was diagnosed in March 2013 after suffering with a cough for approximately 18 months. When I started coughing up a little blood occasionally, I went to my GP and he sent me across the hall to a pulmonologist. After several CT scans and blood tests and finally a bronchoscopy he determined it was MAC. I started the meds about 3 weeks ago and am very uncomfortable the 3 days a week I take them. I had to stop taking the clarithromycin because it made me break out in a rash. I can't imagine taking these meds for the next year or more!! I'm sensitive to most meds anyway, and this prescription makes me feel worse than the cough. Has anyone really gotten used to the side effects? Normally I'm a very healthy 56 yr old woman, vegetarian, work out 3-4 times a week and eat a lot of fruits, veggies and yogurt. Any suggestions on how to cope with the side effects is appreciated. *B

Jump to this post

I took three drugs every day for 15 months and in the beginning I felt like you do. But I was able to adjust somehow and got over the initial malaise and depressed appetite. The only thing I took other than my usual vitamins was Calcium D Glucarate. A friend suggested it. I am not sure of the action, but I thought it made the difference and allowed me to turn the tide. You could check it out with your doctor, but I don’t think there is anything harmful. I would be interested in anyone else trying this to see if it helped.<br />
>

REPLY
henry ranosa | @kamuning80k | Jul 3, 2015

I was diagnosed mitral regurgitation-severe i would like to avail of your Robotic Assisted surgery. How much it will cost me? And where in US states will i be admitted? Is there a hotel or Inn in that area that are cost savings. Im from Manila, Philippines.

REPLY
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