7% saline continues to deliver.

Posted by thumperguy @thumperguy, Jun 25, 2021

Here I am, again singing the praises of 7% saline solution, the introduction of which into my daily lung treatment, correlates convincingly with the disappearance of predictable twice yearly episodes of acute (febrile) bronchitis requiring antibiotic treatment; nineteen months now without a flare up. My apologies to any English teachers on the forum; can’t seem to learn when to end a sentence. Don

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

@pal131

Do you put just 1 small container in a nebulizer, what else is in the nebulizer? Distiled water?

Jump to this post

I put the saline mixture in a sterile glass container. I tried it right away. Then I put that container in the refrigerator. I plan on taking it out in the morning and nuke it. Then let it cool before using. When I poured the solution in the nebulizer I put too much in…had to empty one. I need to get something to measure the amount. I do 10 minutes with my nebulizer and just quit nebulizing when got to that time.

REPLY
@pal131

My pulmonologist only wants me to go on the 3 drug problem, period!

Jump to this post

I think if you want a change, you are going to need to get really assertive and become your own best advocate. Maybe it is time for either a second opinion at Mayo Jacksonville, National Jewish Health, or another multi specialty center.

Or a heart to heart with your current doctor where you get definite answers. Here are a few sample questions to get you started...

Why the Big 3 now?
What does my current show - cavities, other evidence of worsening infection?
What do the current sputum culture results show? What strain of NTM, colony count, antibiotic susceptibility?
What are the other concerning symptoms?
Are you willing to work in concert with Mayo, NJH or an infectious disease specialist?
Are you willing to try a 6 month course of 7% saline plus airway clearance, then recheck CT and sputum for improvement?

It is difficult for most of us to question authority, but you have obviously done a lot of studying and thinking - time to put your knowledge to work.

Remember MAC and Bronchiectasis are "rare diseases " and many doctors see few cases. Often a doc in that situation will resort to the standard protocol- for simplicity, or in fear of failure to treat leading to a bad outcome.

Let me know how you decide to proceed.
Sue

REPLY
In reply to @rits "?????" + (show)
@rits

A pulmonologist at MUSC in Charleston.

REPLY
@dee65

A pulmonologist at MUSC in Charleston.

Jump to this post

Your reply was meant for someone else. You replied to my post about getting a discount coupon for prescription saline from Goodrx.

REPLY
@rits

Your reply was meant for someone else. You replied to my post about getting a discount coupon for prescription saline from Goodrx.

Jump to this post

Sorry.You are right. I got the conversations mixed up.

REPLY
@dee65

Sorry.You are right. I got the conversations mixed up.

Jump to this post

There seems to be no continuity on this site. Do you want to talk back and forth to one person, or do you want a comment for the field. Sometimes you prefer one to the other, but I certainly don't know how to control on this site. I just get a lttle here and little there, then you become bewildered about who is talking to who? I would like to see the whole picture.

REPLY
@pal131

There seems to be no continuity on this site. Do you want to talk back and forth to one person, or do you want a comment for the field. Sometimes you prefer one to the other, but I certainly don't know how to control on this site. I just get a lttle here and little there, then you become bewildered about who is talking to who? I would like to see the whole picture.

Jump to this post

I agree. It used to be easier, but something changed several months ago. I even had to get help to ask my recent question. I enjoyed it more before than now. I’ve gotten such wonderful information.

REPLY
@pal131

There seems to be no continuity on this site. Do you want to talk back and forth to one person, or do you want a comment for the field. Sometimes you prefer one to the other, but I certainly don't know how to control on this site. I just get a lttle here and little there, then you become bewildered about who is talking to who? I would like to see the whole picture.

Jump to this post

@pal131 and @dee65
I can help. I think what you both may be missing are the email notifications. If you would like to receive emails for all posts made to the MAC & Bronchiectasis group, this blog post explains how:
- Where did all the emails go? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/newsfeed-post/am-i-missing-out-where-did-all-the-emails-go/

If you have any questions, please feel free to write to me using this form: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/contact-a-community-moderator/

REPLY
@dee65

I agree. It used to be easier, but something changed several months ago. I even had to get help to ask my recent question. I enjoyed it more before than now. I’ve gotten such wonderful information.

Jump to this post

Thanks. Too bad that they made a change for the worse. I certainly am needy of support for my MAC, bronchiectusis, and asthma. I just recently found this site, am happy to get a little information, better than none.

REPLY
@cmi

I am grateful for 7%…I am presently off the cocktail of 3 drugs…and nebulizing 7% daily in place. At NJH to try to induce a sputum sample (which was unsuccessful after 5 days) the respiratory therapist used 10% (in the booth)…the exercise was physically draining and depressing (no sputum). After several bad drug reactions…the saline is a good alternative for me. My throat seems to tolerate…although it does cause me to choke at some point…I control that by slowing down on my exhale, holding breath a few seconds (Aerobika), and using the setting that is “not continuous flow” (as therapist taught me. On the Aerobika it appears as a triangle with little bumps…that cuts down on the continuous assault of saline and choking. Also lots of ginger tea and throat coat tea..plus almost drinking 6 pints of water (plus teas) daily.
I hope to have the success others have had😎and remain flare free from infections and meds.
All stay strong and healthy.
Regina

Jump to this post

Regina as I said before I am presently off the big three because I had a terribly time for 3 weeks,along with a bleed that is still hanging around.
I’m not using the vest or Aerobika,dr orders.Why did you go off big 3?How do you feel.My scans are nasty but I feel good. Da
Rita

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.