(MAC/MAI) Mycobacterium Avium Complex Pulmonary Disease: Join us

Thanks Sue. You are always so helpful. I may have to go to the three-drug regimen. I just know I will have really bad side effects--diarrhea and worse incontinence than I have with coughing. Do you know of anyone who has had a "cure" of MAC with the three-drug regimen or is it just a reprieve? I have really been fighting it.

None of us is likely to proclaim ourselves "cured" because MAC is everywhere, and with bronchiectasis we are always susceptible. But... a number of, including me, have kept MAC at bay for significant time by nabbing 7% saline and doing airway clearance.
Also, a good regimen of probiotics, used daily kept my diarrhea controlled. Fatigue was the biggest problem. And the cough went away!
Have you tried neb plus airway clearance?
Sue

MacInPA....just asking if what I'm taking is standard for MAC.
Azithromycin 500 MG - 1 tablet a day with small meal
Ethambutol HCL 400 MG - take 2 tablets a day with or without food
Rifampin 300 MG Capsule - take 2 twice a day
I have discovered that "Capsules" themselves bother my esophagus and stomach. I was told that I can take the medicine out of the capsule and mix it with food.
Due to such side effects with starting all the Big 3 at once, my doctor as agreed to just starting again with one at a time for a week. Then, adding the second one the next week, third one the third week.
Do others find it easier to take them at night one hours before bedtime? I may try that, too.

Hello - I see you seem to be starting with the Big 3 on a daily regimen. The most usual beginning prescription is 3 times weekly. Did the doctor explain why it is being prescribed daily?

As for when to take, after 2 weeks of nausea and extreme discomfort, I talked frankly to my pulmonologist's nurse and told her there was NO way I could stay on treatment long term feeling so sick. She had me try the bedtime routine, and it worked for me as I was able to sleep (somewhat poorly) through the worst symptoms.

I managed to keep going for 18 months, 12 months 3X weekly, then 6 months daily - long enough to knock Mr. MAC way down, but not entirely out. I now manage with mucus thinners, asthma meds, 7% saline and airway clearance.

I really think the practice of starting the drugs one at a time is a good one.

Is this your first time on the Big 3?
Sue

SueinMN....thank you for replying. I've been going back in the posts trying to find you.
I started my first treatment on May 14th. All three at once. I lasted for two weeks, then the nausea started, plus fevers, body aches, fatigue, I voice even changed. My bloodwork was all over the place....especially my heart and liver. I was thinking Covid or Flu. My Doctor went to Canada on a vacation so I went to the ER. It was neither. I stopped taking the Big 3 immediately and it took nearly two weeks to get back to a somewhat normal life. I told my doctor I really couldn't start again until after the 4th of July. We were having company and I had one more wedding cake to make and couldn't be sick. Also, requested that we do it different, like I've been reading on this website. Start with one for a week, then add a second for a week, then add the third. I have no symptoms of MAC. It was found by chance with a CT scan of my abdomen. I'm going to take them at nighttime and see how it goes. If possible I would like to keep communicating with you. I can send you my e-mail address if that's allowed. Next question? Do patients talk with an Infectious Disease Specialist in addition to their Pulmonary Doctor? Thank you again, MacInPa

Hello, I too have MAC, Bronchiectasis, Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, Interstitial Lung Disease and they say Asthma but not sure. I know believe I may have been misdiagnosed. Can you please advise what are the 5 antibiotics your taking a I take 4 for MAC + a number of other meds for the other issues I have. 1 is Bactrim I have been on for 2+ years. Please advise and thank you

Can you please email me the form your have. It would be appriciated or post here.

Good morning, Helen, Not Kathy, but here is a list of questions to ask:
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/bronchiectasis/questions-to-ask-your-doctor
When you say you think you may have been misdiagnosed, what do you mean? What symptoms or issues do you have? Are you consulting with a pulmonologist or infectious disease specialist who is experienced in treating MAC, and working with complex diagnoses? Many who routinely deal with typical asthma and COPD cases are not aware of the special needs we have.

Sue

Hello Sue, thank you for the form. I was diagnosed with TB in 8/2015. I went to see my Primary as I had a cough and it became noticeable. My skin test or PPD was negative but my x-ray abnormal. I was then referred to a Pulmonologist 9/15. I worked in a TB Clinic as the Administrator and was put on INH. I had several. Bronchoscopies which were negative. The only positive was a blood test the QFT Test. I started losing weight and was fatigued due to this the decision seemed right for TB Treatment but, my cough now considered chronic cough became worse and never went away. During the end of my INH Treatment my cough lessened and we thought I was better. A few months later my cough was worse and more tests done. I asked about MAC then and was told I now have Bronchiectasis. I was given several meds and cough syrup with codeine. I was then told I have asthma. In 2018 I began feeling worse and could barely manage working and running my home and family. In 2019 I relocated my position and transferred my care to a Pulmonologist referred by my original Pulmonologist closer to home I was put on steroids (Predisone) 60mg daily and Bactrim an antibiotic 3 week 10/20. I believe these 2 drugs helped me as I contacted COVID 12/20 and was very ill but, could have been worse. In between these times I have been sick with fatigue, weight loss, chest pain, headache and was having a difficult time. I retired in 3/21 as I kept getting sick and had a hard time with my cough and my voice was nearly gone by the end of each day. I would be given meds for stomach issues, thrush, and the steroids. I was then told I have Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis and Intestinal Lung Disease on top of Bronchiactesis and asthma. Once I started seeing the Internal Medicine MD I advised my Pulmonologist we needed yo decrease the Prednisone and we did at my insistence I am now 10 mg. This decrease was due speaking with the Internal Medicine MD in April 2022 in . They only found the MC as 3/22 I was not feeling well and kept telling my Pulmonologist my chest hurt and felt hollow. Then ER MD was great and ordered several tests and a CT Test. Unfortunately they found a mass and I have a large cavity with lots of nodules/cysts. I was advised April 2022 I had MAC. Was referred to a Internal Medicine and several blood tests and sputum collected. I was put on 3 of the MAC Antibiotics June 2022 again at my insistence as he wanted to wait for the sputum culture.. The 4th. Antibiotic Arykace was started this month 7/1/22 as he was waiting for the culture. It was on my insistence to start the 3 MAC Antibiotics. Sorry for the long response but frustrated and know even if misdiagnosed my outcome is not good and taking all these meds is not the easiest and feel defeated.. Any advise would be appreciated.

Hello Jill T Payne,
I just started MAC antibiotics last month June 2022. Was diagnosed in April. Have several others lung issues. Everything you described is how I feel but only since 7/2/22, the day after starting the 4th antibiotic which is inhaled through a nebulizer. The name is Arikayce. I am going to start taking in the evening and pray I can sleep through this overwhelming feeling of being unwell and in pain.