Hello Nnassire, such good news! BUT I would suggest you request a copy of any/all sputum culture results. I ALWAYS get a copy .. I have them going back to 2007.

Nnassir and All, It is helpful .. if you look back a ways on our Forum you will see my post on the fact that Mycobacterium IS present in the lungs .. BUT is "smear negative" ie cannot be seen by the microscope .. "smear positive" ie it CAN be seen under the microscope which I understand is the most important. ("Colonies" ie One .. Two .. "Few ie more then 10" .. Many ie 20 to 25 colonies". )

That is why they does a series of cultures .. because the specimens end up coming from various parts of the lungs so by getting samplings in this manner they can put a "puzzle" together of just what is going on in the lungs.

I'm putting out this information while it is in my head! I saw my wonderful Dr. Aksamit at Mayo Clinic today .. and Blessings! I am again "Stable" .. since May 2014! Yes, Mycobacterium has always been present .. the reports have included : "No Growth after 60 Days" to "Few, "Many" .. but ALWAYS "Negative" .. so I am home free. Happy Days! Hugs to all! Katherine

nnassiri....not meaning to be a troublemaker...but l have two questions ....the sputum culture Order from the doctor has to be labeled...l believe....to check for Mycobacterium. My regular Dr months ago ordered "sputum culture" that showed "inflammatory cells" nothing re the MAC that showed up on a washing from my bronchoscopy. last month the infectious disease DR ordered a sputum culure specific for Mycobacterium (NTM) and it grew it.
Also are they doing chest CAT scans to monitor her?tdrell

Hello tdrell
The sputum culture showed MAC but the doctor asked her to do a CAT scan and re do the sputum culture one more time. He also asked her to keep taking the Symbicort Inhaler - this medication works like a magic, she stopped coughing since taking it.
God bless you.
nnassiri

Hello NNassiri and Terri, the doctor is smart to request a second sputum culture. My understanding is this is because the hope is the 2nd culture will be from a DIFFERENT part of the lung from the first. That is why the doctors like a sequence of cultures .. because they never know when we cough .. which part of the lung the sputum is going to come from. So the more cultures the better actually.

But NNassiri .. PLEASE do not forget that the coughing is our "lung hygiene" .. if we do NOT get that sputum UP and OUT .. it can sit down there and become a breeding ground for more mycobacterium. That is why despite getting tired from all my coughing .. I understand it is my body trying to get the "bad " stuff out so to speak.

Sending you both a hug .. your wife is blessed to have you by your side! Katherine

@katemn I want to personally shout a big "WooHoo" for your good news and stability of your health. I hope that you continue to get positive reports.

To all,
I would like to compliment everybody on this discussion for your selfless sharing of so much helpful information. And for support of each other! I came to this discussion in June for what has been diagnosed as 'exercise induced asthma' ( bronchospasms) and I am still working with pulmonologist to get it under full control. I am very pleased with my progress, and I am frustrated that full management is not coming quick enough for me.

I admire all of you for your patience and proactive approaches to your health.
Rosemary