@suzie2017 my doctor said that sputum is not accurate for a diagnostic. You may want to double check that.  We live in Largo Fl.  Is this far from you? Nick!

@sophie 1019 you bought clear lung the blue or the red bottle?  What is it you want to take it for?  I use ClearLung! Nick

We have not heard from our doctor as of yet. If I don’t hear from him by Monday, I will call and set up an appointment. I read on line that blood and urine tests will also be ordered. We live in Sebring, FL

He has never really had back problems. However, in the past few months he has had some discomfort in the lower back and in the middle. He also has a small amount of fluid in the lungs which could cause the pain.

@suzie2017 yes if he has fluid on his lung it could cause pain in his back.  The fluid on his lung can make him very tired also. Has he tried Clear lung the blue battle to clear his lung.does the Dr know what causes fluid on his lungs.  Clear lung is a mix

if herbs to help clear the congested lungs. What about his digestion and does he have a lot of mucus (clearing throat)? Have a lovely day! The sun is shining here. Life is crazy good!

My husband takes Musinex to loosen the phlem and he uses an aierbecca twice a day plus his nebulizer. We have never been told why he has fluid in his lungs. I am guessing it is because of congested heart failure or complications of COPD. I have asked what causes it but I was never given a good answer.

@nick52 and @suzie2017 Hello girls. According to the specialist that spoke at the 2016 NTM Conference in D.C. they said that the Gold Standard for Sputem testing for MAC; is to get a morning sample for three consecutive days. Private practice doctors do not do this, and my doctor at the Mayo clinic does not do this. The only ones that do it that I know of, is NJH (National Jewish Health). The reason they like to do three day sputem samples is to verify that the mac has definitely colonized. I guess the bacterial load can fluctuate daily unless it has a good foothold in the lung. That may be the reason some doctors like to take the 'wait and see' approach. Many doctors feel that a bronchoscopy is very invasive and not neccessary to get the sample. There are exclusions I would imagine.

I am new to this post and newly diagnosed with MAC and bronchiectesis-the pulmonologist I saw in Springfield Mo did the three consecutive day sputum test-sent out to Mayo Clinic lab!

@rmason 

Welcome to our site!  Hope we can help you by sharing our experience.  We all have different experience! Vey interesting!  Nick52

@rmason, Hello, and welcome to our Connect group. Do you have a first name that you'd like to use? (more personal) This site has lots of helpful members that are here for you. As you share your experiences or have questions; you may find that others may chime in to help. Is there anything you'd like share or ask?