What to consider when buying new shower head

Posted by newbird @newbird, Apr 26 11:33pm

I have MAC and am getting new faucets and shower. For best cleaning, should the heads screw off? Be hand held? Are there brands that have good filters? Thanks.

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newbird | @newbird | Apr 28 7:51am

In reply to @sueinmn "@newbird Most of us, when first diagnosed with MAC & Bronchiectasis, want to do "everything" to..." + (show)

@sueinmn My big decision is swimming at the YMCA., indoors. I am usually an optimist but given that I will likely not be able to tolerate antibiotic treatment, it feels like MAC is a death sentence once I become symptomatic. That's why I wonder if the best thing is just to swim and enjoy it for as long as I can and not worry about MAC in the air in water at the pool. I have an appointment in June to see a doctor in Manhattan who specializes in MAC but don't know that she can offer any more treatment options than my doctor where I live. By the way, what are the "big three" that people keep referring to. Also, I have not seen many optimistic posts. Does anyone get MAC and stay asymptomatic for years? Thanks.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Apr 28 9:41am

In reply to @newbird "@sueinmn My big decision is swimming at the YMCA., indoors. I am usually an optimist but..." + (show)

@newbird A new diagnosis of MAC can be scary and overwhelming, but this group is here to support you on your journey.

Let me see if I understand your current situation. You have MAC, but no symptoms, no bronchiectasis or COPD, and several heart problems. You regularly swim in an indoor pool. I'll try to answer some of your questions.

"...Does anyone get MAC and stay asymptomatic for years?"
Yes, it can happen. Often people are advised to do daily airway clearance with nebulized saline solution. This can make the lungs inhospitable to the the MAC/NTM (non-tubercular mycobacteria) and clear out mucus that can harbor it and allow it to grow. This is often the case with people who might not tolerate the antibiotic regimen.

"...it feels like MAC is a death sentence once I become symptomatic..."
Let me start by saying MAC is NOT a death sentence. My Mom had MAC late in life, along with many other health/heart issues. For several years, her MAC was ONLY treated with a 14 day course of a single antibiotic if she became symptomatic. She ultimately died of a heart-related disease, not MAC. There are a number of people in this group who follow a similar path.

"That's why I wonder if the best thing is just to swim and enjoy it for as long as I can and not worry about MAC in the air in water at the pool..."
As your pulmonologist suggested, without other lung issues, the most likely source of your infection is swimming in an indoor pool. This activity exposes you to a constant "pea soup" of mycobacteria and other pathogens in the mist above the pool. Continuing to swim means constant re-exposure, a risk only you can decide whether to take.

I see that you are worried about your home environment, ordering new air and water purifiers, shower, wondering about your water heater, dehumidifier and sump pump. Those efforts may be helpful, but the sump pump is likely not a risk, the dehumidifier low risk, because they are not producing mist or vapor. Also, not every water filter is helpful in eliminating MAC/NTM. I would suggest you go the our "ABC's.." and read some of the valuable information members have found:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/resources-for-the-abcs-on-bronchiectasis-and-mac-ntm/
Except for controlling exposure to MAC by limiting exposure to mist in the shower, all of the efforts at home are less critical than reducing your exposure in the swimming pool, where you are exposed to the highest number of bacteria in the mist. It will be interesting to know what the MAC specialist advises.

"...what are the "big three" that people keep referring to..."
These are the three most typical antibiotics used to treat MAC/NTM - azithromycin, ethambutol & rifampin. The combination is typically prescribed 3 times a week for at least 12 months, or until 6-12 months after the infection is no longer present in your sputum samples. They can be difficult to tolerate for some people, and in your case would need to be prescribed in consultation with your cardiologist.

Please feel free to search our group for topics of interest to you. At the top of the page is a link "MAC & Bronchiectasis" - click it to go to out main page, then type key words on the "Search Discussions" box and search. A list of related discussions and comments will appear. For the best response, choose more recent ones and go there to read and ask questions of all our members.

newbird | @newbird | Apr 29 7:54am

In reply to @sueinmn "@newbird Most of us, when first diagnosed with MAC & Bronchiectasis, want to do "everything" to..." + (show)

@sueinmn II am not clear on what kind of filter system you have. A separate tap? I like the idea but could you explain more. What brand is it? Is 0.2 microns good enough for MAC? I've looked for pitcher-type water purifiers . Some use granular activated carbon which seems to harbor MAC bacteria. Is UV light effective for water. Also, do you have a preferred brand of air purifier? Granular carbon does not seem to be a problem in those, since there is little moisture. There are so many choices . Thank you very much.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Apr 29 9:26am

In reply to @newbird "@sueinmn II am not clear on what kind of filter system you have. A separate tap?..." + (show)

@newbird Here is a link to my post about the filter system we use.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-do-you-do-when-seasonal-bugs-upset-holiday-plans/
This is not a "brand", but a filter we designed. The .2 micron filter removes NTM. If you do not have room for one under the sink, there are countertop models available.

UV light only affects what it actually touches, and in the dark. Once the water is exposed to light again, as in a pitcher, the NTM can grow.

Air filters are a different situation - we use HEPA air filters not so much to protect from NTM, but to keep the air free of circulating pollen, dust and dander (from visiting pets). This helps keep allergies and asthma under control, which reduces inflammation and generally keeps our lungs healthier. I do not know of any that claim to reduce/eliminate NTM. Follow the search directions in yesterday's post, and look for HEPA filters - there are many discussions, covering many brands.

louis228 | @louis228 | May 8 10:15am

In reply to @newbird "@texaseve Thanks for the suggestion. I will check it out." + (show)

@newbird
I have that shower head and it is really easy to disinfect on a daily basis.

visions63 | @visions63 | May 9 8:02am

In reply to @newbird "@sueinmn My big decision is swimming at the YMCA., indoors. I am usually an optimist but..." + (show)

@newbird ,w(o is the doc in the city that you are going to??

visions63 | @visions63 | May 9 8:04am

In reply to @louis228 "@newbird I have that shower head and it is really easy to disinfect on a daily..." + (show)

@louis228 which shower head is that??

louis228 | @louis228 | May 9 11:47am

In reply to @visions63 "@louis228 which shower head is that??" + (show)

@visions63
The company is shower clear and the head has a latch that opens the entire shower head for cleaning and drying. They sell it on Amazon

visions63 | @visions63 | May 9 3:16pm

In reply to @louis228 "@visions63 The company is shower clear and the head has a latch that opens the entire..." + (show)

@louis228 THANK YOU !

jbix | @jbix | May 10 10:56am

In reply to @louis228 "@visions63 The company is shower clear and the head has a latch that opens the entire..." + (show)

@louis228 I also have a shower clear shower head and it’s fabulous. Go to their website to read info.

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