James, stay on this forum .. many lovely people!

When I was diagnosed a wonderful woman told me .. and I have repeated it to myself MANY times plus told many other people:

"If we all put our troubles in a great big circle .. more than likely each of us would take back our own troubles!"

This statement is so profound. My husband is on chemo with Stage 4 cancer .. I did 30 months on 4-5 antibiotics and now cough incessantly with Bronchiectasis .. BUT we remind ourselves:

We have never lost a child .. we have never lost a grandchild .. now THOSE are troubles! So we count our "gratitudes" each day and see the glass half full rather than half empty. Each day is a new beginning. Each morning we can DECIDE to be happy. Because happiness truly IS an "inside" job! Each of us knows what "fills" our cup .. exercise .. volunteering with those less fortunate than ourselves .. seeing friends or family. We make that choice each morning to be happy. Depression is a chemical imbalance .. my husband also suffers from that .. but he is careful to take his meds .. exercises .. AND makes the choice each day to make it a better day.

James, I hope the above helps you just a little bit! Go in peace.

Hello and Welcome James!

You are definitely not alone. When I first discovered Katherine's post and this page several months ago it has been a BLESSING. Just to discuss paths and pathways that others are and have taken and to understand that there is HOPE and that we have Each Other.

I have resigned from volunteering with children (teaching fiddle/violin) as a result of my infection. Two-fold (1) (a) because no one can give me a straight answer as to whether or not my immune system is compromised; and (b) if I am in any way contagious to the kids; (2) FATIGUE. Quitting on the Kids was a very difficult decision to make, as a result... I understand your depression.

I have since taken up school (on-line) and am about to complete my Master's. I still play music at home (when I feel well) and that helps too.

Find a solace, (not tv...although I am a HUGE 'Fear the Walking Dead Fan'...) and fill the voids that ultimately fill your life with Happiness 🙂

Once again.... we are here for YOU!

Best wishes and with Love...from the USA
Melissa

Melissa, I don't know if this would help you at all .. BUT I cough horribly because the MAI/MAC left me with Bronchiectasis .. just constant coughing that racks my body. To the point my sacroiliac joint was painful. I purchased the below and wear it 24/7. I am 5'2 and 114# .. the sm/med fits me with 20" extra at the end to give you an idea.

OPTP 671 Si-Loc Support Belt .. purchased at Amazon http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=OPTP+671+Si-Loc+Support+Belt+ (by the way: the "smile" portion is every dime I spend at Amazon .. a portion goes to our lung research! The "NTM Info & Research.org" .. if you purchase at Amazon .. check out donating to your chosen charity!)

I had an orthopedic surgeon tell me the SI joint is so tiny .. the belt could not possibly help. SORRY .. I don't care .. all I know is that if I wear the belt .. raise one leg as I cough .. may look odd .. but it relieves my ribs/SI joint to a very bearable level. Plus the positive is that I have stomach muscles of IRON from the coughing! Hope this helps someone .. it has helped me.

Is your MAC in the upper portion of your lungs?<br />
<br />
John<br />