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.

johnlk | @johnlk | Apr 12, 2016
In reply to @barbjh "Hello, I am new to this but was diagnosed this last summer with the MAC infection,..." + (show)
@barbjh

Hello, I am new to this but was diagnosed this last summer with the MAC infection, they found nodules in my lungs that were consistent with an atypical infection. After final getting a sputum sample it grew staph and MAC infection. I was feeling wiped out all the time and losing weight. I cough sometimes but not a lot at this time. I live in MN and saw doctors in Minneapolis and after reading information I decided to go to the Mayo clinic.
Katherine you were right about Timothy Aksamit. He seems very knowledgeable and trust him completely. I am so lucky to have the Mayo clinic so close by. They are amazing.
We are holding off the drug treatment for now....but it may be in my future.
I just turned 60 years old and am single so the idea of this wearing me down is kind of depressing. This is the biggest hurdle for me.
That is why this forum is a great idea. Not many people know about MAC. I just saw my dermatologist and she actually knew all about, that surprised me.
I will write more later, tonight I am dragging.

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I HAVE HAD MAC FOR TWO YEARS OR MORE<br />
<br />
SINCE I DECIDED IT WAS NO BIG DEAL WITH ME I AM DOING VERY WELL<br />
<br />
AS I AM 86 YEARS OLD I DECIDED AGAINST ANTIBIOTIC TREATEMENT<br />
<br />
MY SPECIALIST THINKS THAT IS AN OK IDEA AND WILL MONITOR MY XRAY EVERY 6<br />
MONTHS<br />
<br />
SO THE BIG THING AS I SEE IT IS TO DECIDE THAT I AM JUST FINE EACH DAY AND<br />
LIVE A HEALTHY AND ACTIVE LIFE AS BEFITTING MY AGE<br />
<br />
I AM ALLREADY ON 4 RX EACH DAY FOR HEART AND OTHER CONDITIONS AND THAT IS<br />
ENOUGH OF THAT STUFF<br />
<br />
WORKS FOR ME<br />
<br />
JOHN KITE BC CANADA<br />

REPLY
barbjh | @barbjh | Apr 12, 2016

Hello, I am new to this but was diagnosed this last summer with the MAC infection, they found nodules in my lungs that were consistent with an atypical infection. After final getting a sputum sample it grew staph and MAC infection. I was feeling wiped out all the time and losing weight. I cough sometimes but not a lot at this time. I live in MN and saw doctors in Minneapolis and after reading information I decided to go to the Mayo clinic.
Katherine you were right about Timothy Aksamit. He seems very knowledgeable and trust him completely. I am so lucky to have the Mayo clinic so close by. They are amazing.
We are holding off the drug treatment for now....but it may be in my future.
I just turned 60 years old and am single so the idea of this wearing me down is kind of depressing. This is the biggest hurdle for me.
That is why this forum is a great idea. Not many people know about MAC. I just saw my dermatologist and she actually knew all about, that surprised me.
I will write more later, tonight I am dragging.

REPLY
3 replies
janovr | @janovr | Apr 12, 2016
In reply to @barbjh "Hello, I am new to this but was diagnosed this last summer with the MAC infection,..." + (show)
@barbjh

Hello, I am new to this but was diagnosed this last summer with the MAC infection, they found nodules in my lungs that were consistent with an atypical infection. After final getting a sputum sample it grew staph and MAC infection. I was feeling wiped out all the time and losing weight. I cough sometimes but not a lot at this time. I live in MN and saw doctors in Minneapolis and after reading information I decided to go to the Mayo clinic.
Katherine you were right about Timothy Aksamit. He seems very knowledgeable and trust him completely. I am so lucky to have the Mayo clinic so close by. They are amazing.
We are holding off the drug treatment for now....but it may be in my future.
I just turned 60 years old and am single so the idea of this wearing me down is kind of depressing. This is the biggest hurdle for me.
That is why this forum is a great idea. Not many people know about MAC. I just saw my dermatologist and she actually knew all about, that surprised me.
I will write more later, tonight I am dragging.

