Folks here is my report after my 6 day workup at National Jewish Health for MAC that was found in July 2016. I had had a cough with copious mucus for 2 years and no explanation was found after visits to ENT, NP, allergists, internists, GI......multiple tests. My local pulmonologist sent me to local ID doctor in OCtober......but thanks to you guys I found out about the workshop at NJH for NTM patients on September 17th in Denver. We were visiting our daughter coincidently (She lives in Denver) at the same time. So I attended the workshop. And began the process to be evaluated there.
My appointment with Dr Gwen Huitt at NJH began january 5 and the holistic analysis ended on january 13th.
An amazing place!
Unless the 3 daily sputum cultures come back with significant amt of NTM in 6 weeks.....

I do not show indications of the infection hence do not require treatment.

The reason MAC was found in my lungs when i had the bronchoscopy was that I have severe GERD and since it...NTM is in tap water....it had been aspirated into my lungs as I slept. Repeat Cat scan showed no signs of much...I dont have the typical NTM symptoms....fatigue,chills,weight loss,fever....only the cough and mucus.
The final outcome after tests and analysis:

-No NTM unless the cultures show different in 6 weeks
-GERD- a page of instructions ....weight loss, dietary and fluid restrictions,,head of bed that elevates 30degree, continue with nexium
-No asthma which i have been taking inhalors etc for 30 years
-Allergic rhinnitus-so have to use nasal wash once a day and continue with Flonase and singulaire
-Sleep apnea so will have to get CPAP with face mask.
So just think.....had i not gone to the experts, The local ID doctor had begun to write out the prescriptions for those potent medications 3.5 months ago!!! TDrell