Well, my ID doc and the people at NJH all say that MAC & NTM are everywhere, though more prevalent in some places compared to others, so the only truly safe place to move would be into a bubble. If I didn't already have access to really good medical care (overall, not just one disease) and close ties to my two homes, I might consider moving to an area with better care or a large multispecialty center like Mayo. If the new place also offered other quality of life features.

In early days with MAC and bronchiectasis, I was very anxious about making many uncomfortable adjustments in my life. As time progressed, I got some very wise advice from my ID doc "MAC is an infection that is slow to grow and slow to go. We can manage it so you can have a good life. Bronchiectasis, by and large, is a disease you live with, not die from, Take reasonable precautions, then go out and live your life."

Also, over the past 4 years, I have learned that many people who are MAC-positive do not rely on antibiotics. I am one of them. I was very ill when diagnosed, had both pseudomonas and MAC, a went through over 18 months of antibiotics, improving but not cured. Finally, the side effects were so bad that I quit, with the blessing of my docs. I now rely on mucus thinning meds, 7% saline nebs and airway clearance plus exercise and a healthy diet. So far, in 2 1/2 years no relapse, and my CT is the same.

I look forward to hearing the results of your second culture. Are you comfortable with your doctor's experience in treating MAC?
Sue