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To start or not to start the antibiotics?

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Sep 10, 2023 | Replies (59)

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@sueinmn

If you hit reply to answer someone's post directly, you don't need to tag them - the system does that for you.
As for the saline - you can get it directly, online usually, without a prescription if you already have a nebulizer. Otherwise you may need a prescription for the nebulizer.

One thing to remember about MAC is that it is "slow to grow and slow to go" so delaying the onset of antibiotics is usually fine if you have few symptoms. That means wait-and-see is a perfectly reasonable approach.

I too was fearful about hearing and vision issues because I have had t9innitus and mild hearing loss most of my life, and I have glaucoma. Here is what one of our resourceful members has to say about safeguarding her vision while on ethambutol:
"healthybon | @healthybon | 3 hours ago
I just started Ethambutol and Azithromycin. I get my eyes checked by my opthomologist every two months….I also use a book that tests problems with color vision, called, ISHIHARA'S TESTS FOR COLOUR DEFICIENCY CONCISE EDITION 2021 I ordered this on Amazon (I think)…..SO I CAN TEST MY EYES DAILY. THE tests the opth does are more extensive. I was concerned about what the drug could do to sight, so this is what I worked out to be able to take it with peace of mind."

So many good ideas are shared here!
Sue

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Replies to "If you hit reply to answer someone's post directly, you don't need to tag them -..."

Oh, good that I don't have to tag people when replying! I don't have a nebulizer so I'm going to call my doc tomorrow morning and see what she thinks about me starting 7% saline nebs.

I'm glad that you didn't experience vision issues, I didn't know there were hearing issues with the drug as well. I guess my doc didn't mention that to me since I already have no hearing 🙂

I saw the other reply, that was very helpful too! I'm going to write down the book recommendation so I have it if I ever start the antibiotics.