MAC -Xenopi

Posted by scoxadoodledoo @scoxadoodledoo, Feb 10, 2024

Has anyone else in this group had a positive test result for MAC - Xenopi and exhibited no symptoms i.e.: weight loss, fever, coughing? I had a cough for 3 weeks which is when they discovered a small cavitation (hole) in my upper right lung. Since then, I have had chest pain that radiates heat and sometime runs down my left arm and is often in my left shoulder. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? If so, have you met a doctor with experience diagnosing and treating? Thanks so much and wish you all well.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Feb 10, 2024

@scoxadoodledoo Welcome to Mayo Connect. There are a wide variety of NTM (Non Tubercular Mycobacteria) which can infect us, M. xenopi is one of the more rare. It can be quite serious, however, and the cavity in your lung is evidence of that.
You may want enter your symptoms into "search discussions" box in the parent level of this group:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/mac-bronchiectasis/
It will return results only for this group.
Presence of a cavity is one of the standards for beginning antibiotic therapy, regardless of other symptoms. You can learn about when to begin treatment in this discussion: