Dear Sue,

Hello, and thank-you for your reply. You have so many helpful things to say, and it is greatly appreciated. Did your daughter ever find out what it was that caused/causing the condition?

I was researching the hyperlucent lungs--which were never detected before all this started...the lung x-rays were always normal the few times they were taken over the years. So, maybe that is a clue in itself. However, two pulmo docs later, and they have never said a word about the hyperlucent meaning anything.

Isn't it true that if a person has MAC, even while on antibiotics, the condition is still detectable (especially if they are still having symptoms) in the sputum and a CT? The reason I am saying this is because maybe the fact I am taking antibiotics has affected the CT scan in some way. After reading many entries on this great site, it seems that even while on antibiotics, the condition is still detectable unless cured. As for my CT scan, maybe the hyperlucent IS the clue for me having MAC?

Hopefully, the doctor will still test me for MAC. It is already disappointing that she--the infectious disease doctor--told me I do not have MAC, based on one sputum test. The fact that I had to remind HER, that it takes several sputum tests, is very worrisome. Will find out next week what the doctor will do to help me. One thing is sure, if someone does not help figure this out, I can not see living more than a few years. It is draining and exhausting, plus I have been on antibiotics now for almost one year. That can't go on and on.

Thank-you again for your helpful advice.