I was diagnosed in 2010 and tried the Big 3 twice. I failed both times. The side effects were too debilitating for me, and I discovered I am allergic to azithromycin and rifampin. Yes, my doctor wanted me to take them and still wants me to try to take them. Fortunately, he has allowed me to make my own decisions about my body and my quality of life. I have managed with airway clearance to see only a slow and/or stable progression. That's not to say that I haven't had a few terrifying episodes of hemoptysis when I've had a flare of one strain or another (and this is why the doctor would like for me to be on the Big 3). I have bronchiectasis and have had many different strains of NTM (and I've always figured some combination of those things meant I had COPD...funny, but I've never asked). At present (as far as I know until my next sputum sample), I am positive for kansasii (a slower growing strain). I am a non-productive cougher who hates airway clearance but I do it anyway - with 7% saline solution - once a day, not twice as instructed. In my experience, Dr Daley is a kind and caring physician. I hope that is your experience as well. Being there for the evaluation period is so very stressful...I'll be sending good thoughts your way.