Good morning Miriam, you have found a great place to address your concerns here on Connect, since we have so many people who have had every conceivable treatment regimen for MAC. Not every case is immediately treated with antibiotics, some can be managed with rigorous airway clearance and nebulizing 7% saline.
When I first started treatment, I was quite ill with both MAC & pseudomonas, and very scared to begin treatment, then I found this wonderful group. They taught me many strategies for managing the disease and meds, and I got help from my pulmonologist's nurse as well.
Once I felt a little better, I traveled throughout 18 months of treatment with the Big 3, but more slowly due to the fatigue and other side effects. I also continued my volunteer activities, and helping with my small grandson. I can still do all of that with my airway clearance routine - I just need to reserve about 30 minutes once or twice a day to do it.

I am glad you are having a consult at Duke - are you making a list of questions to ask?

Sue

I started the “big three” about 2 months ago and took them at different times until I discovered I COULD take them all together because they did not affect my stomach. No nausea, no pain…I am blessed. One thing I have noticed, and wonder if others have the same issue, I’m tired and not much energy. Is this typical…I am 85, I get I am not a kid anymore but I always did the heavy stuff, vacuuming, carrying 40# sacks of dog food, etc. until all this lung stuff and meds started. I didn’t expect everything to change so drastically, so quickly. Doc did all kinds of blood work, all is well. I’m right in the middle of everything on the tests.
Still coughing up crud, so I know there is still infection in the pockets of my lungs. Not happy about that. I see doc at the end of the month so I have a list of questions. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks all! Mary