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Overwhelmed by Bronchiectasis "Must dos"? Watch this video!

Posted by Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn, Nov 5, 2025

We've all been there - newly diagnosed with Bronchiectasis, MAC, Pseudomonas - things we never heard of before - we turn to the internet, where "Dr Google", AI, Facebook groups, Mayo Connect... Everyone has advice on what we "must do" to get or stay healthy. Pretty soon, we wonder if we can even live a semi-normal life and fit it all in.

For years, I have tried to share my philosophy of choosing the most critical areas, and following precautions, but not "going overboard." Often, I felt like a voice calling in the wilderness - even began to doubt the way I was living.

But, this presentation by Dr Jennifer Honda, at the 2025 NJH Conference, speaks my language:


It is only 35 minutes long, and well worth your time!

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

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helen1000 | @helen1000 | Jan 1 7:49pm
In reply to @sueinmn "@heidi0974 Yes, most recommendations are to raise the temperature of your hot water above 130f to..." + (show)
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@heidi0974 Yes, most recommendations are to raise the temperature of your hot water above 130f to kill mycobacteria. This minimizes the amount of NTM in your shower. You can read a number of discussions on the topic by going to the top of this page, clicking on "MAC and Bronchiectasis ". On that page, type "showering" - you will get a list of posts onthe topic.
Tip: for the best responses, look for those posts from a recent date.

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@sueinmn Happy New Year Sue! I wish you a prosperous, healthy and happy 2026! Thanks for all your time contributing to this forum, and your selfless help to all patients! You are so knowledgeable and intelligent!

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lenorj | @lenorj | Jan 2 7:52am
In reply to @sueinmn "My New Years Resolution - Stop letting fear of infection rule my life. Every time I..." + (show)
Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn

My New Years Resolution -
Stop letting fear of infection rule my life. Every time I am tempted to "go down the rabbit hole" trying to take every Bronchiectasis/NTM precaution, I will rewatch this video (link at the top).

As it is, I give this link to people frequently, and I watch/listen to part of the talk each time.

Please consider watching/rewatching the video, making a list of the precautions (not more than 5) most important to you, take those, and consider letting the rest go. Also, as Dr Honda repeats several times, if you miss a time sterilizing, drink tap water once or twice, or miss a neb session, "give yourself grace" and move on.

Even though the thought of living with BE/NTM can be overwhelming, most of us will die with it still in our bodies, but not die from it.

Who is up for trying this plan? Will you share your "top 5" with us?

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@sueinmn it is so nice to hear someone with such an upbeat and reasonable approach to this complex condition. Thanks for the video link and the hopeful outlook.

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lilianna | @lilianna | Jan 2 8:51am

Thank you Sue for posting this video again. And yes the fear of getting sick is always with me- a meeting, family gathering, grandkids birthday- I mask, I wash hand, , I sit far from the group and I use povidone iodine nasal spray my immunologist suggested- and still I think if I did enough or if I even should participate- I know I need to stop doing this but it’s sooo hard. So thanks again for the voice of reason

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