7% Saline Success Story that warmed my heart.

Hi Isabella, I can only speak for myself. I had no problem going from 3% to 7%. Just know, however, that the 7% may cause you to cough, which it does me. I look at that as positive because what I am coughing up is mucus and that is the whole point of airway clearance. Besides that benefit, the 7% creates a very uncomfortable environment for that nasty MAC bacteria. Good luck and keep us posted on how it goes for you.

Hello! Quick question! Why the move from 3% to 7%? Thank you!!

Several studies have shown that 7% saline can actually suppress growth of MAC/NTM in the lungs. 3% has not been shown to be as successful. In my case, I knew I had MAC when I stopped antibiotics 4 years ago so I continued to use the stronger saline.

I guess if one is just trying to thin mucus, and not suppress bacteria, 3% is fine. But if you know you have MAC and are trying to stay off antibiotics, 7% is the way to go if you can tolerate it.

Sue

Good morning, Ling -
Here is my daily routine:
Inhaler first thing in AM with my morning meds and a small bite of breakfast. Meds include 600mg of long-acting guaifenesin (Mucinex) and 600 mg NAC.
30-45 minutes of gentle yoga, or stretching & a brisk 15 minute walk - depending on weather and day of the week.
Deep breathing 3-4 minutes then airway clearance with Aerobika for 10 cycles or until nothing more comes. 1-2 times a week 7% saline before this, or if I am feeling tight or congested. (I used to use every day, but find I don't need that often now unless I have a respiratory bug or an asthma attack.)
Later in the day, another short brisk walk or 15-20 minutes of vigorous house or yard work, then maybe Aerobika again. (Sometime just the exertion is enough and I can cough stuff up.) I usually do this session leaning over from the waist and more junk comes out. My friends are used to me interrupting outings to cough for 5-6 minutes.
Bedtime - my inhaler again and evening meds, again including guaifenesin and Mucinex. Then 3-4 minutes of deep relaxation breathing when I lie down in bed. This will bring on coughing of there is more mucus to get up, so I sit on side of bed and huff cough until it clears. This helps me sleep through the night.

So, you can see each of my sessions is short but targeted, and I have figure out how to fit into my day with minimum disruption.
Sue

Yes, I agree that this forum has been so informative and helpful!! I'm so grateful to Sue and others! I have Bronchiectasis, Mac abscessus and possibly Aspergillus(positive tested but been treated).
The Saline was a huge game changer for me! I am religious about using it twice a day along with bronchodilator and steroid inhaler. Even when I travel!! In the past 3 years my CT has improved greatly with some areas completely "resolved" My PFT has also improved each time. My immune system is much better too. I am very active and also try to keep informed and try new things. I also have been on NAC forever.....even before diagnosis plus an array of "whole food" supplements.(Agree with Sue, be cautious and do your homework on supplements.) Glutathione, but only sublingually, and a product I love...Biocidin....you just have to read up on that. Also sublingual. Airway clearance twice a day. Exercise daily!! At least 30 minutes....just added a rebounder to my regiment and I love it. This clears lymph system and really gets your heart rate up. It's sometimes a struggle to juggle it all. My husband has Alzheimer's and Lewybody and I am his caregiver too. I want to stay healthy to care for him. Dodging respiratory illnesses is the challenge! Especially this time a year. We are a target for that. I say don't give up or become despondent... try to fight.......everyone is different and you might have to experiment but can hopefully you can improve your quality of life! Blessings in the new year!

Hi Sue,
Thanks a million for such a detailed note about your daily routine. I learned so much from you and some others in this community. As you can see, I don't want to miss anything from your experiences as I navigate my condition. I am going to Hawaii for a vacation tomorrow and want to make sure I am doing a good job for airway clearance. Last year we cancelled our annual trip to Hawaii because based on the research, mycrobaterium is more prevalent there. As I learn more about this disease, I am gaining confidence in managing it. The information I learned from this community gives me the power of living a normal life. Last year we took 5 road trips and 2 fly trips. Going to Hawaii will mark the resumption of my normal life. I am very grateful to all the experiences you shared.
Take care!
Ling

Yes, I was able to clear MAC with 7% hypertonic saline, an Aerobika, vest, postural drainage, Autogenic Drainage, exercise and a handheld massager.

Also, I got my weight up to a BMI of 20-21 and focused on reducing stress.

I did not have cavities. Generally speaking, with cavities one needs to seriously consider antibiotics. Linda Esposito