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Starting BIG 3 tonight ….
Hello , I am starting my BIG 3 tonight .I was diagnosed with Mac Avium and have 2 cavities in upper right lung .My only symptoms have been a chronic cough since I had walking pneumonia at christmas time. Doctor thought maybe asthma or reflux and eventually after a Bronchoscopy they grew the bacteria . This was in May and I got diagnosed in June . However over the summer it has gotten worse ( I was away in Asia /Europe for 2 months) - the CT scan confirmed that .. I am a healthy 56 year old. No other issues or medications . However I am freaked out about the antibiotics Azithromyci 500mg, Ethambutol 1000mg, Rifampin 600 mg / my doctor said to take with food at dinner .
I have been reading so much about all the side effects 🙁 And how other people space out the meds. In 1 week I see a ID doctor to determine if I will add on the IV... .It is overwhelming, and I don t know what to expect.... most people get sick I think ? of the side effects?
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It is a frightening transition to go from healthy to fighting MAC!
I, too, was concerned when I started the big three in late July three times a week. I was worried about diarrhea, since I’m already too skinny as it is. My clinic’s nurse suggested I take my meds before bed at least a couple of hours after my food. That way, the antibiotics can work while I sleep and the next day I can work on keeping my gut biome healthy by taking probiotics and florastor (a probiotic that survives the onslaught of antibiotics).
My primary care doctor referred me to an integrated medicine practitioner who advised me on how to keep my immune system strong. She basically told me to eat the way we all know we should eat: lots of fruits and vegetables and quality protein (chicken, fish, tofu, garbanzo beans). Avoid fried foods, alcohol, sugar and empty carbohydrates since they tend to create inflammation in the body. I did get an itchy rash from Ethambutol and stopped it after two weeks. I continued the other two antibiotics and I am now taking them every day.
So far, I’ve felt pretty good with no tummy trouble.
BTW, the pharmacy insert that came with Rifampin says to take it two hours after a meal and with a full cup of water. You might ask your doctor about that.
Good luck!!!🍀