Streptomyces. Just diagnosed with this.

Good morning, @meningone Oh my goodness, you’ve sure had your share of some serious medical conditions. I read through some earlier posts to see that you also had Bacterial Meningitis which has left you with continual pain, and some chronic intestinal issues as well. And now you have this rare bacterial lung infection.

Streptomyces bacteria are abundant in soil, ironically known for their production of antimicrobial substances, and are rarely reported to cause infection. Except, as you mentioned, in immunocompromised people such as someone with HIV, Crohn’s disease, sarcoidosis, etc.. So now you’re wondering how this happened and why.

From your previous posts you have a lot of inflammation and pain. Science and research has shown our gut biome has a great deal to do with our overall health. The gut is intricately connected to the immune system. It houses up to 70 percent of the immune system cells. It regulates the immune system response in addition to its regular digestive duties.
I found a really good article that breaks down the relationship between health and the gut which you might find helpful.
https://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/gut-health-how-it-affects-the-immune-system/
So with your chronic intestinal issues, this may have left you with a compromised immune system and more susceptible to infections. Are you on any immunosuppressant medications? Certain medications can also play a part in reducing the immune response.
How you contracted the streptomyces is a mystery. Do you work with soil, do a lot of gardening, raking decaying leaves, farm work/manure?

What are your current medications for the infection? Now that it’s been identified has your doctor discussed a long term treatment plan?

I was shocked when I got this diagnosis. I do not garden or have any contact with soil in the way you would think that could cause this. I have a few little house plants like most people. I also think it's odd I developed PE without a whole lot of warning just this past July. I recovered well from it, but it was rough. I was active and working a physically active job until I contracted bacterial meningitis in 2018, then these things started happening to me afterward. Coincidence? The disease? The antibiotics? I was never considered to be immune compromised before then, although I did have the gut issues before then. I have a very stretched out long colon. My colonoscopy nor barium enema xray could be completed. Right now they have started me on 4 wks of Bactrim with weekly bloodwork to keep a check on my kidneys. Since so little is known about this, they don't know if the Bactrim will work or not. I still feel about as bad as I did when I left the hospital 6 wks ago. I'm to see a rheumatologist the end of July. I don't know if I'll get any answers or not. My ANA has always been negative but my inflammatory markers are 145 and my pulmonologist said they're suppose to be 8 or under. I'm clueless about what that means really.

@meningone this must be so difficult for you. Things happening so quickly and no answers. I’m glad that you’re going to see a rheumatologist. End of July is a long time to wait, though. Can you call the office and ask to be put on a cancellation list? If someone has to cancel, you would have a good chance of getting an earlier appointment.
In preparation for your appointment, you can do several things: 1. Start a list of questions just like you’ve done here and, 2. Continue to wear your mask whenever you’re out and about. And ask people, who come into your home, to wear a mask also. 3. Identify someone who can accompany you to appointments and take notes.
None of this is meant to scare you. I just want you to stay safe until the doctor can give you instructions on your diagnosis. I’m going into my 5th year with my autoimmune illness and wearing a mask has been such a lifesaver for me!
Remember, @loribmt and i are here for you. Stay in touch and ask questions and even rant! We’re not going anywhere. Sound good?