@jula73, Jula .. I am assuming that is your first name .. PLEASE correct me if I am not correct! I am going to answer you on our Main MAC page because I want you to get LOTS of support from our wonderful Community of caring people! You said: I am a 73-year-old female with a recent diagnosis of MAC along with a history of 34 years of severe rheumatoid arthritis. I also have osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, GERD and a neuromuscular disease called CMT (Charcot Marie Tooth Disease). I also live with scoliosis which can be one of the symptoms of CMT and for which I had corrective surgery 11 years ago. My MAC diagnosis came about a month ago. I am not on treatment yet except for an inhaler. I have been reading many of the messages posted here and am learning quite a bit. One thing I have not noticed is mention of loss of voice or raspy voice. My voice has gotten raspy in the past when I have had sinus infections. I do not believe I have sinus trouble presently but my voice has been getting worse since the beginning of this year. I am trying to drink extra fluids but I am beginning to worry about losing my voice totally. I'm looking for suggestions. I am going to be scheduled for a bronchoscopy sometimes soon. I am a former LPN who worked on a post op surgical floor, in nursing homes and for many years as an occupational health nurse.
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Jula, I am REALLY glad you found us! Welcome! It sounds like you have REALLY been through the wringer with all your health issues .. some that seem to go hand and hand with MAC. MANY of our Group have RA and GERD. I am hoping someone will jump in on the " loss of voice or raspy voice".

You may be new to MAC .. but trust me .. we have ALL been on this journey .. all of us at a different point .. but all on this shared journey .. we are here to help you .. support you in any way we can. We have "been there .. done that". Know how scary it is in the beginning .. BUT have come through that time .. KNOW there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Know what that light is? Knowledge! Knowledge is POWER! Knowledge is learning to advocate for yourself. Knowledge is TAKING BACK your power over your health care! How do you do that? By reading through the past pages of our Forum .. JUST like you seem to be doing! CONTINUE to do that .. read the Connect Forum to educate yourself to our shared MAC disease?! Yes, of course you will! Then as you read .. feel free to come back with ALL your questions .. we are here for you EVERY step of the way. We know where you are right now .. how you feel .. how tough it is .. BUT we also know where you are going .. AND how you are going to get there!! BECAUSE we HAVE DONE IT!! We will walk this walk with you .. just keep coming back with your questions ,... concerns .. cares. We will be here. Sending you a hug in this tough time! Katherine