Connect
7% Saline Success Story that warmed my heart.
Last year, I met a woman at our winter church who has had MAI (MAC) and Bronchiectasis for years, and had a horrible chronic cough. When she heard that #1 I knew what it was, and #2 I was on Mayo Connect, she started asking questions.
Over many conversations and text messages I convinced her to give 7% saline and airway clearance a try. Her doctor here never heard of it, so her husband ordered it on Amazon & she started using it daily.
Yesterday, she was waiting by my usual pew when I arrived at church and said to me, "I need to hug you. You saved my life!" She went on to explain she convinced her pulmonologist back home to order it, got Medicare to pay for it, and used it twice a day for months. By Fall, she was down to 5 times a week, and now she uses it twice a week (but daily airway clearance.)
Here was her story - in 2022 she was on antibiotics and/or steroids 19 times. She coughed a lot during the day, all night long, and whenever she tried to exert herself.
In 2023, she had ZERO exacerbations requiring antibiotics or steroids. She coughs far less (they used incense in our service, I was hacking up a lung, and she only coughed once or twice.) Her lung function improved 12% between her Spring appointment and December. She has been able to regain a little weight.
This is a lot like my experience with 7% saline and rigorous daily airway clearance. I made it through 2023 with one exacerbation that required steroids, no antibiotics. My lung function has held steady for 4 years using only airway clearance & saline. In my case I also use oral NAC and Mucinex because I have very "sticky" mucus and it helps keep it thin enough to expel.
Has anyone else managed to "ditch the Big 3" by using airway clearance and saline?
Sue
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.
Connect
Thank you Barbara. I have had asthma since birth and on allergy shots for 66 years. Tried to get off 3 different occasions and found myself in the emergency room each time. I am in for life, per the DR. They work well for me. I don't have a deductible on this Medicare GA program but when I did before 65, I met my deductible by the end of January with my allergy serum order every year in January. So Yes, if you have a chronic illness you need fantastic insurance.
The Donut hole. I have read about that but never really understood it. We don't have a donut hole on my insurance. They just use some kind of level system 1, 2, and catastrophic. When you reach out of pocket of $2000.00 you don't pay anymore for the rest of the year. I only paid $60.66 for my Tobramycin for 14 days but can't wait to see what they put on the end of the monthly report for that. The last time I used Tobi (it was on private Anthem insurance) it was reported on my paperwork as $10,000. Not sure how they figured that because I only paid at that time $184.00 for 14 days.
So glad this health insurance discussion got started.
It sent me reviewing my OK state health insurance booklet.
Well, the $2000.00, drug, out of pocket amount did start taking effect for 2025. The Inflation Reduction Act came through for Medicare recipients, our Medicare Part D within the plans. Yes, for me also the same drug arrangement as you, however, mine is within a Supplement Plan with the state vs. the state Advantage Plan that is also available.
That's good news overall. However, for me, so far I rarely have to pick up a mediation from the pharmacist but that might change as the months and years continue, especially with my having our common problem of BE and my MAI. I have been so fortunate and blessed.
Now if I could just stop this constant sputum that comes up to my throat that I am constantly having clear out, it is very annoying and frustrating. BUT, no pain as yet and that is such a good thing.
Hope you have had a good day.
Barbara