I did once out of the blue. It was scary.  I was told that if it stops just to call and let my pulmonologist know.  He said it was part of Bronchiectasis. 

I know about the being afraid thing. I always think, what if it happens when I am here or there.

JO Ann Kiemen

@unicorm, I remember you mention coughing up blood, going to ER initially and deciding to stop going later on. I thought hemoptysis had stopped since then. Hare you been coughing up more blood since your earlier posts?

No just once do far.  (knock on wood)

I had a bronchoscopy last week to get a sputum culture because I could not produce anything with 2 sputum inductions.  I am certain it is still there because

of the CT scans I have had. I guess they want to get that important culture and I think send it to Jewish National.

Jo Ann Kiemen

Yes coughed up some a few months ago, but nothing like the 2 initial episodes. So bronchiectasis, interesting. I thought it was the little bugs eating the capillaries!

@jkiemen Hi Jo Ann. Please keep us posted.

@unicorn Christa, it happened to me twice in my MAC 'career'. The first time it happened, it freaked me out big time. I was on that phone so fast to my pulmonologist! It is very frightening to see blood on your tissue. I learned more about it, and have had only one other episode. Did not worry in the least as it is part of having bronchiecstasis. A LOT of blood is worrisome and should be checked out. Sometimes that is a sign of active infection. Just stay on top of it is all. XXOX

I was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis/microbacterium abscessus in Sept 2015. The symptom that brought me to the Dr.was bleed in my mouth. I can't say I coughed it cause I didn't. I felt congestion in my throat and when I cleared my throat that is when I saw the blood. Not a huge amount but enough to know this is not right. It rarely happened but I went to the Dr. Immediately. I went to Drs at University Hospital in Cleveland (ID) and Mayo Clinic (pulm). They had me on a watch, I went every 6 mos. In April 2017 in had a episode that produced a lot more blood than I'd ever had. It only lasted a few minutes but my Drs decided it was time for me to start treatment. Very scary for me. I had to leave my business cause I new I couldn't perform my job while doing these treatments. I was right. I just finished 8wks of amikacin and cefoxitin through a pick line and azithromycin orally. I had a severe allergic reaction after 6 wks. and GI bleed after 8wks. I had a headache and felt yucky through pretty much that whole treatment. Monday I start amikacin inhaled through a nebulizer and as long as my blood count is on the rise will also start linezolid orally along with the oral azithromycin. Not looking forward to this next bout. I'm a nervous reck, really trying to stay positive. Sure hope going through this helps. I would definitely love to hear some positive outcomes. I don't think I've heard any if I have it's very few. I just want to get this behind me and live my life again. I guess because I've been extremely healthy my entire life that this is so hard on me. Praying for a positive outcome for all of us.

Terri
Have you heard anything about pseudonomas being in lettuce and other vegetables? They add them to some soils in organic growing it appears. Just wondering if you know anything about that or if anyone else has heard? We don't need these bacteria in our food supply!!

Thanks, Kay S

@tutti Hello Lisa, I understand your fear of going on that treatment plan. Personally, I would be more fearful of having m. abscessus and NOT being on a treatment plan. If you are losing precious lung tissue due to this infection, then yes, you need to do something to stop it in it's tracks. I went to the D.C. NTM Convention last spring, and the experts there had positive things to say about the use of inhaled amikacin. I believe the inhaled version is fairly new.
I know that it is especially a bummer to go from a healthy person your whole life, and then get blind-sided with this tenacious disease. I don't know how much you already know about avoiding further infections, but I will say it. Take a bath instead of a shower, do NOT get into swimming pools or hot tubs, do not visit hospitals or nursing homes unless absolutely nessessary. Do not handle potting soil. There are over a billion pseudomonas microbes per tablespoon in the bag of soil. You must be more careful about adding to your bacterial load. I did not see you mention doing the inhaled sodium chloride treatments. If they don't have you doing those, ask why not.
Lisa, I hope you visit our forum on a regular basis. When we combine our experiences, it helps us to learn about our disease, and also to cope better. I wish real hugs could be sent over the internet; I'd be giving you one right now! - Terri

@tutti, Lisa, I just re-read your last post. I feel like you have already been through hell with those 8 weeks of treatment; and that the next three antibiotics should be a piece of cake. (provided you are not allergic to any of those) XXO Terri