Helllooo. My name is Jennifer and I am from a Toronto, recently diagnosed with MAC and bronchioectasis. Am 61 just retired Social Worker. I was recently told by my respirologist, after a pulmonary test, that I have lost 1/3 of lung capacity. Have asthma as well. Don't have a lot of sputum, and am moderate for bronchioectasis....have some symptoms but generally am pretty ok. Will I be able to get lung capacity back. Recently started using flute
To clear some mucus....I think my Dr has the personality of a nat, and I'm thinking of going to Mayo or Jewish....if we can buy insurance in states

Welcome...! Flute as in the instrument?!

It's a hand held machine cnt remember the name of it, but it doesn't seem to wrk. I'm glad I found this support because I certainly can use it

@megan123, .. Hello Jennifer Welcome to our Forum, so glad you found us! Wow .. 1/3 of your lung capacity .. that is really quite a bit to be told. If I was in your shoes I certainly would be seeking a second opinion! I always say that NOBODY cares about your body as much as you do .. that only YOU can be your OWN best advocate .. so I'd advise you as you have time .. read the past pages of this Forum .. educate yourself .. do your 'due diligence' .. then you can make the best decisions for yourself. If you decide to get that second opinion .. I don't have info for Jewish .. I go to Mayo Clinic in Minnesota .. if you are interested .. here is how:
MAYO CONTACT INFO - TRAVEL INFORMATION TO ROCHESTER MN MAYO CLINIC
1. I would collect AN/Y/ALL medical records I could get my hand on from ANY/ALL doctors you have seen. It may take them emailing you Authorizations for Release of Information .. BUT DO get started.
2. Contact Info given to me: MAYO CONTACT NFO If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic appointment offices. The contact information for Minnesota, Arizona and Florida can be found here http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63.
* Minnesota campus for an appointment, here's the number: 507-538-3270
They will discuss your medical history with you and match you to a specialist suited to your situation. They can help you navigate your healthcare journey, answer your questions and guide you through the treatment plan.
For billing and insurance information you can call Patient Account Services at 800-660-4582, or click on this link: http://mayocl.in/2hpba1s
3. Schedule a flight to MSP .. the Minneapolis airport .. OR you can fly right into Rochester MN
4. Rent a hotel room that is walking distance from Mayo Clinic. You can google all these things. I have stayed in hotels in Rochester .. not fancy but close by. You will not need a car.

I would think playing the flute could help the lung capacity .. you might also look at a little gizmo I learned about .. and am giving a try .. read the reviews and see what you think:
It is used by athletics and singers to increase their lung capacity .. I am giving it a shot.

EXERCISE LUNGS
Expand-A-Lung Breathing Fitness Exerciser http://www.expand-a-lung.com
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JWTRA5I/ref=ox_sc_act_title_12?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A35MWDCY6SWWSF
Jennifer, I hope some of this has been helpful. After reading some of the past pages .. if you have any questions please feel free to ask .. we have all been on this journey .. we will be here for you! Sending you a hug in this tough time! Katherine

Tk u so much for your info. I will look into a second opinion asap

Just curious the name of your oncologist at Mayo Clinic.

@gaylejean, Hello there! Is your name Gayle or Gaylejean? Just curious! At Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN they work as a team .. I think of five Pulmonologists in MAC .. mine happens to be one I adore! Dr. Timothy Aksamit .. I have been going to him since 2007. Katherine

Gayle - thank you for M.D. name. I go to Mayo also.

Gayle, I think since they work as a team .. they are all pretty darn good! Hugs! Katherine

<br><br><br><br><br>Hello Jennifer! If you seek help at non-profit institutions like the Mayo <br>or John Hopkins, to name a few; their price structure is lower than the for <br>profit medical institutions. Sometimes they will work will you on payment. They <br>will price out the services before you receive them if you ask. I know that <br>people come from all over the world to go to the Mayo. They have a special dept <br>that handles that. <br> <br><br>