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Completed NMT treatment, lung inflammation returned, now what?

In: General Discussion
19 1196
M

1-2 months after beating the NTM and ending the Clarithromycin (and other antibiotics) I have increased shortness of breath. My pulmo thinks the Clarithromycin was reducing my COPD inflammation, and now the inflammation is back.

However, she is hesitant to put me on just the Clarithromycin because if the NTM returns, it could develop resistance before we even know it's back.

Anyone else in this dilemma? What did your doc recommend?

Latest Activity: April 21, 2018
9
19 Replies

Replies

m

When I took the TB regiment, there was some moments where the amount of my mucus decreased and couldn't release mucus in the morning. Because of that, I was unable to contain my mucus for one of the sputum test.
Now I cough a lot of mucus. I can release mucus in the morning.
I think TB drug played a role in my mucus production.

Latest Activity: April 11, 2018
m

When I took the TB regiment, there was some moments where the amount of my mucus decreased and couldn't release mucus in the morning. Because of that, I was unable to contain my mucus for one of the sputum test.
Now I cough a lot of mucus. I can release mucus in the morning.
I think TB drug played a role in my mucus production.

Latest Activity: April 11, 2018
K

Merry,
I am so sorry to hear of such a quick re-occurrence. Can she put you on something for the inflammation to start? I understand her concern with resistance. Did she repeat a culture this week?
You will get through this somehow.

Latest Activity: April 11, 2018
K

Merry,
I am so sorry to hear of such a quick re-occurrence. Can she put you on something for the inflammation to start? I understand her concern with resistance. Did she repeat a culture this week?
You will get through this somehow.

Latest Activity: April 11, 2018
G

Merry I am sorry to hear this as well. I hope there is something that can reduce the inflammation like Ksmiles suggested. Keep us posted on what the doc has to say.

Latest Activity: April 11, 2018
G

Merry I am sorry to hear this as well. I hope there is something that can reduce the inflammation like Ksmiles suggested. Keep us posted on what the doc has to say.

Latest Activity: April 11, 2018
M

Thanks Made, Ksmiles and Gretchen! She has mentioned Azathioprine and Methotrexate as possibilities, both of which sound a little scary.

PFT scheduled for Monday so she can get a better feel for how much has changed since my last PFT in December. Then we go from there.

Unfortunately, to get a sample to culture, she'd have to do a bronchoscopy and lavage. Or I have to come down with a very bad cold and start coughing up junk. No thanks! :) But a CT two weeks ago shows no change from December, so we don't think the NTM is back.

Latest Activity: April 12, 2018
M

Thanks Made, Ksmiles and Gretchen! She has mentioned Azathioprine and Methotrexate as possibilities, both of which sound a little scary.

PFT scheduled for Monday so she can get a better feel for how much has changed since my last PFT in December. Then we go from there.

Unfortunately, to get a sample to culture, she'd have to do a bronchoscopy and lavage. Or I have to come down with a very bad cold and start coughing up junk. No thanks! :) But a CT two weeks ago shows no change from December, so we don't think the NTM is back.

Latest Activity: April 12, 2018
K

Merry,
Good luck with the PFTs on Monday. I assume that you have attempted 7% NS nebulizers in attempt to get a sputum specimen?
I hope that they can find an alternate way to keep the inflammation down. Are you taking Omega3s in the interim? I wish you the very best throughout this trying time period.

Latest Activity: April 12, 2018
K

Merry,
Good luck with the PFTs on Monday. I assume that you have attempted 7% NS nebulizers in attempt to get a sputum specimen?
I hope that they can find an alternate way to keep the inflammation down. Are you taking Omega3s in the interim? I wish you the very best throughout this trying time period.

Latest Activity: April 12, 2018
K

My pulmo had me on methotrexate for copd years ago to get off pred. Don't remember how long but I doubt was very long cause of the side affects.

Latest Activity: April 15, 2018
K

My pulmo had me on methotrexate for copd years ago to get off pred. Don't remember how long but I doubt was very long cause of the side affects.

Latest Activity: April 15, 2018
M

Doing better now and even my recent PFT shows no change from December. I think we assume it was an exacerbation of some kind that has resolved. Also, I think this means that I have no more excuse to stay off that dang treadmill. :-\

Latest Activity: April 20, 2018
M

Doing better now and even my recent PFT shows no change from December. I think we assume it was an exacerbation of some kind that has resolved. Also, I think this means that I have no more excuse to stay off that dang treadmill. :-\

Latest Activity: April 20, 2018
D

Great to hear Merry!

Latest Activity: April 20, 2018
D

Great to hear Merry!

Latest Activity: April 20, 2018
K

Glad Merry your feeling better.

Latest Activity: April 21, 2018
K

Glad Merry your feeling better.

Latest Activity: April 21, 2018
K

Merry,

So glad that you are feeling better 😀😀. Yes, it takes a little time to get back on the saddle- treadmill;I know that you will when u r ready.

Continue to feel stronger

Latest Activity: April 22, 2018
7

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