Has anyone heard of “waxing and waning” ?

My first x-rays in 2022 showed waxing and waning of tree in bud nodules. CT scans in 2022 and 2023 the same. I finally got a diagnosis this summer - when the 3rd broncoscopy finally grew something and a sputum test was also ordered. My pulm said as some areas clear themselves other areas may worsen. This was all before I started bronchial hygiene…. i think it would upset me if I had areas getting worse after all the time I put into the breathing routine each day.

My first experience 25 years ago with pulmonary was waxing and waning pulmonary nodules to small to biopsy. Seemed their concern was at least it wasn't cancer. CT showed bronchiectasis but no treatment. Even when MAC showed up in BAL all they said is that treatment would
be terrible and did nothing. At that time though symptoms were not evident.

@nicholslg, how long after that did you develop symptoms? Did you ever have to take the big 3?

Never took big 3. Most sputum cultures were negative and never had positive smear. 3 different ID doctors agreed no treatment. Symptoms were slight for maybe 18 + years. I am 80 now .

That is so encouraging to hear! Thank you!

Waxing and waning is the best description for MAC. Sometimes you will have a CT scan that shows less, and sometimes you will have a CT scan that shows more. With treatment the “waning” part of the spectrum will be what you want to see - or no MAC at all. Irene5

Having trouble getting AD app! Help!!

Which app? The Autogenic drainage app? If that's what you're referring to it looks like a set of lungs. It's on Apple and android both

Thank you!! Got it!

Judy

Were you nebulizing or doing any clearance exercises? I have read that 10-15% of all NTM cases clear on its own.