(MAC/MAI) Mycobacterium Avium Complex Pulmonary Disease: Join us

@tfritschy Teresa and @lindaaz Linda and @afcardieri Fillis Hello and Welcome to our Connect Forum! We are so glad you found us! You will find our group a support on our shared journey with an exchange of our experiences and the information we have gathered. We are NOT doctors but if you read past pages of our post you will learn a LOT about MAC and Bronchiectasis .. unfortunately sometimes more than many doctors are aware of. As you educate yourself .. you MUST become your own best advocate! Remember .. if you will read a 300 page book for pleasure .. isn't it wise to read 25 or 50 pages of this Forum to help learn about our shared MAC disease? Hope you make the effort to read those pages .. it will pay off!

I am answering you on our main discussion page:

– MAC/MAI) MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM COMPLEX PULMONARY DISEASE/BRONCHIECTASIS
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mycobacterium-avium-complex-pulmonary-disease-macmai/ ..( that is page 1 .. you can go to "Last" or wherever) . In this thread, you’ll find a wealth of information from an incredible group of knowledgeable and supportive members.

I am answering you there so you will perhaps get more responses. Come on over. Introduce yourselves and ask anything after you have read through the past pages and educated yourself to our shared disease. Hope you find these pages helpful! Hugs to all! Katherine

@tfritschy Teresa and @lindaaz Linda and @afcardieri Fillis Hello and Welcome to our Connect Forum! We are so glad you found us! You will find our group a support on our shared journey with an exchange of our experiences and the information we have gathered. We are NOT doctors but if you read past pages of our post you will learn a LOT about MAC and Bronchiectasis .. unfortunately sometimes more than many doctors are aware of. As you educate yourself .. you MUST become your own best advocate! Remember .. if you will read a 300 page book for pleasure .. isn't it wise to read 25 or 50 pages of this Forum to help learn about our shared MAC disease? Hope you make the effort to read those pages .. it will pay off!

I am answering you on our main discussion page:

– MAC/MAI) MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM COMPLEX PULMONARY DISEASE/BRONCHIECTASIS
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mycobacterium-avium-complex-pulmonary-disease-macmai/ ..( that is page 1 .. you can go to "Last" or wherever) . In this thread, you’ll find a wealth of information from an incredible group of knowledgeable and supportive members.

I am answering you there so you will perhaps get more responses. Come on over. Introduce yourselves and ask anything after you have read through the past pages and educated yourself to our shared disease. Hope you find these pages helpful! Hugs to all! Katherine

@tfritschy Teresa and @lindaaz Linda and @afcardieri Fillis Hello and Welcome to our Connect Forum! We are so glad you found us! You will find our group a support on our shared journey with an exchange of our experiences and the information we have gathered. We are NOT doctors but if you read past pages of our post you will learn a LOT about MAC and Bronchiectasis .. unfortunately sometimes more than many doctors are aware of. As you educate yourself .. you MUST become your own best advocate! Remember .. if you will read a 300 page book for pleasure .. isn't it wise to read 25 or 50 pages of this Forum to help learn about our shared MAC disease? Hope you make the effort to read those pages .. it will pay off!

I am answering you on our main discussion page:

– MAC/MAI) MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM COMPLEX PULMONARY DISEASE/BRONCHIECTASIS
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mycobacterium-avium-complex-pulmonary-disease-macmai/ ..( that is page 1 .. you can go to "Last" or wherever) . In this thread, you’ll find a wealth of information from an incredible group of knowledgeable and supportive members.

I am answering you there so you will perhaps get more responses. Come on over. Introduce yourselves and ask anything after you have read through the past pages and educated yourself to our shared disease. Hope you find these pages helpful! Hugs to all! Katherine

@tfritschy Teresa and @lindaaz Linda and @afcardieri Fillis Hello and Welcome to our Connect Forum! We are so glad you found us! You will find our group a support on our shared journey with an exchange of our experiences and the information we have gathered. We are NOT doctors but if you read past pages of our post you will learn a LOT about MAC and Bronchiectasis .. unfortunately sometimes more than many doctors are aware of. As you educate yourself .. you MUST become your own best advocate! Remember .. if you will read a 300 page book for pleasure .. isn't it wise to read 25 or 50 pages of this Forum to help learn about our shared MAC disease? Hope you make the effort to read those pages .. it will pay off!

I am answering you on our main discussion page:

– MAC/MAI) MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM COMPLEX PULMONARY DISEASE/BRONCHIECTASIS
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mycobacterium-avium-complex-pulmonary-disease-macmai/ ..( that is page 1 .. you can go to "Last" or wherever) . In this thread, you’ll find a wealth of information from an incredible group of knowledgeable and supportive members.

I am answering you there so you will perhaps get more responses. Come on over. Introduce yourselves and ask anything after you have read through the past pages and educated yourself to our shared disease. Hope you find these pages helpful! Hugs to all! Katherine

@tfritschy Teresa and @lindaaz Linda and @afcardieri Fillis Hello and Welcome to our Connect Forum! We are so glad you found us! You will find our group a support on our shared journey with an exchange of our experiences and the information we have gathered. We are NOT doctors but if you read past pages of our post you will learn a LOT about MAC and Bronchiectasis .. unfortunately sometimes more than many doctors are aware of. As you educate yourself .. you MUST become your own best advocate! Remember .. if you will read a 300 page book for pleasure .. isn't it wise to read 25 or 50 pages of this Forum to help learn about our shared MAC disease? Hope you make the effort to read those pages .. it will pay off!

