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Just got second CT Scan says probably MAC. I am a K teacher

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Sep 24, 2021 | Replies (21)
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@aima1234

Thank you!
I definitely do have an active infection now. I'm very weak, have difficulty breathing, horrible feeling in my chest and total body discomfort. I was scared to go to sleep at night because of my breathing. My doc asst. gave me zanax to take last night because I didn't sleep for 2 days. Most scary is I can't get an appt. with a pulmonologist and I feel like I am dying. Of course, I will get on the phone tomorrow and continue to try to get an appt. ASAP. I am a single mother of a fourteen year old girl and this is feeling scary right now.
Question... any idea what I can do for comfort. Do you all take IB or Tylenol? Does that help.
I drink tea with honey as much as possible. Do active infection ever subside on their own? Any input would be appreciated.

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Replies to "Thank you! I definitely do have an active infection now. I'm very weak, have difficulty breathing,..."
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 25, 2021

Wow, this sounds like when I was diagnosed! Again, in my experience, this severe an infection is only going to get worse.
I understand the ER reluctance to give you an antibiotic when you need the exact infection diagnosed, but it sounds like this cannot wait - your primary might need give you something to knock this down while you wait for an appointment. Relieve pain and any coughing with OTC meds - run by doc first.
As for staying comfortable - do you have an inhaler to help with shortness of breath? If not, call your primary and ask for one. And possibly a nebulizer.
Again, also talk to doc about getting a sputum sample to speed up learning what is making you so sick.
Some of us (including me) have found some comfort in a product called "Breathe Easy Tea" by Traditional Medicinals - widely available in many supermarkets, health food stores, on-line and even larger WalMarts.
In the meantime, get copies of the CTs and any tests so far to expedite getting treated when you can get an appointment, and don't discount trying to get at least a phone appointment with Mayo (https://www.mayoclinic.org/appointment-request) or National Jewish Health in Denver (https://www.nationaljewish.org/doctors-departments)
Can you share what area you are in? Maybe another member can offer a suggestion for a doc.
Please stay in touch with me and let me know what kind of help you can find.
Sue

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