Had to stop antibiotics (side effects), how you cope with that fact?

Hi there! I so much appreciate your sharing your experience with me. It means the world to me. I’ve benefited greatly from those of you who have responded to my blog about the meds. I know that I am not alone in the choice I have made. God bless and good health to you always! Bon

Hi dreher. I can relate to your situation of trial and error with the meds. I also want to comment on your statement about not remembering the meds you've taken. I'm not sure anyone can think back to remember names, dosages, reaction--but it is important. I keep a running diary on my computer to track such things. I can do a search by medication, illness or doctor. It has helped me out on many occasions. I know your doctor would appreciate knowing your history. Also, of course a list of current medications and of meds you're absolutely allergic to. I keep mine updated in the computer and also a current printed copy in my purse when I go to an appointment. The medical staff has commented that it makes their life easier. Blessings to you.
Faye

Thank you for your comments and suggestions! I do have a current list of my current meds that I take with me to every doctor appointment, plus they are in the computer system at all of my doctors’ offices. The nurses always check that list for any additions or deletions. As for the meds I took for MAC, I do have the prescription bottles of most of what I took as I knew I was having weird side effects at the time. My reactions were detailed in my chart with the first two doctors’ records. My newest pulmonologist is now in the same office. (I stopped going down to Charleston-MUSC- when Covid hit). I agree with you that our reactions to medications are important for our doctors to know! Thank you, again!

I am sorry that the antibiotics make you sick. Hearing from people such as you helps me make up my mind whether to start them or not so after your post I am leaning in not even starting them. I am going to add the garlic pills to all my others to build immunity. Mentally I am prepared to still go for quality of life.
Hang in there. I think mental attitude can help us fight illness sometimes when drugs can’t.

thanks for your response. I know some people have been on the antibiotics for a long time...and they push through it. I think my age, 73, and my tolerance level for drugs in general has made it especially difficult for me. I was miserable. I was willing to give them a try, which I did do, but it just didn't work out.
I wish you the best in whatever direction you go in. If you try them, who knows, they may work for you! That is something only YOU can decide. I labored over this decision and for now, I want to stop.
My dr is going to keep a close eye on me, with monthly sputum tests and ct scans....I'm not burning bridges and am open if for some reason things progress in a negative direction...I pray to God they don't.
How the heck did we get this stupid ailment, anyway? Geeeez..Take Care!

Rose
I started on the meds but I only lasted a week. My ID doctor decided to do nothing since I did not have any damage Yet. I am 73 and it has hit me very hard. Just when I thought the cough was getting better. I got what they think is a sinus infection and it's a bad one, on other antibiotics now (Bactrim DS) for 5 days and no sign of getting better. Did anyone have it spread their sinuses? I am wondering if this antibiotic is going to do me any good if it's the same bacteria. I have been trying to get an appointment with Shands Mac clinic for over a month now and it seems impossible to get. My doctor says the sent the referral and they say he put the wrong diagnosis on it. It's so frustrating when you feel there may be help but you can't get to it. I know something should be done about this but they haven't suggested anything. I read about saline use and airway clearance but no Dr. has suggested these things and I don't even know what it entails. eI have ordered some essential oil s that they have been testing with the Mac bacteria, oregeno and cinnamon I dont hold out much hope for that but at least I will be doing something in the meantime.

I want to share with you rchildress that I was on several antibiotics with no problems except a little GI upset (ethambutol, rifampin and clarithromycin). I tried to drink lots of water. I am not sure of other posts you have made since I am brand new to site, but I wanted you to know some can tolerate these. Perhaps your query is about other antibiotics. I did a regimen of 18 months; was off that for a while and another regimen. It helped decrease nodules but did not eliminate disease.

Thanks for your comment. I think that if it is still there after 18 months on antibiotics I have about the same chance of holding it off with all kinds of immunity supplements. After another person posted about the benefits of garlic I ordered a high quality of garlic pill with allium in it. Never hurts to try natural remedies and I am on several.
I hope you can control your infection. What a dilemma we are all in. Positive thinking and good living will hopefully help us all. God is good.