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MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Apr 19, 2023 | Replies (165)
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I also have thought that there may be a connection between how long I’ve been on the 3 meds and the side effects I am now experiencing. The severe dizziness just began about one year ago but I’ve been on the meds between 2-3 years. I hadn’t asked or even considered side effects that could be attributed to the meds. I was surprised when I did a search on all three and found side effects attributed to all three. Vision and hearing can be affected. I’ve noticed a little difference in my vision and my eye doctor today told me I now have 20/30 vision with corrective lens instead of 20/20 but he said that is still good. However I have noticed a huge change in my hearing.
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Have you had your hearing tested while on the meds? The standard is every 6 months, with consideration of stopping the meds if it declines much.
Also, has the doctor recultured your sputum and done new sensitivity testing? Maybe the remaining bacteria is resistant to what you are using. Or, if the colonies have declined enough, maybe switch from drugs to rigorous airway clearance with 7% saline.
I did that at roughly 19 months, because the side effects were intolerable for me. My slings continued to improve for the first year, and are now stable. I'm sure the MAC is still hiding in there, but I keep chasing it with the 7% saline.
Roughly where in the US are you located? There are excellent HTM docs in quite a few places now.
Sue