@mimi68, I've never had a sputum sample - not reliable enough to cough up. So my pulmonologist replies on bronchoscopies, lavages and CAT scans over these 8-9 years. I was misdiagnosed for 2 years before getting a diagnosis of MAC which let the bacteria grow and get a hold of my lungs! After having my first bronchoscopy, the pulmonologist called me that night to tell me about the bacteria growing rapidly from one of the samples - the other sample was sent to see if I had lung cancer which he also thought was a probability. So I only had to wait 8 hrs for some results, then I only waited 2 more days for a final MAC diagnosis. I'd guess it's where they send the samples that may determine how long to get the results. Ask your Doc why it will take so long for results. My best wishes to you! Keep us posted.

My pulmonologist called my husband today when I was out and told him he received the result of the sputum sample and it is positive. We aren't sure if he is talking about the sample I took in 3 days ago or one from several weeks ago. He said he's waiting for the full lab report and will call me next week. It's still mind-boggling that I don't have any symptoms. Of this, I'm very thankful, but can't figure it out.

I asked my pulmonologist about doing a bronchoscopy and he said he didn't want to as it was too invasive. I have finally been able to get 3 sputum tests into the lab, the last one being today. I should have the results around the beginning of October. I still have no symptoms, and hope that continues. I can see from reading many of the posts that there are lots of people really suffering from the disease and the treatment, and I certainly feel for them all. I hope a better and more user-friendly treatment will be found soon. If my tests come back positive, I will see an infectious disease doctor who is familiar with MAC for a 2nd opinion before going on the treatment.

Then I believe you haven't found a particularly good pulmo... In contrast, two pulmonologists wanted to do a bronch on me immediately as that's the most accurate way to determine the presence of MAC/MAI...sputum tests can be misleading... Recommend you find a new doc...

My pulmonary dr. wanted to do a bronchoscopy on me first thing after ct<br>scan to be sure of what was going on in there.<br><br>

I did the bronchi test. I have the top pulmonary specialist in Wisconsin. He has run every test, completed every lab test imaginable. I also got a second opinion from another top pulmonary doctor who was in agreement with my doc. I feel really good, do not have any side effects right now. I was told by the 2ND doc that if side effects are going to show, they will mostly show in the 1st 30 days...<br><br><br>

I may have underestimated my pulmonologist, as he has set me up with an appointment to see a new infectious disease doctor that has just come into our area. I will see him on Aug 2.

Hello Mimi, just back home and saw your post. In my opinion .. if you have no symptoms I also feel a bronchoscopy is DEFINITLY invasive! I have had more than one bronchoscopy. If you go under .. there are ALWAYS some possibility of something going wrong. As an example .. the last time I had a bronchoscopy the Anesthesiologist put me under too quickly and my blood pressure plummeted .. AND the procedure had to be canceled. SO .. I am ALL in favor of conservative caution! If you were having serious symptoms .. that might be another story . but If I was I would just be patient.

I also am VERY in favor of your seeking out a 2nd opinion with a doctor who has knowledge of MAC. Do your "due diligence" NOW. Start researching. Call and ask "How many MAC patients has Dr. So and So seen in the past 24 months? That is a very valid question because you want to be a patient of a doctor who is UP on the latest treatment information! Good luck on your research . . and don't be so afraid of the treatment! Many of us have come out on the other side just fine!

Hello @sophie1019,
Where are you being treated in Wisconsin and who is your pulmonologist? Just wondering.
Paula