Discussions
Discussions
# NTMs
I have had asthma most my life then in 97 I was termed copd. So its emphysema, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis and mild PH. I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis in 2015 by ct scan. I never coughed or had mucus unless infection till this happened. Last year March ended up in hospital with a exacerbation and never been the same since. In Oct 15 thru February one infection after another. Antibiotic and pred burst every month. Missing half of my pulmonary rehab each of those months. Asking my pulmo who is over 100 miles away about taking zpak 3 days a week he said no. Well after having so much trouble he finally agreed to it. So I take zpak 3 days a week so far so good off pred totally. I do 7% saline in neb or mycomyst 20 in neb if that dont work but the saline usually does it. Also he doubled my daily vials of pulmicort rather I have steroids that way than pred all the time. I am doing ok I have trouble its not easy but keep plugging along. I go to pulmonary rehab 3 days a week some days are good some are not. Been 4yrs this May since I started. I was wondering about tobramycin for bronchiectasis. Its used for CF but can be used for bronchiectasis. Do you have to prove the bacteria before the pulmo does ok this to use? I also seen a study on the floxin made into a inhaler for bronchiectasis. Its in the works yet. Had to add a nodule we are watching not caner yet just watching. Most of the nodules are not cancer.
Replies
Hi Cathi,
Not knowing your health issues, I would be a little worried if you are again culturing positive for another NTM bug. What does your pulmonologist tell you? What is the third MAC bacteria? I tend to be a proactive person when it comes to things like this.
Do you have other NTM symptoms like: fatigue, weight loss, fever, etc?
I have had asthma most my life then in 97 I was termed copd. So its emphysema, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis and mild PH. I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis in 2015 by ct scan. I never coughed or had mucus unless infection till this happened. Last year March ended up in hospital with a exacerbation and never been the same since. In Oct 15 thru February one infection after another. Antibiotic and pred burst every month. Missing half of my pulmonary rehab each of those months. Asking my pulmo who is over 100 miles away about taking zpak 3 days a week he said no. Well after having so much trouble he finally agreed to it. So I take zpak 3 days a week so far so good off pred totally. I do 7% saline in neb or mycomyst 20 in neb if that dont work but the saline usually does it. Also he doubled my daily vials of pulmicort rather I have steroids that way than pred all the time. I am doing ok I have trouble its not easy but keep plugging along. I go to pulmonary rehab 3 days a week some days are good some are not. Been 4yrs this May since I started. I was wondering about tobramycin for bronchiectasis. Its used for CF but can be used for bronchiectasis. Do you have to prove the bacteria before the pulmo does ok this to use? I also seen a study on the floxin made into a inhaler for bronchiectasis. Its in the works yet. Had to add a nodule we are watching not caner yet just watching. Most of the nodules are not cancer.
Comments
It is not our intention to serve as a substitute for medical advice and any content posted should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. We make every effort to support our members, our medical professionals cannot and will not provide a diagnosis or suggest a specific medication; those decisions should be left to your personal medical team. While we encourage individuals to share their personal experiences with COPD, please consult a physician before making changes to your own COPD management plan.
Community posts are monitored by the 360social Community Manager, as well as staff respiratory therapists, educators, and other medical professionals.