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Legs hurt so bad: How long does it take to get control of MAC?

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Apr 3, 2022 | Replies (16)
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@smileygirl47

Thank you so much for your reply, Sue. I liked the way you warned others that you are not contagious to them. That allows other people to relax while in my presence. I also liked the comparation to diabetes or arthritis, good days and bad days and long term treatment causing fatigue and weariness. Living with a persistent but invisible health issue is an excellent way to describe this condition.

I will continue with the Azithromycin at night as it has only been five days and, as you indicated, perhaps after a while the head ache will subside. I can no longer take Tylenol because apparently, in me, even that med causes havoc with my liver.
I have much to learn. Being able to ask questions of someone who has had experience with these issues is a huge help. Thank you. Nancy

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Mar 20, 2022

Oh, Nancy - It is miserable to have a headache on top of the misery of MAC & the medications! I'd like to offer some tools you can try.
I just thought of 2 things that relieved my daughter's medication-induced headaches when she was a teen. If you have someone with good strong hands, have them position them over the areas of the most intense pain and apply pressure - as much as you can bear - for 30 seconds to a minute. Release and repeat. I don't know why it works, but the pediatrician showed us and it helped her. The other help was either warm wet compresses (my Dad's remedy) or gel ice packs, applied to both the back of neck & top of head. This worked for me when even Tylenol didn't.

Finally, something that works for me when my chronic pain kicks in. When you anticipate pain (like the headache), your body is on "high alert" and everything tenses up - even if you are not aware of it. Try these: https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/OP-153.15-Neck-exercises.pdf
Caution - don't use your hand to pull on your neck, keep shoulders relaxed. Or consult a physical therapist for a session or two, where they can teach you a series of gentle exercises and stretches to counteract the reduced activity that comes with feeling ill, and to promote good blood flow.
I'd like to hear from you in a few days about whether you have found some relief.
Sue

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