@katiemknor Hi Katherine, I love how you're such an advocate for us! Your passion and positive attitude is so appreciated. I understand your suggestion of getting a second opinion. I failed to give you an accurate picture of my medical journey.

Originally I started with a pulmonologist referred to me by my ENT that did nothing but scare me (not needed here, I'm already scared). Fortunately for me my brother in law taught at Tulane 's medical school and referred me to his former colleague Dr Covitz a Pulmonologist who now teaches and works in Chicago (post Katrina). I'm comfortable with my doctor, but now realize I need a good infectious disease doctor...it sounds so scary. If it turns out to be MAC I agree that I need a doctor that specializes with MAC patients.

The waiting for test results and having time on my hands is the worse part for me. I'm 50 years old and I've always been super active. I've been taking several long walks during the day and look for inspiration...in people like you! Thanks! Winnie
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@katiemknor
Thank you for sending me the above private message Winnie. However, I hope you don’t mind that I have placed it on our Forum because I think you have things to add to our storehouse of knowledge as you go along on your journey .. plus I see that Kathryn from our Forum has ALREADY reached out to you to support you! That is the wonderful way our Forum works! Private messages truthfully kind of defeat the wonderful purpose of our sharing Forum .. hope you are ok with that! I think in time you will be really happy with the kindness and sharing you will find from others here on our Forum .. PLUS I am quite sure you will “play it forward” as you are a little further along on YOUR journey! That is just how this Forum has worked .. wonderfully!

Now to details .. I am SO glad you have at least started with a pulmonologist .. BUT in NO way should they have scared you!! Phooey!! I am SOOO glad Kathryn responded to you .. SHE is a teacher .. REALLY in your same boat .. AND still teaching!! You two should really try to stay in touch.

I really think if you “put your energy into what you can control” which is researching a good MAC doctor to get a second opinion .. that will help fill the time .. take you mind off the wait .. plus be sure to read the back pages of this Forum. That is doing your “Due Diligence” in case it is MAC .. so you will be educated about the process. Knowledge truly IS power .. take that power BACK .. into your OWN hands .. educate yourself so that you know what is happening to your body. It truly does help!

Winnie, I would encourage you to post here on the Forum .. once you do .. you will start to receive any new messages from other people .. you will then be kept in the "loop" .. how 'bout that! Neat system huh?

Then keep coming back to the Forum .. really good people here who will be here for you whatever the outcome of the journey. Sending you a Hug! Katherine