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Diagnosed with MAC but not being treated

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Apr 15, 2023 | Replies (100)

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@sueinmn

I'm glad to see you are getting some good answers from your doc. Are you also using 7% saline nebs? There is good evidence that it can help keep the MAC germs in check, or perhaps even reduce them.

I was still MAC positive in 2019 when I stopped the antibiotics, and 7% saline plus airway clearance (Aerobika and Huff Coughing) have kept me healthy ever since. It seems from what I have been reading here recently that more docs are watching and waiting before starting the antibiotics if symptoms are not severe.
Sue

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Replies to "I'm glad to see you are getting some good answers from your doc. Are you also..."

I feel like I should reply to this. I was diagnosed August 2021. I have not been on antibiotics and have no symptoms. I have Mac and mild bronchietasis. My ID doctor wants to wait and watch also. He says he has a lot of patients that have gone on at least 20 years and haven’t needed to take the antibiotics. Then he has a few that do. He has stressed on airway clearance and exercise. I am very faithful to do both. I walk no less than 5 miles a day . I do not want to take the antibiotics and don’t think I would but I never say never. He at least gave me hope knowing that it is possible to never have the treatment. I boil my water and am very careful to use a mask once in a while when needed. I use a mask in the shower and know even wear a mask when I wash my hair in the sink. I have heard to many horror stories when people take the antibiotics and was told by my ID that you can’t get rid of it no matter what. It always returns. I am 72 and very much more concerned about the damage the antibiotics do to your organs ,eye sight,and hearing. So all I am saying is don’t give up . Keep exercising and do your airway clearance faithfully.There is hope.