Oh yes, I was really scared to start the antibiotics, and the side effects, for me, were no walk in the park. But I persisted for 18 months, and knocked the infection way down but not out.

During my treatment, I learned on Mayo Connect about using 7% saline in conjunction with airway clearance. In December 2019, in consultation with my pulmonologist, ID doc, and NJH, I decided the side effects were no longer worth it for me. We did a trial of stopping the antibiotics, but continuing airway clearance & 7% saline.

Two years later here is my report: No observable reinfection, either by CT or symptoms. Only ONE exacerbation, managed with increased nebs and airway clearance for a month and a short course of steroids to calm my lungs.

Here are the ongoing precautions I take to keep from getting sick:
Twice a year visits with pulmonologist - sputum culture at one, CT at other to make sure I'm stable.
Super caution about exposure to respiratory illness. (If my kids/grands have any kinds of sniffles or cough they mask when with us - their idea.)
Keep my neb/breathing equipment clean.
Stay away from hot tubs.
Keep my water heater super hot (138F) to minimize MAC growth and take short showers.
Drink & cook with 2 micron filtered water at home. Drink spring water when not home.
Run HEPA filters in our homes.
Stay indoors or mask when dirt is blowing around, and when gardening in dry soil. Pay someone else to handle digging and mulch in my gardens. Change clothes and shower after gardening. (Pretty sure I got MAC from the dry Texas dirt where we had feral chickens in the yard.)

That's it - others may exercise more precautions, but this is working for me. I figure the extras - changing filters, equipment cleaning, masks, are a pretty minimal effort compared to dealing with the meds.

You will find a way to accommodate, and it will just be part of your routine...
Sue

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