Discussions
Discussions
Is it typical for a Dr. to postpone taking the 3 medications with mild bronchiectasis and MAC?
This question was recently asked at a BNTM Coffee Social.
Katie: Your doctor may want to monitor you if you are not symptomatic since the antibiotics themselves may present great side effects.
Christina: The decision to start treatment is preferred yet depends on several factors, whether the NTM is causing damage to the lungs, advantages/possible risks of therapy, a person’s wish to start treatment after discussing it with their doctor, and the goals of treatment. Some physicians may choose to watch and wait to see if the patient becomes symptomatic as Katie mentioned above.* I would weigh all options.
John: Starting airway clearance may be a good way of reducing the effect of your MAC and preventing it from getting worse.
*Reference: Daley CL, Iaccarino JM, Lange C, et al. Treatment of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease: an official ATS/ERS/ESCMID/IDSA clinical practice guideline. Eur Respir J. 2020;56(1):2000535. Published 2020 Jul 7. doi:10.1183/13993003.00535-2020
Replies
Not sure about this ..it took them two years to figure out what was wrong with me .From 118 lbs ,happy ,workhorse now down to 79 lbs .and can't do anything .i tried the first antibiotic ,suppose to be three times a week ..after two doses woke up with a pillow case full of blood ..so i stopped saw dr ,didn"t seem concerned at all .so now waiting until after the holidays .to start again .Never had a bloody nose in my life !!! I have no symptoms except tireness and sometimes out of breath ..no coughing ,no sputum nothing ..im.so depressed with one appointment after another and no answers to anything here in rich mans land of naples .Medicare doesnt pay 150.00 for a month of boost !!! Three compression fractures in my spine because of osteoperosis and malnutrition .so add chronic pain to ntm ..Wow nice life !!! 😂f
Comments
Faeryday,
Hello! I am so sorry to read your message. Waking up to a pillow of blood on your pillow case is not normal and is a concern. Doctors are usually concerned when it is greater than two tablespoons.
I would not wait until after the holidays to resume treatment. Is there another NTM specialist in the Naples area who you can see for a 2nd opinion?
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