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Lung cavity has collapsed

Posted by brian93 @brian93, Jul 29, 2023

In 2020, I was diagnosed with MAC and had a 3mm lung cavity. In 2021, the CT showed the cavity had shrunk a bit.

In 2023, the radiologist report stated that the cavity had collapsed. I sent my pulmonologist a question about this and her only answer was
"No changes since last CT" but this cavity collapse is obviously a change. Does anyone know if this is a good change, meaning the cavity has healed?

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jul 29, 2023

@brian93 Here are some questions I would ask myself after that seemingly "casual" response:
Am I comfortable with this doc and their general approach to my lung health? Are they experienced in treating MAC and bronchiectasis (or COPD)?
Was I for the MAC infection? What was the outcome?
Did the doctor initiate any airway clearance or other therapy to help keep my lungs clear?
Am I having sputum cultures in addition to periodic CT scans?

I think you see where this is headed, do you have the best doctor to help you manage this chronic condition proactively?
Sue

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brian93 | @brian93 | Jul 29, 2023
In reply to @sueinmn "@brian93 Here are some questions I would ask myself after that seemingly "casual" response: Am I..." + (show)
Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn

@brian93 Here are some questions I would ask myself after that seemingly "casual" response:
Am I comfortable with this doc and their general approach to my lung health? Are they experienced in treating MAC and bronchiectasis (or COPD)?
Was I for the MAC infection? What was the outcome?
Did the doctor initiate any airway clearance or other therapy to help keep my lungs clear?
Am I having sputum cultures in addition to periodic CT scans?

I think you see where this is headed, do you have the best doctor to help you manage this chronic condition proactively?
Sue

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Thanks for your thoughts. I agree that there is a better doctor out there, but I was hoping to get some answers on the cavity now because it could take a while to find new doctor and get in to see them. If anyone has had had a cavity collapse, I'd be interested to know what their doctor's explanation was.

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BlueSplashGirl/ Carolyn | @bluesplashgirl | Jul 30, 2023

Hi Brian93,
I also had a cavity that collapsed and my Mayo doctor was thrilled. That meant no surgery! I agree with Sue, perhaps find a new doctor that specializes in the treatment of MAC who can give you good, solid information.
Best wishes to you and congratulations on the collapse of the cavity!
Carolyn

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Rick | @rstel7272 | Jul 30, 2023

Brian, any collapse has to be good. 3mm is actually very, very small. What was your treatment for 3 years?

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busybeans | @busybeans | Jul 30, 2023

Like others, I'm wondering if the doctor used the best terminology. I've had a cavity close, so maybe that means the same thing? If so, that's a good thing.

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brian93 | @brian93 | Jul 30, 2023
In reply to @rstel7272 "Brian, any collapse has to be good. 3mm is actually very, very small. What was your..." + (show)
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Brian, any collapse has to be good. 3mm is actually very, very small. What was your treatment for 3 years?

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My mistake, the cavity was 3cm, not 3mm. Was on 3 antibiotics for 2.5 years.

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Rick | @rstel7272 | Jul 30, 2023
In reply to @brian93 "My mistake, the cavity was 3cm, not 3mm. Was on 3 antibiotics for 2.5 years." + (show)
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My mistake, the cavity was 3cm, not 3mm. Was on 3 antibiotics for 2.5 years.

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That make's more sense, my main cavity is like 2.4x3.1 cm.
I got too much scar tissue to close probably.

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helen1000 | @helen1000 | Oct 27 7:38am
In reply to @brian93 "My mistake, the cavity was 3cm, not 3mm. Was on 3 antibiotics for 2.5 years." + (show)
Profile picture for brian93 @brian93

My mistake, the cavity was 3cm, not 3mm. Was on 3 antibiotics for 2.5 years.

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@brian93 Congratulation! Can you please share what great work you did to help with the collapse? Much appreciated. I have a MAC cavity and have been on antibiotics for 14 months. The size does shrink about 10% though not significantly, but the wall of the cavity becomes really thinner. I wonder whether it is a sign of collapse too. So far I tolerate the medicine really well and have no other symptoms. Your input will be much appreciated!

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