Starting the Big 3 - terrified
I am starting the big three next week and am terrified of the side effects and also of the dangers of my preexisting conditions. For instance ethanbutal causes irreversible blindness and clarithromycin causes debilitating neuropathy. All three cause unrelenting vomiting and diarrhea. First question is does your eyesight come back after discontinuation? How many have to stop because of these horrendous side affects? Lastly, I already have heart disease, kidney failure and diabetes. Given these conditions will the big three kill me? I read that clarithromycin causes heart attacks. My infectious disease doctor was hesitant to start treatment because of my conditions but decided we have to attack the MAC. I am going out of my mind terrified. How often do you have to be hospitalized because of these side effects and for how long?
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.
Connect

Yes! Ginger chews and ginger tea were my lifesavers during treatment. Now I'm paying the price - two new crowns in 2022 and two more this year - after never in 70 years.
Do you take 6 pills at night?
How long after dinner?
Yep. About 9 pm. With a piece of toast. Bed about ten.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsSue- I take it you feel it was the ginger chews you are referring to in terms of the possible, actual, cause of new crowns.
I make ginger tea with cinnamon sticks.....the reason for asking.
My concern is the two sticks of gum I chew a day. I tear off small pieces throughout the day to chew on, It helps subside the feeling of a lump in the throat .... most of the time. I hate that I am chewing gum. I need to see the dentist to check it all ...soon.
Barbara
Ginger rescue tablets have a bit more ginger and a bit less sugar. Could always use mouthwash or brush your teeth afterward if concerned about dental issues. Capsules, no sugar, are another option. Peace!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction"The Ginger People" make bottled ginger juices that have just a bit of honey. You could drink that instead of using candy type ginger.
I've been reading FDA warnings on my m. Abscessus drugs and decided to refuse Amikacin because it can destroy hearing and balance. 78 years old so right there with you. Quality of life is more important than quantity to me. It is a very individual decision and heartbreaking because the tradeoffs are devastating. Blessings on your journey.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI did the amakacin. List some hearing. Not worth it. Good choice. I get my hearing aids next week. Not even 60 yet
I know this is terrifying and I felt the same way. So very scary. Started with azithromycin and ethambutol for several weeks and added the rifampin. I have been very fortunate, as I have had little to no side effects and life has continued as normal. I take the drugs 3 x a week.
I do have my eyes and ears checked every three months.
Wishing you peace as you begin your meds.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsSo sorry about your hearing. Thanks for weighing in. Hope you have tons of healthy years ahead.