Jump to this post

YAY FOR YOU! I feel the same way! Tried them twice, ended up in the hospital both times!<br />
Blessings !<br />
<br />

REPLY
Paula_MAC-2007 | @Paula_MAC2007 | Apr 13, 2016

johnlk, I'm glad you're doing OK without the meds.

People are different -- I think it all depends on the severity of MAC and the spread of the infection in each individual. The 3 drug regime stops the spread of the disease - mine has required 2 lung biopsies and 1 lavage (washing of the lung and suctioning back the liquid materials for analysis) and the drugs to stop the spread of MAC. It's been at least 8 years. It does get better over time, but I don't think it's curable. I got this in my late 50s . . . my pulmonologist said the latest manifestation of MAC over the past 20 years was in thin, middle aged, white women (that's me) -- sounds like hormones may play a part of this.

REPLY
e345l | @e345l | Apr 16, 2016

Were you part of the test study that started last fall of 2015 and goes for about 2 years? I believe you have to go to Mayo each month to see how you are doing?

REPLY
e345l | @e345l | Apr 16, 2016
In reply to @suttonmac2009 "New to the site. My story is similiar to many others. Was diagnosed in 2009 after..." + (show)
@suttonmac2009

New to the site. My story is similiar to many others. Was diagnosed in 2009 after coughing blood. First was told I had phemonia and bronchietasis, was given AB and sent home. Took over a year of different Dr's to agree to CT scan. I was on the 3 drugs for 2 years, seemed stable, they took me off meds, MAC came back after 6 months, stable after a year, then went to 3 days a week only, good for another year, then it came back again. Now we're probably going back on every day. Most times I feel pretty good. Never thought I'd be on these drugs for over 6 years. I know there are worst thing to have but it's frustrating because most people have never heard of this nor I ever meet anyone who has had MAC. I read you were wondering what commonality MAC patients have, my suspicion is it may have some relationship to menopause hormone depletion. About the same time I had MAC symtoms I suffered hair loss and was told I needed hormone therapy since my levels were so low. Perhaps the lack of hormones create an immune disorder or very low resistance to infection. Just a though. Anyways, look forward to continuing everyone"s progress and stories.
Thanks for listening.

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Hi Shelby, I too am new to this site. My daughter found it for me. I have MAC and bronchietasis. Was diagnosed 2 1/2 yrs ago. I did get into Mayo Clinic and luckily got Dr. Aksamit, he is the best! So kind and knowledgeable. I had the dry cough for years, then after being on medications, I got so very tired, just wanted to sleep, no energy, no appetite, lost a lot of weight. My skin turned bronze so I am temporary off the 3 meds for a short time. They check everything at Mayo. I read that women in their late 60's and are fair skin, light hair, get MAC more easily than darker skin women. Also that it can come from being around farm animals, soil, water and birds. I have a twin sister who has not gotten the disease. She lives in a big city. I live on a farm since 1961 and been very active working cattle, hogs, sheep and chickens besides gardening. I think that is how I got mine. Of course I don't do that work anymore, for 5 years probably. Still live on the farm. However at 76, and low energy, I hire someone to
clean my house. Never did that before. I never associated the infection to lack of hormones. Also, the meds never made me sick. I never had any hair loss, a lot of thinning though. So many different problems I have been reading about. Thanks for listening.

REPLY
Paula_MAC-2007 | @Paula_MAC2007 | Apr 17, 2016

@e345I . . . I'm not in the study and this is the first I've heard about it. I live in Wisconsin, about 6 hours from Mayo Clinic. But I go to an excellent teaching hospital here and they could easily do the monthly follow-up for Mayo. I'd REALLY LIKE TO GET IN A STUDY with lots of people with a MAC or MAI diagnosis, to see if THERE ARE ANY COMMON VARIABLES THAT MAY PROVIDE A 'HOW' the majority of us got this.

