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How MAC patients have tolerated taking the 3 antibiotics
sallyb827 | @sallyb827 | 17 minutes ago
I was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis and MAC in 2017. CT scan showed improvement in 2020. Now the CT scans and breathing tests indicate the disease is worse and the Docs want me to start the 3.
I am terrified of taking 3 antibiotics a day. I have IBS-D already and 3 antibiotics a day will make it worse. I fear living my life in the bathroom.
How have other people tolerated the antibiotics?
I have started exercising pretty heavy again ( slowed down during COVID) to move the mucous and bacteria out.
I take a lot of natural supplements including Enteragam(prescription drug) and probiotics daily. It keeps my IBS under control.
Any comments on how you tolerated the 3 would be helpful!
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Do you have a particular brand you buy! I’m overwhelmed by how many are out there and most are full of fillers
ID doctor recommended Culturelle (I take one in the morning and 1 at night). Take at different times than the antibiotics. These can be found at Costco
Also, today the nurse at my pulmonologist recommended Garden of Life critical care probiotic. Haven’t looked at that yet. She mentioned that it was probably one of the best for the number of antibiotics we’re taking
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2 ReactionsThis is great information. Do they seem to be working for you?
I take California Gold Lactobif 30. It contains Lactobacillus acidophilus
Bifidobacterium lactis
Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
Lactobacillus Plantatum
Bifidobacterium longum
Bifidobacterium breve
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus Salivarius
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2 ReactionsThree a day? How many days of the week? I've been told 3/day, 3x/week is standard.
I am new to this group and have similar concerns. My doctor is a newbie and not so good at answering questions. Appreciate hearing from you all.
I guess since I'm not having any problems they must be working! Not the best answer, but it's hard to know what's really going on unless the antibiotics cause issues and I really don't have any.....
Typical protocol is 3 medications, 3 times per week. However, certain strains of MAC may respond better to daily meds. And if you already have significant nodules or cavities in your lungs, daily medication is often prescribed. Five years ago when I was being treated, if you did not respond to 3 times per week dosing after six to nine months, daily treatment might be started. Now I believe the protocol after 6-9 months is to add inhaled Arikayce or Amikacin - this was just being tested back then.
Are you using the antibiotics now, or have they been recommended for you?
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1 ReactionI've been using them 3x3 for about 8 months.
How often are they doing sputum cultures to see how you are doing?