I find the same thing but never no what comes first gerd or lungs.

I think it can be triggered by either.

RE: waiting until symptomatic to be treated; my pulmo specializes in MAC/NTM's, found him through ntminfo.org...he would not recommend treatment so long as I remain stable, as it is very hard on the body with or without side effects (of which there are quite a few for many folks), similar to chemo which hits everything in the body while fighting the problem in one area. Once on the antibiotics there's no turning back (or you risk developing antibiotic resistance), so he feels, and I agree, that if the infection is just sitting there and not growing, it's best to wait and see.

Same here since 2012. So far, so good.

@boomerexpert
My pulmonologist said the same thing. That's why I opted to wait. I've now been checking for a Dr that also specializes in it and that takes my insurance. I want to have options, get a second opinion and be ready when and if I get symptoms.
Gina

<br><br><br><br><br>That sounds like a good idea to me. Be sure to get sputem tests on a <br>regular basis so that it does not sneak up on you. Also, learn all that you can <br>about it. Knowledge is power!<br> <br><br>

Dear @ginak, (do you have a first name .. more personal!) First of all I want to thank all our wonderful members for all the helpful and welcoming posts they have made to you in the past two days as I was unable to get to my computer .. see what a great community of people you have found! Lovely people!

I TOTALLY concur with @irene5, Irene's advice below .. get thee to an GOOD Infectious Disease doctor ASAP!! Please do read the past pages of our Forum to educate yourself so you can best advocate for yourself .. but until you have time to do so I will repeat my notes on finding a doctor:
INFECTIOUS DISEASE DOCTTOR
1.GOOD Infectious Disease doctor locally. Just google it
2. call the various offices .. ask to speak to a nurse .. ask 'How many MAC patients has your doctor seen in the past 12 months?' If a NURSE in the office does not even KNOW what MAC is .. that is a pretty good tip off that office does NOT treat MAC patients!
3. Request an appointment with the BEST ID doctor locally you can find
4. 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.
5. Having read ALL the back pages of this Forum .. done your 'due diligence' .. educating yourself .. you will NOW have a LONG page of questions and will KNOW exactly WHAT the ID doctor SHOULD be doing for you .. or NOT doing.
Hope you find this helpful! .. and hope this enables you to find a GOOD ID doctor! Hugs to you! Katherine

@ginak, PHOOEY on that 50% .. educate yourself .. you'll end up knowing more about our shared disease than THAT doctor!! Good luck!! Hugs! Katherine

Hi Katherine, I have started reading all of the past pages and they have been very informative. I also appreciate all the advice I've been given. Thank you for starting the page and giving so many a place to share and receive information. I have now been searching for an ID Dr and will have a list of questions to ask. Thanks again to all.
Gina

@ehliny .. this is really helpful information .. thanks so much for jumping in! Hugs! Katherine (do you have a first name?)