I am answering you on our main discussion page:

– MAC/MAI) MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM COMPLEX PULMONARY DISEASE/BRONCHIECTASIS
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mycobacterium-avium-complex-pulmonary-disease-macmai/ ..( that is page 1 .. you can go to "Last" or wherever) . In this thread, you’ll find a wealth of information from an incredible group of knowledgeable and supportive members.

I am answering you there so you will perhaps get more responses. Come on over. Introduce yourselves and ask anything after you have read through the past pages and educated yourself to our shared disease. Hope you find these pages helpful! Hugs to all! Katherine

@bschaper2, Hello and Welcome to our Connect Forum! We are so glad you found us! You will find our group a support on our shared journey with an exchange of our experiences and the information we have gathered. We are NOT doctors but if you read past pages of our post you will learn a LOT about MAC and Bronchiectasis .. unfortunately sometimes more than many doctors are aware of. As you educate yourself .. you MUST become your own best advocate! Remember .. if you will read a 300 page book for pleasure .. isn't it wise to read 25 or 50 pages of this Forum to help learn about our shared MAC disease? Hope you make the effort to read those pages .. it will pay off!

I am answering you on our main discussion page:

– MAC/MAI) MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM COMPLEX PULMONARY DISEASE/BRONCHIECTASIS
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mycobacterium-avium-complex-pulmonary-disease-macmai/ ..( that is page 1 .. you can go to "Last" or wherever) . In this thread, you’ll find a wealth of information from an incredible group of knowledgeable and supportive members.

I am answering you there so you will perhaps get more responses. Come on over. Introduce yourselves and ask anything after you have read through the past pages and educated yourself to our shared disease.

". Who is a good physician to request at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville?" From my File Cabinet:
MAYO CONTACT INFO .. JACKSONVILLE FL
@windwalker, Terri shared 01/17 : Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fl. and I see Dr. Jack Leventhal (pulmonologist) he has been a real blessing and life changer for me. The Mayo has an easy to use website with a "make an appointment tab. You do not need a referral. They have a dept to ask if your insurance will cover you there. They are a non-profit hospital, therefore, they don't gauge on pricing either.
*Another member: pulmonologist at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville FL. His Name is Dr. Jack Leventhal. This man has saved my life I am sure. I was put on alternating monthly antibiotics for three yrs. that worked for a while. Now I am on alternating months of an additional antibiotic called tobramycin. It is super expensive but it has totally dried up the infection. It is what they commonly give to CF patients to help keep the myco-organisms at bay
*or Dr Chandler.
Your " my nebulizer mouthpiece was never cleaned, just thrown in a bag for the next visit " .. From my File Cabinet:
From Member @jenblalock, Every few days I sterilize by putting in Dr. Browns bags (can get at Amazon) with a few ounces of distilled water and microwaving on high for 2 minutes. https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Browns-Microwave-Steam-Sterilizer/dp/B0035LQNNE?th=1 ($5.99 About the product: Sterilized eliminating 99.9% of most household bacteria and germs Five sterilizer bags come to a pack and each bag is reusable up to 20 times This offers 100 uses per retail pack)
https://www.nationaljewish.org/treatment-programs/medications/lung-diseases/treatments/using-the-aerobika
AEROBIKA AND NEBULIZERS .. CLEANING OF From Member Linda @lindam272 We benefit from sharing information with each other. *PR0BLEM I learned from my Respiratory Therapist: I WAS NOT sterilizing my equipment DAILY! I sterilize the three main pieces of the Aerobika plus my nebulizers! * my Respiratory Therapist suggested using a baby bottle sterilizer for DAILY USE FOR BOTH MY Aerobika and Nebulizers * I have a paper from my Respiratory Therapist that outlines how to clean and disinfect respiratory equipment and it says to disinfect at least daily and gives 4 different options for doing that – one is to microwave in a microwavable bowl filled with water for 5 mins or Electric Baby Steam Sterilizer (bottle sterilizer) for 6 – 8 mins. I’ve been sterilizing for 4 mins according to the instructions with the sterilizer. Now that I’m reading this sheet again, I’ll up it to 6 mins and hope I don’t melt anything. It sure is confusing and some instructions contradict others. I just do the best I can and pray that it’s good enough.
Here’s my routine: saline treatment (IF that is part of your routine) , Aerobika, nebulizer treatment, Aerobika. I then agitate all parts in hot soapy water, allow part to sit for 10 to 15 minutes .. and then rinse REALLY well. I don’t use distilled water. Just tap water. Put all parts in the bottle sterilizer .. I use the baby bottle sterilizer daily. I usually let it cool for a bit. Remove parts. I lay out the parts on a clean paper towel to dry. Allow sterilizer to dry. Not saying this is the “right” way but it works for me.

