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Reducing Exposure to Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM)
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Aug 31 11:16am | Replies (157)Comment receiving replies
It saddens me to hear of these pulmonary doctors who are unwilling to listen to their patients. I think they let their pride or lack of experience get in the way of properly caring for their patient. I was diagnosed with MAC and pseudomonas in January 2019--by bronchoscopy and CT. I was started on the big 3 but had to stop after 6 weeks because I could not tolerate the side effects. I was told by the pulmonary doctor, "I may not be able to help you." He did not offer an alternative, referral, etc. Just sent me on my way with a hopless feeling. Once I found out about this forum I was able to find a specialist who had the qualifications to properly treat me. It has still been "rocky" at times with recurring pseudomonus and a couple of other bacterial infections but I was able to get through with careful monitoring and medications. We've heard it many times on Mayo Connect--don't give up and reach out. There is help and hope out there. God bless us all.
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I am beyond blessed to have the primary care provider I found 20+ years ago! She was a new Nurse Practitioner at the time, and her type of practice was new to our provider group. I was tired of searching for a doctor who would listen, research & reach out to other professional, and stick around.
I was so fortunate - we have been together through the aging process, she has also been the primary for both my daughters, and she has gone on add MS and PhD degrees in Nurse Practice, Gerontology, Women's Health...
Yesterday I contacted her regarding a concerning test result, at 9am today she was on the phone discussing it & making a referral for me.
She has given me the confidence to manage my own health care and has no qualms about telling me which specialists and facilities to choose or avoid.
I asked her why, with all the additional schooling, she did not become a physician - her response - NP's are given 20/40/60 minutes per appointment. For the same issue, physicians are given 10//20/30 minutes. She says "I can't practice good medicine that way." The gastro NP told me the same thing - she has twice as much time per patient as the doc - and the ability to "refer up" to the docs if the issue is beyond her expertise. Sure has changed my thinking about choosing who to see first!
Sue