Anyone Without Mac Losing Weight

@picartist I know nothing BUT my ID doctor explained the weight loss thing as our bodies are fighting so hard to deal with inflammation/infection that the number of calories we consume is not enough. Hence, we lose weight. Whenever I have an active infection going on ( not MAC) I lose weight. You might want to consider finding out definitively what is going on in terms of a possible infection. Bronchiectasis makes us prone to infection. ( irene5)

@irene5 I have a blood test for an annual physical coming up. Can a routine infection show up in anything there or must it be done by collecting samples of sputum and cultures always be done when checking lung infections.

@picartist That is a good question. The short answer is yes. With that said, a sputum is the desired test because insurance likes that result to make it possible for other tests. And it is more definitive. Blood tests will show infection/inflammation going on but not the cause. ( irene5)

No known MAC infection but have lost 30 pounds in the last year. I've lost a great deal of muscle.

Bronchiectasis affected my weight significantly too. I was 103 but dropped to 87 lbs. Weight I couldn’t afford to lose. More calories are burned with active infection. I had to increase my calorie intake even when I wasn’t hungry. I have always been very active and still am at age 75, but that means do less exercise or eat more to keep weight stable. Now my weight fluctuates between 95 and 100. I am 4’11” so my weight is okay but I would like a buffer in times of illness.

I’ve also lost a lot of weight, part of which may be due to pseudomonas infection. But I also have noticed that when my mucus amounts increase a lot, I lose my appetite. I can’t always get sputum all the way up and out, so 3/4 of the time, I only get it up far enough to swallow it. I really think that in times of increased mucus, my stomach just has too much mucus in it and also makes me feel a little queasy. I’m working on getting more up and out!

@chisintexas Same issue as you, my age is 76. At the onset of bronchiectasis, around menopause, I dropped 20# that I can't replace and have stayed at 110 on a 5'3 frame. I tried gym training to gain muscle however the lack of estrogen, inability to gain weight and joint problems derailed the plan. Between all the daily chores, like food shopping (for myself and husband), prep, clean up, trying to eat 2000 calories a day, consistent exercise to move mucus, airway clearance techniques, and other bronchiectasis treatments, self-care is a quite a commitment. There is also the common fatigue that impedes the effort...but, it could be worse, and I know it!

My story is long. Bronchiectasis since I was 5 now 73. Contracted Valley Fever and it went to my throat and my ear (called disseminated coccidioidomycosis). Had surgery on my throat which they thought was cancer but was in fact fungus. Then they opened my ear up and I had it there to so had my mastoid bone removed. They started me on fluconozole and there starts the weight loss journey. I had pneumonia 3 months after my ear surgery and was not getting better. Tested me for MAC and I have it. Tried tro of meds but could not tolerate them but total I lost about 40+ lbs. I now weigh 87 lbs and am very weak.

myjourneybe:

I am 81 and have never weighed more than 95 pounds most likely because I was a competitive runner for years and my body decided to remain on hold even after I stopped. I am 5'4" tall and weigh 90 pounds. Since I am a patient at National Jewish Health (since 2023), my doctor recommended I see their NJH dietician because it is difficult to gain weight if a person weighs under 90 pounds.

My dietician and I worked together for 1 year and using the MyNetDiary app where I was watched daily for food intake and calories. It wasn't fun for that length of time and commitment, but I learned a lot about diet.

Oddly enough, I have been on a Mediterranean diet for over 25 years and the dietician recommended adding chicken to my diet for more protein because I haven't eaten red meat/pork for years.

It wasn't my diet that was a factor but the fact I wasn't getting enough calories into it. The dietician recommended I drink 2-3 Boost Very High Calorie drinks (520 calories per 8 oz which can only be bought through Amazon or Boost)) daily. My problem was that they filled me up and I was unable to eat the foods I love because I was too full.

Your weakness is not a good sign because you aren't getting enough calories. I suggest you work with a dietician or doctor as soon as possible. Best wishes!

@pmmar1 I also went to NJH in Oct. 2023. Glad I did. They let me know I had an infection, intercellular. The local pulmonologist was lacking in many ways.

I had lost 30lbs before knowing why.....BE and Intercellular infection the culprit.
I also am NOW 5'4". I am 83 and 6 months into life and have gained weight this last year. I am up to 100 to 104 lbs.
I think the amount of water intake also helps to see the dial on the scale move upward.
Sadly, due to a bit of cheating, I also believe non nutritious treats also help add to the weight gain. Diet wise I do eat 90% of my meals as healthy ones. Chicken, beans, fruits, vegetable, whole grains, salads and healthy homemade soups. I prefer to do banana and mango smoothies with Greek yogurt with a protein powder rather than the Boost. Have you tried that compared to the Boost.? Also I use boiled purified water rather than a milk based liquid for the smoothie.
Yes, weakness and practically stumbling all the time when I was 10 pounds lighter. Tripping over myself a great deal after the weight loss and no longer doing that with the weight gain.
Barbara