Your question: Recommendation on a ID physician, please? Orlando person, are you still out there? I don't have a clue. Anyone jump in? Hugs to all! Katherine

@bschaper2, Hello and Welcome to our Connect Forum! We are so glad you found us! You will find our group a support on our shared journey with an exchange of our experiences and the information we have gathered. We are NOT doctors but if you read past pages of our post you will learn a LOT about MAC and Bronchiectasis .. unfortunately sometimes more than many doctors are aware of. As you educate yourself .. you MUST become your own best advocate! Remember .. if you will read a 300 page book for pleasure .. isn't it wise to read 25 or 50 pages of this Forum to help learn about our shared MAC disease? Hope you make the effort to read those pages .. it will pay off!

I am answering you on our main discussion page:

– MAC/MAI) MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM COMPLEX PULMONARY DISEASE/BRONCHIECTASIS
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mycobacterium-avium-complex-pulmonary-disease-macmai/ ..( that is page 1 .. you can go to "Last" or wherever) . In this thread, you’ll find a wealth of information from an incredible group of knowledgeable and supportive members.

I am answering you there so you will perhaps get more responses. Come on over. Introduce yourselves and ask anything after you have read through the past pages and educated yourself to our shared disease.

". Who is a good physician to request at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville?" From my File Cabinet:
MAYO CONTACT INFO .. JACKSONVILLE FL
@windwalker, Terri shared 01/17 : Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fl. and I see Dr. Jack Leventhal (pulmonologist) he has been a real blessing and life changer for me. The Mayo has an easy to use website with a "make an appointment tab. You do not need a referral. They have a dept to ask if your insurance will cover you there. They are a non-profit hospital, therefore, they don't gauge on pricing either.
*Another member: pulmonologist at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville FL. His Name is Dr. Jack Leventhal. This man has saved my life I am sure. I was put on alternating monthly antibiotics for three yrs. that worked for a while. Now I am on alternating months of an additional antibiotic called tobramycin. It is super expensive but it has totally dried up the infection. It is what they commonly give to CF patients to help keep the myco-organisms at bay
*or Dr Chandler.
Your " my nebulizer mouthpiece was never cleaned, just thrown in a bag for the next visit " .. From my File Cabinet:
From Member @jenblalock, Every few days I sterilize by putting in Dr. Browns bags (can get at Amazon) with a few ounces of distilled water and microwaving on high for 2 minutes. https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Browns-Microwave-Steam-Sterilizer/dp/B0035LQNNE?th=1 ($5.99 About the product: Sterilized eliminating 99.9% of most household bacteria and germs Five sterilizer bags come to a pack and each bag is reusable up to 20 times This offers 100 uses per retail pack)
https://www.nationaljewish.org/treatment-programs/medications/lung-diseases/treatments/using-the-aerobika
AEROBIKA AND NEBULIZERS .. CLEANING OF From Member Linda @lindam272 We benefit from sharing information with each other. *PR0BLEM I learned from my Respiratory Therapist: I WAS NOT sterilizing my equipment DAILY! I sterilize the three main pieces of the Aerobika plus my nebulizers! * my Respiratory Therapist suggested using a baby bottle sterilizer for DAILY USE FOR BOTH MY Aerobika and Nebulizers * I have a paper from my Respiratory Therapist that outlines how to clean and disinfect respiratory equipment and it says to disinfect at least daily and gives 4 different options for doing that – one is to microwave in a microwavable bowl filled with water for 5 mins or Electric Baby Steam Sterilizer (bottle sterilizer) for 6 – 8 mins. I’ve been sterilizing for 4 mins according to the instructions with the sterilizer. Now that I’m reading this sheet again, I’ll up it to 6 mins and hope I don’t melt anything. It sure is confusing and some instructions contradict others. I just do the best I can and pray that it’s good enough.
Here’s my routine: saline treatment (IF that is part of your routine) , Aerobika, nebulizer treatment, Aerobika. I then agitate all parts in hot soapy water, allow part to sit for 10 to 15 minutes .. and then rinse REALLY well. I don’t use distilled water. Just tap water. Put all parts in the bottle sterilizer .. I use the baby bottle sterilizer daily. I usually let it cool for a bit. Remove parts. I lay out the parts on a clean paper towel to dry. Allow sterilizer to dry. Not saying this is the “right” way but it works for me.

Your question: Recommendation on a ID physician, please? Orlando person, are you still out there? I don't have a clue. Anyone jump in? Hugs to all! Katherine

Tdrell, Thanks for that info! Is it too much trouble to locate the guidelines given for future scanning so we can share those with our doctors? I was planning on asking my doc to order a CT scan for me to compare with earlier ones when I go back in the next 4 - 6 weeks and would like to have that information before calling if you still have it. Thanks so much! Linda

Tdrell, Thanks for that info! Is it too much trouble to locate the guidelines given for future scanning so we can share those with our doctors? I was planning on asking my doc to order a CT scan for me to compare with earlier ones when I go back in the next 4 - 6 weeks and would like to have that information before calling if you still have it. Thanks so much! Linda