Connect
Has anyone taken the Big 3 Daily?
I have had bronchiectasis for 7 years....Also diagnosed with Mac then too...Pulmonary Doctor put me on the Big 3 right away......Took 3 times a week for a year...Supposedly cured....Fortunately no side effects..
Now it is back.. My pulmonologist has told me I didn't
have it for the last year. Have had many cultures. One did show MAC in July. I was hospitalized for the first time end of July. Had to follow up with ID doctor. She told me I have had it since last Sept.
She said I needed to take the meds daily. So just wondered if anyone has...Most I know take 3 x week.
If anyone has taken daily did you have many side effects? I know we are all different. I am just so reluctant..
I do airway clearance twice a day using albuterol and sodium chloride 7% and also the smart vest.
So I would appreciate any input.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.
Connect
Yikes— scary.
I asked because years ago before they knew I had MAC but the hospital did know I had bronchiectasis, I’d cough up a lot of blood along with big clots and the ER docs would always just send me home saying it was probably just my sinuses. Grrrr….. thankfully finally got in a great pulmonologist.
I hope the daily regimen works for you!
I would say MAI. I’m never fatigued until an exacerbation.
Boy, you are so lucky.
How long have you been taking them???
How long did it take before you got your MAI diagnosis?
Yes…a good pulmonologist is important.
Did you see an ID doctor?
I’m on the big 3 since January 2022. My later start CAT scan shows it fading. I breath better too.
All my diseases were discovered accidentally. An x-ray picked up lung cancer. The pulmonologist noticed the feathery features and diagnosed it as MAI which a sputum sample verified. This was in Nov. 2021. I started antibiotics after surgery on 28 Dec. No ID dr.
When was I diagnosed?
The ER docs kept telling me the bleeding episodes were my sinuses even though they knew I had bronchiactasis
( diagnose 18 years ago) so went to ENT doc, and HE KNEW bleeding was my lungs, so got me in with top pulmonologist.
From there CT scan and bronchoscopy was done showing MAC and a coinfection of Staph Aureus which is what caused the continuing bleeding and clots, but I’d apparently had the MAC for years with no symptoms.
And yes, I also have an I.D. Doctor who specializes in NTM diseases.
I really think I have had bronchiectasis and Mac for years.....even before 2015.
Have a history of pneumonia. Now I believe it was both with the symptoms I had.
I never have any symptoms until a flareup/ exacerbation.
Where do you live?
I am doctoring at Cleveland Clinic. But do believe I should go to NJH.
It sounds as though you had a very good pulmonary doctor.
I hope I am as lucky as you are with the meds.
I will be starting them tomorrow.
I had no issue with the meds. One physician said to eat some crackers with it if I was having a stomach ache. I think a piece of toast could help too. I drink lots of fluids which helps. Coffee or iced tea.
I live is Warren NJ near the north center of NJ. Lots of great physicians.