2014-2018, I have had Bronchiectasis, MAC = 4 years on three antibiotics daily; 2018, 1 year drug holiday. Recent positive myco cultures + 5th bout with pseudomonas in 7 months treated with 3 Rx of Levoquin, 1 Rx of cefpodoxime proxetile. Now it’s back again. I have consultation with my Mayo physician next week to find out what’s next. Currently 2 albuterol nebulizer daily and 1 saline nebulizer daily. Using ventolin inhaler before each nebulizer treatment. And acappella after each. Anyone who has this condition knows how I feel…so I will spare you the symptomatic details.
Does anyone know what effect Bronchiectasis, MAC, and additional bacterial lung infections have on life expectancy? I was diagnosed at 66, now 71. And are there natural remedies that might help manage this and have a better quality of life with this disease? I know walking, exercise, healthy diet, adequate hydration, hot ginger tea…etc. But I am also fructose and lactose intolerant. Ugh!
Liked by Brenda R.
I have been seeing Mayo pulmonologist for about 5 years. She gave me the 1-year holiday off meds since I was down to one colony. Now that everything is back plus the continuous pseudomonas I am looking forward to seeing her again. I trust her. The sensitivities were done in mid May. So guess I will know soon.🙏🏼
Liked by Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor
@lampstone Hi Pam. So, the ugly symptoms are back again? I am so sorry. I know it sucks. Are you back to coughing a lot? Had you been doing the albuterol and nebulized saline during that year off year from the meds?
Liked by Garnet
@lampstone Pam, my Mayo dr said I would be on antibiotics for the rest of my life most likely. I have tested negative for mac since 2014; but caught pseudo in 2016 and went neg for that after 30 day treatment on tobramycin. My dr said that although I am negative for organisms, he is now treating the bronchiectasis, the condition that allows mac and pseudo to attack us. So, my meds now are taken for preventative measures. I also relocated geographically in 2012. I believe the exposure to mac is minimal where I live now. I know that the state of Va is not healthy for me. There is lots of dampness and rotting leaves there. That state and Arizona kept me ill; in coastal South Carolina, I have been mostly healthy and happy. Hope this helps.
Liked by Garnet
@lampstone May I ask where you live live and what your occupation is/was? I am taking a poll. Thank you.
hi Terry…I think u r right…will ask about that July 11 when I see my Dr✌️✌️
Liked by Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor
Yes. They have done the sensitivity testing over the last couple months from my appointment in May. I will find out the treatment plan tomorrow. Thanks.
Liked by Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor
I had been using 7%, but when I began lung clearance three times a day, I was instructed to use albuterol morning and night, and then midday use 3% saline.🤷🏻♀️
Liked by Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor
Yes. I continued the neb treatments. Coughing spells started increasing, night sweats returned, overall ill feeling. My PCP did sputum test. It was positive for pseudomonas. Then everything escalated. I had CT last week. “Critters” (plus a new friend) have all moved in and set up shop!
Liked by Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor
Iowa. Professional Fundraising and Nonprofit Management, retired.
Liked by Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor
@sueinmn
@lampstone Pam, when I had pseudomonas that didn't residence to levaquin and doxy, my pulmonologist finally prescribed a month of nebulized Tobramycin, that finally kicked it. As for the failure of the antibiotics, did they do sensitivity testing on the specimens? Your appointment with Mayo is a great next step. Good luck.
Liked by Garnet