Hi @grannyred, Welcome to the group. I completely agree with you that knowledge is power and sometimes scary, an unfortunate paradox. The great part about this group is the collective knowledge and experience, the sum of which is even greater than its parts. Glad you found us, especially during this waiting period. When do you expect to get results from the new sputum test? Have you done sputum tests before?
We look forward to getting to know you.

I had a sputum test a year ago which showed MAC. Six months later it was negative. The doctors that I had at that time never discussed the results with me. I changed doctors and he told me all about the disease and ordered new sputum tests which I did this week. Now I am waiting for the results which should take 7 weeks. Previous doctor said I have bronchietasis and treated for only that. I am hoping new tests look ok. Of course, I am anxious. I cough a lot!!!
Thanks for the response
Anne

@grannyred I believe the coughing is the result of bronchiectasis, not of MAC. MAC is a mystery to me. People with healthy organs and immune system can have the bacteria live in their bodies and not be bothered by them. Even when people get infections from them, some can later on be tested negative without going through the drug regimen. How did your previous doctor treat you for bronchiectasis?

My husband was first diagnosed with MAC, and then bronchiectasis. It turns out the bronchiectasis is fairly mild. He has never had a cough, though he does have excess sputum production. He has also much greater fatigue, which seems to be his most major complaint.

i was given a nebulizer with sodium chloride solution, a flutter device and told to huff cough. That's it. Ct scans were clear so the last contact he had with me was feb 2017. That's why I got s new medical plan. This new possibility is very scary right now. Can't wait to see what the sputum tests show. Waiting is awful. Thanks for the info above. With this group I don't feel so alone!

Yes that is true about the healthy people with that bacteria in them. My ID doctor explained it like this. If your skin were swabbed there would be all kinds of bacteria living on it including staph and strep. That is a far cry from being infected with staph or strep and those resulting symptoms. I am infected with MAC and have MAC disease. That’s the difference.

You are never alone! And that is very comforting!