I was diagnosed with MAC in May of 2015. From reading other posts, I did not have the same symptoms as others did. I had been feeling really bad for several months. Coughing was not a problem, although my husband said I coughed a great deal during the night. I was having night sweats and they were increasing and would wake up with headache around sinus area. Finally went to Dr. Since nothing else contributory he treated me for sinus infection.. Returned next week or two when that did not help. Did sinus x-rays. Negative. One week later began running fever and feeling worse. Went back to doctor and white count elevated. To determine cause of elevated white count did chest x-Ray was done showing an apple sized area of infection. Sent to hospital for IV antibiotics. Referred to pulmonologist. TB ruled out after week in isolation. No resolution from IV antibiotic after 10 days. PICC line put in and sent home to continue IV therapy. Oxygen used around the clock. Saw doctor for the next 6 weeks with no improvement. On the last day I saw this particular Doctor he accidentally saw the culture report from when I was in the hospital and mentioned it too me. I don't know why but he did not start MAC treatment. I googled MAC and when i I saw the recommended treatment and knew that I had not been on any of the recommended meds, I saw my primary dr and requested he may new referral. MAC treatment was started and the first month there was remarkably improvement on chest x-Ray which continued for several months. Negative sputum for MAC after 3 months. My chest x-Ray will always have scarring. I have been on the 3 antibiotics now for 13 months everyday. Soon to end. I have not felt that great, but I have not felt as bad as I was afraid I might. I just keep going and try to make the best of it. After about 6 months I was able to get off the oxygen and resumed an almost normal life. I just pace myself and am grateful that this disease is curable. I hope this will encourage someone else. Do the treatment. I failed to mention that I lost a lot of weight as I had no appetite at the beginning. Appetite returned somewhat and have regained a little weight. During all of this, 4 days out of the hospital, my husband passed away unexpectedly. It's been a hard year and a half. Expecting better times soon.

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