REPLY
1 reply
e345l | @e345l | Apr 17, 2016
In reply to @Paula_MAC2007 "@e345I . . . I'm not in the study and this is the first I've heard..." + (show)
@Paula_MAC2007

@e345I . . . I'm not in the study and this is the first I've heard about it. I live in Wisconsin, about 6 hours from Mayo Clinic. But I go to an excellent teaching hospital here and they could easily do the monthly follow-up for Mayo. I'd REALLY LIKE TO GET IN A STUDY with lots of people with a MAC or MAI diagnosis, to see if THERE ARE ANY COMMON VARIABLES THAT MAY PROVIDE A 'HOW' the majority of us got this.

Jump to this post

When I first went to Mayo, I was told of the study. I had the disease for<br />
several years before I got to the right doctor. My understanding was that<br />
there were 3 different studies, and you didn't know which one you would be<br />
doing. One was something with a neubulizer, placebo pills and the real<br />
pills. Not even the doctor would know which test you were taking. Since we<br />
were 5 hours away and it was difficult during the winter months, we weren't<br />
asked to participate. I was very hesitant to do it.<br />
<br />
In another post I mentioned the article I read about that fair skinned<br />
women in their early 60's who lived on a farm around farm animals were most<br />
likely to develop MAC. I lived on a farm since 1961. Worked with cattle,<br />
hogs, sheep, and chickens and did a lot of gardening. I think this is how<br />
I got it. Had the chronic cough for years. More problems have developed.<br />
I have lost a lot of weight, no appetite, tired all the time and my skin<br />
turned bronze in color for a year now. Ironic, my twin sister who lives<br />
in a city and smokes, never got the disease. I never smoked! Thanks for<br />
listening.<br />

REPLY
Katherine, Alumni Mentor | @katemn | Apr 17, 2016
In reply to @heathert "Thank you so much for your help Katherine, I have suffered hayfever allergies all my life,but..." + (show)
@heathert

Thank you so much for your help Katherine, I have suffered hayfever allergies all my life,but as soon as I read “reactive airway disease” it rung many bells with me, I cough, get tight chested and cant expell all my breath out, when the temperature droops by 10 deg, (esp around 2am) and in cold air when walking or exercising, and when when emotionally stressed, and if I suddenly run, I am going to my doc to discuss this, I have had this all my life, thank you so much! for the coughing early morn in bed I breathe under the sheet. I also suffered alot from nasal drip and found cutting back on dairy has helped alot. It would be interesting to see how many others on this forum suffer from these.

I thought about the boiling water situation, and realised that it is creating steam which is not good for me so may get a pressure cooker and take it out side to let steam out but bacteria should be dead by then anyway, I read about it under taking precautions to prevent reinfection with MAC/MI, it was in the National Lung Institue pages http://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/nontuberculous-mycobacterial-lung-disease/ then investigated further they say at 55 deg c it takes 20 mins to kill them I think. As we are prone to getting this infection I will try to avoid it where I can(if I can clear it in the first place), they also say to bathe instead of showering, so I do with the window open, and wear a mask when gardening and bathing in warm water.

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I don't know if this is going to help anyone BUT .. I don't have a clue WHY it help my coughing .. if it is the Reactive Airway Disease .. the Bronchiectasis or just what .. I just know it helps my coughing so I don't ask why .. I just have an "attitude of gratitude"!

Years ago I purchased this item so that when I traveled it would help keep my immediate surrounding air "clean" while flying because I always seemed to get a cold when flying because of the recirculated air. Of course that has improved over the years .. BUT I purchased this item and always wore it around my neck while flying. Air Supply Mini-Mate Personal Ionic Air Purifier $51.38
Virus and Bacteria incinerated by corona discharge
• 120 trillion ions per/sec. output. Ozone output .028 ppm
• Destroys odors, chemical contaminants and dust

Then after I got all these lung issues .. I accidentally found out while flying that this little unit also helped my coughing! For whatever reason .. I am VERY affected by "close spaces" .. automobiles .. theatres .. tight areas in restaurants etc. I will immediately start coughing. It is SO embarrassing. People are so kind .. offering lozenges .. etc. I for years have immediately mentioned that I "have a lung issue .. that I do not have the flu .. that what I have is not contagious". I absolutely do NOT want people worried that I am going to get them sick! But if I start this little purifier quickly enough .. usually the coughing will subside! Recently I have even gotten one to put by my bedside .. because for whatever reason I cough a LOT when I first go to bed. Amazingly I have found it has even helped at bed time .. go figure!

