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Can a low MAC culture count go away without antibiotics ?
These are questions for my doctor at the next appt, but…
I was recently diagnosed with a 1 Colony MAC culture. Since the count is low, we are not treating . I’m not even sure how long I’ve had it, as my pulmonologist was not having me do sputum testing . I recently went to UT Tyler for another set of eyes and that’s when it was discovered .
Have any of you ever had a low count that eventually went away on its own ? Is that even possible ?
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@pacathy @bayarea58 @sueinmn So much to know and so glad to read all thoughts regarding the matter.
As stated overall, it is so important to understand and realize....that it takes all that was mentioned above to possibly convert. Meaning what needs to be done by the patient to possibly reach conversion...
Surely it is not going to go away on its own without doing all we know to do, to constantly work at it and strive to convert and/or get the count down when ever it shows it's ugly 'head."
Barbara
I have an ID doctor at NJH and for the past 5 months my sputum shows "No AFB" even though the past 3 years the results have consistently been either MAC or MAI. I am on no medications since 2023 and it seems strange but my ID doctor says that's the reason we are "watching/waiting," as it can find its way back at some point.
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4 Reactions@ubaldo45 There are several discussions in this group specifically about members' experiences with Brinsupri. This one might be helpful to you:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/brinsupri-follow-up/
@blm1007blm1007
I didn’t read the full study that the article referenced with the 51%, but in quickly skimming saw that those who spontaneously converted were younger and healthier weight. That makes a big difference, I think, with immune systems ability's to fight infections.
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2 Reactions@pacathy Yes, the immune system.
I probably have referenced this many times in my posts. Keeping it strong, as we know, wards off many illnesses and does it's job to fight off and fight infections.
Oh how I wish I could eat all that I want of cookies, cake, ice cream, chocolate, fried foods etc. without compromising my health.....BUT....keeping my immune system up is, and must be. one of the most important goals to help with my health and especially with BE/MAI. Do I cheat once in a while, yes, but never such that I would harm and affect all the good that I do for myself.
Yes, there is a big difference from those days of being younger and a healthier weight compared to what it is now at 83 and 7 months. However, so far I can't complain and I am very fortunate with how my body is handling the BE/MAC. Waiting on my last sputum test results and staying positive and hopeful....with each and every submission. Hoping the MAI stays at a low level and I am able to continue with "watchful waiting".
Thanks for your info and posts.
Barbara
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