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Q what to expect starting big 3 ? Is my heavy flu reaction normal?
Hello, I have bronchiectasis and mild-moderate MAC lung disease and started the big 3 two weeks ago. My regimen is supposed to be Rifampin 3x week for the 1st week, add Ethambutol 3x week the 2nd week, then add Azithromycin 3x week the 3rd week. I almost made it thru the first week, then on day 7 started coming down with flu symptoms. By Week 2 Day 1, I felt like a MAC truck rolled over me, but I took both the Rifampin and the Ethambutol. Called my pulmonologist who told me to stop the Rifampin, but continue Ethambutol. Its now Week 2, Day 7 and I still feel like crap. Constant coughing (at least it is productive), total head fuzz, etc. I tested negative for Flu A, B, covid, and strep. My pulmonologist warned me I'd feel like crap the first weeks, but is this a normal reaction to these antibiotics? I'm concerned that I might have something else like pneumonia.
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Hi there, I was on the big 3 every day for 14 months. The side effects were awful - felt sick, had no appetite and lost a lot of weight. I was free from MAC for a year now it has returned along with Abscessus which is a fast grower. I am on watch and wait but feel pretty awful these days. I have severe nausea which began a few months ago and it is getting worse. I do all the right things - take probiotics, eat 5/6 small healthy meals but my weight is dropping again. I am on holiday from school but not sure if I will be able to return if I continue to feel like this. All I would say is to get regular check ups and bloods done. My gut was stripped from taking the big 3. Hopefully you will be lucky. I do airway clearance but not sure if it is enough. Good luck with your treatment.
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1 Reaction@namd Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm sorry to hear your MAC returned with a plus one! For the gut - there is a probiotic that you might want to try - Saccharomyces Boulardii + MOS (Yarrow Formula) that is not affected by antibiotics. Here's info from internet: Saccharomyces boulardii (a beneficial yeast) is not affected by antibiotics because antibiotics target bacteria, not fungi like S. boulardii, making it ideal for taking with antibiotics to prevent diarrhea and restore gut balance; however, it's best to take them a few hours apart (2+) and note that S. boulardii is a yeast, so antifungal meds will reduce its effectiveness.
Why S. boulardii Works with Antibiotics:
Different Organisms: Antibiotics kill bacteria, but S. boulardii is a non-bacterial yeast, so it survives the antibiotic course.
Restores Balance: It helps prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) by maintaining a healthy gut environment and promoting the return of good bacteria after antibiotics.
How to Take It:
Timing: Take your S. boulardii supplement at least 2 hours apart from your antibiotic dose to avoid any immediate overlap.
Duration: Continue taking it for several weeks after your antibiotic treatment ends to fully restore your gut microbiome.
I take all those everyday and don’t have that issue. I got dizzy on rafubutin. That made me feel terrible. Tried off and on for two months. So went to rafampin. It was tolerated better. Just fatigue. But it’s my third re infection. So maybe I’m just tolerant from all the times.
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