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Life Expectancy with cavitary MAC

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Sep 7, 2023 | Replies (35)
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@maritomi

Thank you for your commment. I was told the hospital will give me a call to schedule and appointment with the ID doctor. It sounds like I should also try to speak with a pulmonologist. I'm really afraid to start antibiotics reading all the side effects it can cause. It's hard for me right now to consider any of that since the only symptom I have is a chronic cough and I don't feel sick. I will ask about the nebulizer and airway clearance.

Thank you again.

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Replies to "Thank you for your commment. I was told the hospital will give me a call to..."
Rick | @rstel7272 | Aug 14, 2023

I started out with a chronic cough about 10 years ago. I waited 5 years too late for treatment.

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 14, 2023

Hello, I think your idea of finding a pulmonologist is a very good one. I noticed in a previous post you said "I cough as hard as I can to bring up any mucus" That is not a very good way to do airway clearance because it can lead to sore ribs, sore throat and other issues, so it sounds like you could really use some coaching and a plan.

Here is a very helpful, but somewhat long video explaining the "whys" and "hows" of airway clearance from the World Bronchiectasis Conference a few years ago.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKA5IR7ePQo

Now let's talk about antibiotics...NOBODY wants to be on them, but some of us need them. It might be interesting to read what some of our members have recently had to say:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/macntm-is-different-for-everyone-treatment-might-be-different-too/

Also, since you posted under the topic of "Cavitary MAC" have you been told that there are cavities of infection in your lungs? The presence of cavities is one of the key reasons for deciding to treat with antibiotics, because it means the infection has been there for a long time, and may be hard to clear.
Sue

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