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Starting Ethambutol

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Oct 22 6:30pm | Replies (27)

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@rchildress

I haven’t had any tests but I am getting another CT on Sept 13th and go from there. I went to a ID doctor in OKC and she had the same concerns as everyone about taking only Azithromycin. I agreed to stop taking it after the CT and see if my symptoms returned by the time I see her again on
Oct 3. I haven’t decided whether to take all three antibiotics or not. She said I could do whatever I choose and she would continue to prescribe Azithromycin if I choose that alone but she doesn’t suggest I do that. I really don’t have bad symptoms. I have night sweats, slight dry cough, and fatigue but since I started the Azithromycin all the symptoms has lessened. I am still taking everything I can to build my immune system and from these posts I am fixing to start garlic pills rather than eat it everyday.
I am still worried about my eyes. She said an eye test every month and my eye doctor said an extensive test monthly and medicare might not pay for it. He is concerned about my eyes.
All that is making me shy away from the other 2 antibiotics. I will know more after 2 weeks off Azithromycin.
I am leaning toward no additional antibiotics.

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Replies to "I haven’t had any tests but I am getting another CT on Sept 13th and go..."

I was getting my eyes checked monthly when I was on the ethambutol....my dr suggested every three months, but I was scared to death to wait that long. I had no peace. Now that I am off the meds, no more monthly eye checks. the tinnitus from the azithromycin seems to be waning some.....I hope it goes away totally in time. i don't like it at all. some people don't get any side effects...it's such an individual journey, yet the same in many ways.....????

Talk to your ophthalmologist about Medicare paying - they have to code it a certain way that indicates it is necessary due to a medical condition and the drugs you are taking. My eyes were tested every 3 months for 2 years with no issue.
Sue