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MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Sep 20, 2023 | Replies (20)
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Hmm...usually the sputum cultures are repeated every 3 months while on the meds to determine when you "convert" to negative for MAC. That starts the 12 month "countdown " to cease antibiotics. You continue to test every 3 months to be sure you stay clear. Also one protocol says if you don't convert by 12 months, it is time to consider adding or changing meds, or changing frequency.
It sounds like this doctor is not up-to-date on managing MAC treatment.
Do you have an option to change pulmonologists?
Also, what airway clearance routine did she teach you?
Sue
Replies to "Hmm...usually the sputum cultures are repeated every 3 months while on the meds to determine when..."
Sue, my cultures at not negative and ID Dr has already started the year of antibiotics countdown.
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I start worrying. I have been on meds since April; my pulmonologist finally ordered last week sputum culture but what I submitted to the lab was not good for the C&S and we are also waiting for the lab to tell if the sputum cultures for MAC worked. I am going tomorrow to NW hospital in Lake Forest, Illinois for sputum induction but I really do not produce anything that could be coughed up. I am registered at NJ, had an interview with the nurse and did not hear from them since July. I am also scheduled to see an Id doctor at Loyola Medical center in Mywood in February. I asked on this forum if anybody could recommend a MAC/Bronchiectasis specialist in the Chicago area or neighboring states ; no one responded yet. I am lost.