@janrn1 There are physicians who do not want to treat MAC. Generally, they are pulmonologists. There is a “wait and see” attitude especially if a patient does not present with symptoms. MAC is slow growing so “ time is on my ( your) side” as the song goes. It also depends on what state you live in. In Connecticut where I live most of the time and was first diagnosed, there was originally a “wait and see” opinion. I was good with that. In Tennessee the attitude is mostly plain and simple- “ We treat.” My experience has been ID doctors in any state believe in treating right away because waiting a few years can be problematic as MAC generally worsens without treatment. To treat or not to treat - that is the question! By the time you have grappled with that long enough, weighed the pros and cons, most patients accept that treatment is necessary. irene5

A number of people in this group have not been treated for their MAC with antibiotics. My pulmonologist says she never treats MAC based on sputum cultures alone - she looks for infection evidence in the lungs plus other symptoms (coughing, fatigue, weight loss), before beginning treatment. She also considers the total physical condition of each person, because not everyone can tolerate the 3 antibiotic regimen. I also see that you have COPD, which may affect how you would be treated.
Right now, I (probably) still have the infection, but no symptoms. In consultation with my 3 docs, we stopped the antibiotics last December based on an improved lung scan, even though the cultures were positive. I have maintained all year with 7% saline nebs & airway clearance. The Infectious Disease doc consulted with NJH before stopping. He said that, in his experience, a fair number of people have MAC for years, and you can "knock down" the level of infection with drugs, but it never really goes away. The best you can do is healthy eating/living and good lung hygiene. Sometimes it flares up and you treat it again.
Sue

I would love it if someone would answer the above question. If you did get treated how did the Dr.s change their minds?