Connect
← Return to Starting MAC treatment with "big three" drugs: What to expect?
Discussion
Starting MAC treatment with "big three" drugs: What to expect?
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: May 8 5:56pm | Replies (192)Comment receiving replies
Hi Sue,
Thank you for responding back to me.
I lost an unintentional 20 pounds and the MD was wondering why. MD ordered a CT scan and found several nodules in different parts of my lungs. At that point we began doing some testing. TB = negative, while MAC = positive test results.
I will begin drug therapy on Monday. Am very anxious about taking these toxic meds.
Do you or anyone else know how long it takes to get hit with side effects from taking these 3 different antibiotics?
In regards to the Mayo Clinic, it seems there is no other MAC forum out there. This is the only MAC forum I could find.
You have a good holiday weekend.
Thanks again for responding to my question.
Replies to "Hi Sue, Thank you for responding back to me. I lost an unintentional 20 pounds and..."
Connect
Anxiety is almost the universal first reaction to the news of a MAC infection and what we often call "the big 3".
Some people breeze through treatment with minimal or moderate side effects, while others struggle with issues the whole time.
The best advice I have seen, and wish I knew in 2018, is to start the meds one at a time with about 2 weeks between each addition. That way if you react badly you will know which drug is the culprit.
Has your doc suggested it?
My next suggestion is to plan to have little interest in food for a while. Plan now to keep highly nutritious, easy to eat foods on hand. I used protein drinks, cashews, cheese , smoothies and made myself eat something every 1-2 hours. Ginger tea and hard gingermcandy were helpful with queasiness.
There is a lot of great information here, just use the search lens at the top to type any topic of interest and you'll find a lot of help. Or just ask...
Sue