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Azithromycin, Ethanbutol, & Rifampin Drug Therapy for MAC
I have just begun my drug therapy for MAC. Question, does anyone have any advice on how to take the cocktail of azithromycin, ethanbutol, & rifampin, and suffer the least discomfort. I am taking my meds at night 4 hrs PO after I go to bed (set alarm clock and wake up to take) 3 days a week. I was very discouraged by pharmacist and ID doctor on how brutal the meds are to the system.
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@nac1 Keep on walking your dog ( safely) and keep your Vitamin D levels up. @ irene5
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2 ReactionsThnk you so much! I continue to do well walking my dog and working out at a local woman's fitness center. Trying to stay strong. Plus, I regularly see my Pulmonologist and Infectious Disease Doctor. I take D 3 and Zinc along with other common vitamins and nebulizing.
I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis last year. After having a scope it was determined that bacteria was growing in the lungs. I have no symptoms, not out of breath, no coughing, no mucous but my pulmonologist wants to put me on the 3 meds. I have a lot of difficulty on antibiotics and I am allergic to many. I am not taking the 3 antibiotics yet and decided to go for a second opinion.......
Maybe this video from National Jewish Health can help you decide what to do
There are many other strategies the people on Connect use to stay healthy without antibiotics. Try searching for "airway clearance" and "7% saline" in the search box on this screen to read about some of them.
What led you to have a scope last year? Where were you thinking of going for a second opinion?
Sue
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1 ReactionSue, My pulmonologist wanted to do a scope to cover all areas to be thorough. The lab showed bacteria.....I have lived in Indiana for 66 years and there I was diagnosed but just moved for half a year to Omaha Nebraska to be closer to family so I split my time between Indiana and Omaha. I am planning on getting a second opinion in Omaha. I had back surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester 16 years ago and I love this clinic so I am thinking if I can get in to get an opinion there which I know would be the best........
I guess to paint a bigger picture two years ago just before Covid hit I had some breathing issues. A little short of breath and tightness in the chest. After seeing a heart doctor all was good in that area and then they sent me to a pulmonologist. He did a CT Scan which showed nodules and from there we went to having a scope and a CT Scan every 6 months. The last CT Scan showed progression and that is when the pulmonologist wants me to take the 3 antibiotics. I feel the need for another opinion because he wants me on these meds and yet I won't see him for another 6 months without any checkups. I know my body and antibiotics are very hard for me and I am hopeful for another way yet I have absolutely no symptoms and if they wouldn't have told me that I have this I would never have known......
There are some alternative treatments that you can try to keep from using antibiotics, but without your complete medical history it would be rash to make suggestions. However, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, there are a few pulmonologists who identify bronchiectasis as one of their areas of interest/expertise.
Would you be interested in beginning your search for a new doctor there?
Sue
Yes I would be very interested in knowing any recommendations in Omaha......
Not being in Nebraska, I have no personal recommendation for you. Maybe someone who lives there can help?
Otherwise, go to the U of Nebraska Medical Center website and read the bios on their pulmonologists. A couple mention Bronchiectasis in their profile.
Sue
Thanks Sue, I have talked with some people here in Nebraska and they have given me some recommendations and I will also do my research for pulmonologist at University of Nebraska Medical Center......