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MAC Antibiotic Side Effects: Did you ever take a break from the drugs?

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Aug 21, 2022 | Replies (5)
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@melissa08

Thank you Sue.
All of your suggestions and advice are very helpful. Bruce is hitting the two week mark without the antibiotics.
He does airway clearance with nebbed Albuterol followed by 7% Saline and then the Aerobika, twice a day. It's challenging because of the SOB and coughing but he persists.
He also has had a significant fall off in his physical conditioning. Up until two years ago he walked 8 miles a day. Now a couple of feet is difficult due to the SOB. However he is determined to get back to walking.
We have an appointment with his ID/Pulmonologist next Friday (8/26) and will have a followup with our PCP shortly after. Hoping for some positive feedback.
A GI appointment is something I have been pressing for and expect to get an assist on that from our PCP.
Thanks again for your thoughtful response. Fingers crossed that my next communique includes some progress.
Melissa

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Replies to "Thank you Sue. All of your suggestions and advice are very helpful. Bruce is hitting the..."
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 19, 2022

Hi Melissa -
If it is possible, perhaps a few OT/PT/RT sessions to get Bruce moving would be helpful. People often take suggestion/instruction better from a professional than a spouse. They can also do a balance/safety assessment to make sure his efforts don't end in a devastating fall. The only thing is, no "pool therapy" is recommended for MAC patients, because the concentration of MAC germs in humid indoor air is high. Tell him there is hope for recovery - I have gone from 150 foot "walks" to 5 mile treks (but still hills are hard, and it is hard for me to walk & talk.)
I am so glad you have a plan. In case nobody has said it lately, you are an awesome caregiver. He is lucky to have you on his team. I know it is hard, but it is also a blessing for him.
Hugs to both of you.
Sue

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