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Starting MAC treatment with "big three" drugs: What to expect?

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Jun 16, 2023 | Replies (184)
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@msk

Thank you for your thoughts. I am also new to this blog and will be going to duke for opinion and discussing starting treatment for mac. Would like to hear from those who have gone through the treatment to learn how difficult it was or did it affect your everyday life. Can you travel or is that something that can be difficult.
I want to hear from you so far from my infectious disease dr its all difficult and terrible. Thank you for any thoughts on this. Miriam

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Replies to "Thank you for your thoughts. I am also new to this blog and will be going..."
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Dec 27, 2021

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

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