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Average sputum measurement from one nebulizing treatment 7% saline
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Sep 29, 2023 | Replies (50)Comment receiving replies
I think the more I understand about Mac/Bx, etc, the more relaxed and normal I can function. It's the not knowing, the wondering...that plants seeds of uncertainty and anxiety.
I am very grateful, I do not have symptoms.......Just doing the clearance, mucinex, walking, etc..and I seem ok. The sputum is always clear..........Not taking the antibiotics, due to poor quality of life on them. Dr Swenson is aware. I will get sputum tests done every 3 to 5 months and a scat scan yearly he said. So, I am keeping an eye on it, and doing everything I can..and still trying to enjoy my life.
It takes adjusting to this mentally, (as you know)..when you first find out it is mind boggling.
Thanks so much for your continued help Sue...you have been implemental in helping me maintain some peace of mind, with your input and compassion. Bon
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Like you said, the not knowing, the uncertainty = anxiety! I want to share a recent emotional breakthrough. It may support you in getting on with living! Which has not been the case for me as well! During a second opinion pulmonologist appointment with a leader in the field (Mac/Bx) I was hearing the oft repeated suggestion that I NOT go on the Big 3 Treatment which at this point is worse than the disease. (I'm very lucky to have caught this disease early) Wait and monitor. When I told him my family who are MDs are going to be dismayed that we aren't going straight for treating this infection, he said, "tell them you are treating. Airway clearance is the frontline treatment." 2/3 will have progressive MAC disease, worsening of bronchiectasis due to the infection. 1/3 will remain stable with a sliver of that spontaneously converting to negative MAC infection. We will monitor intensively. When worsening occurs it is immensely slow and if there is a whisper of worsening we start antibiotic treatment.
I hope you might be in a similar place and can take heart with this pulmonologist's confident suggestion which landed so well with me. I think there is a hesitancy or lack of skill by some doctors to communicate confidently and clearly about ways forward.