Hi Sue and Members of our Community,
The group that you mentor and the group itself has been a major support to me since joining just recently and I'm learning everyday on how best to take care of myself with MAC and Bronchiectasis Support
I was dx with MAC last 6/22 and have had a history of COPD with bronchiectasis since 2010. Started 2 of the Big 3, Azithromycin and Ethambutol on 6/17/22 because of an early stage 1a, IDC breast Cancer and could not start the Rifampin until 10/22 when chemo treatments were completed. The cough and postnasal drip were always my chief complaints. The cough however became chronic in early December, and a real problem with coughing fits DAY AND NIGHT 3 times an hour for up to 30 seconds non stop, with clear or white sputum. I was offered a short dose of Prednisone 20 MG in early 1/23 and by the 7th day, the cough was gone FOR 3 WEEKS,. In mid Feb, the cough returned stronger then ever and with another dose of Prednisone, this time 40 mg, the cough was gone in 2 days, 2/22/23 to be exact. On 3/8, the itchy cough came back and appears to be getting stronger like it was in the Fall. I called the Pulmonologist today and waiting for a call back. I'm beginning to wonder if I'm allergic to perhaps the Rifampin (dose: 2 300 Mg Caps) which I have to go off when I take Prednisone? Or perhaps there is some other allergic reaction to the meds that I take.
With the exception of these non-stop coughing fits, I'm managing well. The cough starts with an itch, while I,m eating or simply talking on the telephone, or bending or not doing anything at all. I'm considered an active and functional senior with MAC, Bronchiectasis and Emphysema, however, this crazy cough is so bad now that I'm afraid to set up tennis games or go to exercise classes or even social events....as the coughing fits make folks feel afraid for me. I have a call into my Pulmonologist office today and a set appointment on 3/24 with the Chief Doctor at Weill Cornell. Any thoughts or strategies on my situation would be greatly appreciated? Would anyone recommend that I take allergy otc meds?