I had Bronchiectasis since2017, after I had a cold and prolonged coughing. At end of last year I found a tiny bit of blood in my sputum. I went to Augusta University health center looking for help. When I tried to make an appointment with any pulmonologist (I was new to this area),The staff who was making appointments was very helpful, she spent time to find Dr Gonzales who is specializing in Bronchiectasis. First appointment doctor ordered CT scan.lung function,a few days later doctor called me my preliminary lab report found AFB. I could join the clinic study group for Arikayce but I chose to start the big 3 antibiotics treatment.Dr Gonzales let me start clarithromycin first,1 week after adding rifampin, and another week later added ethambutol. I took rifampin and ethambutol together at morning empty stomach with a glass of water,1 hour later I take Arithromicin with breakfast.Thank god I tolerated well.To avoid intestinal bacteria imbalance I took yogurt,kefir almost every afternoon. I heard that fermented food is better than probiotics.
So far I am doing fine with 3 antibiotics.Until 9 weeks ago I started Arikayce treatment, specially after 4 weeks Arikayce,I lost appetite and severe fatigue,cough terribly.which lasted about three weeks.recently I felt getting better little by little. I feel much stronger than a month ago,able to walk,eat and coughing much less.Recent 2days my sputum reduced a lot.with only levalbuterol and 7% saline inhaler wouldn’t produce much sputum. I don’t know this is good or bad. Don’t know if anyone has same experience like this.