As I said .. I don't have a clue why .. what or where. It just works for me. Going to pass it one in case it might work for someone else!

REPLY
Katherine, Alumni Mentor | @katemn | Apr 17, 2016
In reply to @digmeme "I am NEW to this MAI/MAC "stuff". After nearly 9 months of suffering with what they..." + (show)
@digmeme

I am NEW to this MAI/MAC "stuff". After nearly 9 months of suffering with what they thought was pneumonia and sinus-related illnesses my family doctor assumed since I was a school teacher I had been tested for TB each year. This is no longer required in the State of AR and when he did a TB test it was positive. I was immediately referred to our State Health Department who sent cultures in and I was diagnoed with MAI/MAC. This stuff is horrible! I began a regimen of 3 drugs 3 times per week and I did fine January & February on Rifampin, Clarithromycin and Ethambutol...still had bouts of nausea and feeling like I had the flu BUT NOTHING like I had when the Pulmonologist changed me from Rifampin to Rifabutin on March 8. I laid in bed screaming with leg/foot/toe cramps, had 6-8 layers of covers and heavy clothing on to keep warm, etc. Finally a week ago I called the Pulmonologist on call who took me off everything. I went in on Monday of this week for blood work and went back on Tuesday to see the APN, who was wonderful. She did a chest x-ray and I now have Acute Bronchitis and I am OFF the 3 meds and taking my last tablet of Levaquin today. Keep in mind...................I am 65 and have NEVER been sick, other than a yearly sinus infection. Now I have been sick for a year! My major question, of course, is how I got this stuff! I know it's from birds, soil, water.....BUT here is the deal. Seeing as though I have never been sick......I was bite by an autistic student at our school in December, 2014. BAD BITE! To the extent that my hand was broken and I have had to have surgery to remove scar tissue, etc. in October of 2015. It just seems "questionable" to me and my family if there is any way this disease could have been caused by this boy's bite. He has very unsanitary habits and he literally tore my hand open and even broken a booth off in my hand. I am at a total loss how I got this horrible stuff. Do you all that have this take Priobiotics, supplements, etc. I am ready to try anything to get well. I have to start up the meds one at a time for a week sometime later this week and I dread this so much! I know that my Pulmonologist says no herbs or herbal drinks while I am on the meds. IF anyone out there can refer me to anyone who might have the answer if this is bite related please respond. I have several nurse friends who are leaning in this direction but my Pulmonologist refused to even listen to me about this being related. Just seems strange that I have never been sick and 4 months after a horrible bite I get deathly ill. I look forward to hearing any comments. Thank you so much! Linda

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Linda, I am SO sorry you are going through all this! What a rip! Everyone is so different in how this works for their body. Read through the various posts .. you will pick up SO much good information!

For myself, you will read I was on 4-5 antibiotics for 30 months. What I did was rotate 3 different Probiotics DAILY .. I looked for the Probiotic with the MOST billions! By rotating 3 different ones I was able to get various strains of Probiotics. AND in 30 months by doing this I did not get one single yeast infection!

"My major question, of course, is how I got this stuff!"
Linda, I am afraid you will NOT find a "smoking gun" in terms of a cause for MAI/MAC. What I have been told .. I am paraphrasing .. is that because it is a relatively rare disease there is little money for research. Thus they know that mycobacterium is all over our bodies .. in the soil .. in the water .. BUT it is NOT supposed to be in our lungs. BUT couples can garden together for 20 years .. shower in the same water for 20 year .. one will get the disease .. and the other will not. SO .. is there both an environmental AND a genetic factor? My guess is Yes! As we have found with so many other things. But right now we just don't know. If I was you .. I would Just "Put my energy into what I can control .. and let go of what I can't control". ie .. put your energy into getting healthy and not worry about how you got it.

Linda, keep coming back to this forum .. read to gain knowledge as well as support .. there are some good people on the forum .. join us on this shared journey .. we will ALL come out just fine! I have been in remission since May 2015 and am doing just great .. just stay positive and stay happy!

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