@america So very sorry you are suffering. We understand!

You have come to the right place. We may be at different stages, but we are all on this journey together. We understand the cost of this disease on our lives as we remember where we were before MAC! There is so much helpful info on this site from many informed individuals. You will be glad you came on board! We understand, and we continually help each other.

Hi America. I also have bronch and MAC. No fun. Took the meds for year and a half and had to stop. It takes awhile for your body to adjust being off the meds. Also. the meds don't really cure, they just slow the MAC down. When I first got off meds I felt like passing out, but all that passes. I saw a doc at Mass. General who put me on a saline inhalant, and exercise. Have to keep the lungs as clear of mucus as possible, because that can cause infection. Saline helps bring it up. So now I do that everyday. I also got very thin but have regulated , at a lower weight. which I kind of dig. I was never fat, but now I can eat anything and everything, goes right through me because of how the meds left me. It is really a terrible pill regimen, but it is all that they have now. Until something new is discovered we just hang on. do all the things for maintenance that are done on this sight. You will have to avoid sick people and hospitals, wash things with distilled water, etc. The name of the game is stay healthy and don't get pneumonia. Make sure all your shots are current. xo

@america welcome to our chat group! A good place to ask question. I have bronchiectasis and had Mac but am asymptomatic right now and my lungs doesn’t give me any symptom.  I have never taken any medication for it instead I treated the symptom with natural

med. if you can’t take the antibiotics,  do you know you can take natural medicine or herbal med. to clear your lung.  This is what I have done to be in control of the infections. If you have infections in your lung you will feel weak and have a lot of fatigue.

I am so sorry for you !  I will keep you in my prayer an make an earnest plea for you to be guided by the divine energy to find a solution for you. I live in New Brunswick Canada! Nick 52

@america I'm glad you found us. First, I recommend perusing the posts here...you will find there's many alternatives to the "big 3" some of which may work for you to reduce your infection (most likely the source of your fatigue)...then find a doc willing to work with you on trying these alternatives. Next, I have MAC and RA...as a result I have adrenal fatigue (also common in folks with chronic disorders)...for that I take ashwaganda - works very well to improve my energy level. Finally, I, and others here, have found natural/alternative remedies that have helped us - I use acupuncture and CBD oil.
Not only are you not alone, you'll find some answers here!

Hi, @boomerexpert - Are you using CBD oil for your MAC or RA? If MAC, how does that help? I have wondered about it and haven't heard anyone using it for issues like ours until now. Thanks! Linda M

@boomerexpert - Hi there! I have Bronch, MAC avium in lungs, NTM abscessus in sinuses. Have not had to start 3 drug regimen. Can I ask you what does the CBD oil help with?

@brigby as you've noted I also have RA...CBD reduces inflammation...if you know you have inflammation as a result of your lung conditions, this will help.

@boomerexpert -Thank you so much. God Bless you and keep you well.

Thanks so much Unicorn. I feel really happy to hear and know that I’m not alone. I also have RA and Sjogrens and it’s tough to deal with so many things at the same time. But I know it’s going to get better with time and talking with you all. I’m so excited to be a part of this. I would love to try anything new so I’m open to new ideas. Thanks.