Interesting! I have wondered that as well since I spent way more time at school than at home. All the schools I worked in were pretty much "sick" buildings. My family has wondered as well and is convinced I got it at the dentist's office as I had extensive dental work, and it is in aerolized water. It requires a susceptible host Gina, and I think for the big picture where we got it isn't as important as what we do after the diagnosis. And, we need to do our best not to let it define us. Two more years! God bless you real good! Irene

Yes, I agree. I was just wondering if there was a common thread. I'm a former smoker, (smoked 22 years), but quit 23 years ago. I was diagnosed with mild emphysema and mild COPD. Dr thinks that's probably what made me susceptible.

<br><br><br><br><br>Agreed! It is not important where you got it, it could have been anywhere. <br>I believe it has more to do with us having a lower than normal immune system. <br><br> <br><br>

1.   Hello- I sent several questions out a few days ago but I think they got lost somehow - here they are again:   1.      1.  this is a reply to"windwalker"  who mentioned the use of a rented portable oxygendevice when I am at higher altitudes.  Can you tell me how it works? Is ita mask you put over your face and sleep with all night?  I will talk to mydoctor about it and I thank you VERY much for bringing this to my attention. Pamela   2.  this is in reply to Terri M. who wrote aboutbeing able to walk farther eventually, but  using nebulized tobramyscin. Can you answer a few questions for me:I understand you areusing the tobramycin now, but did you first begin with the 18 month regimen ofthe 3 basic drugs?  How long did you take those, before going to thetobramycin?  Will you be using it now for the rest of your life?  Didthe MAC return at any point after that initial treatment?  If you havebeen stable, how long have you been stable with no coughing?   Thank you! Pamela     

<br><br><br><br><br>Hi Pamela. Did you get my reply to these questions? I sent it earlier <br>today. <br> <br><br>

<br><br><br><br><br>I got opinions from three drs when first diagnosed with MAC on whether to <br>do the three drug treatment. Two out of three said they would not do it because <br>there is only 50% chance it would work and it is hard on the liver. Then I read <br>MANY sites about treatment and outcomes online on reputable sites like various <br>medical institutions. It was a personal choice for me. I preferred not to <br>because I have a delicate system. At that time I was ultra sensitive to <br>practically EVERYTHING! i.e. scents from candles, perfume, deoderant, car fumes, <br>bonfires, foods like bread or any gluten, food coloring in M&Ms or Mt Dew, <br>and list goes on and on. I do not suffer from these any longer thank God. The <br>Mayo started me on alternating monthly antibiotics three yrs ago. 10 days a <br>month on Cipro, then 10 a month on doxycycline. That worked for awhile, but then <br>I guess the MAC bugs became resistant. A suseptabilty tests was run on my sputem <br>last June 2016 & then I was put on a 28 day regimen of Tobramycin every <br>other month alternating with Cipro for 10 days on the off months. So far this <br>has been wonderful. I NEVER cough now and sensitivities went away. It may have <br>been decided to treat me with the tobi because my drs may feel that I don't have <br>time on my side. I may need a lung transplant in the near future. You cannot get <br>a transplant if you are colonized at the time because it can disseminate to <br>other parts of the body, especially the brain. Don't mean to scare anybody, I am <br>not freaked out any more. It is what it is, and I try to be as diligent as <br>possible to care for my lungs.<br> <br><br>

To Windwalker:  yes, I did get your reply to my first question.. but not to the second... the second answer may just be a little show to come through.  Thank you SO much!  Pamela   

@ginak, Gina, you are NOT alone .. this is a GREAT place to be .. we are ALL on this shared journey together .. we "get it" .. we've been there .. done that! Gina, don't give a moments energy to where/how you got MAC .. who gives a flying leap?! We've got it .. now we deal with it! Because it is rare .. no money for research .. lots of research but no real answers .. so put your energy into what you can control .. getting healthier .. and let go of what you can't control .. the outcome .. OR the reason! Hugs! Katherine

Gina, BUT I never smoked a day in my life .. SO .. go figure!! Hugs! Katherine

@windwalker, Terri, personally I think the day will come where they will also find a part of it is a genetic link. Hugs! Katherine