Discussions

Just that PICC lines should be flushed out after every use. Sterilizing with alcohol might not be enough. When I was at a rehab center a nurse used that shortcut, alcohol instead of flushing the line, and it became clogged. Treatment was delayed two days while waiting for a special med that flushes out PICC lines to be delivered. So no shortcuts is my main advice. Also, I was told that blood draws and blood pressure measurements should always be done on the other side, not the PICC line side.

Would it be possible to meet as a support group more often? Perhaps once a week? Many of us don’t know anyone else with this health issue. It would be so nice to get to know others better!

Hello! Do you have any specific questions about nebulizers and or the type of medications you use in a nebulizer? The link below, Nebulizers 101 will provide you with some helpful information. Please let us know if you have any questions? https://www.copdfoundation.org/portals/0/downloads/101Library/Nebulization-101-Basic.pdf

Have you heard if the term “ aspergillosis” before? It is a mold that can affect the respiratory systemhttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/aspergillosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369619

Hello! Are you sleeping well throughout these winter months? Sleep is of upmost importance for our immune systems/ healing. https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/150/Sleep-and-Healing-for-NTMBronchiectasis-Patients

A function I used to perform at a bronchiectasis support site was to run a contest every year called Top Lung. Members would submit their PFT results allowing them to compete. The member with the highest FEV1 would receive the coveted Silver Spittoon Award.
(no real award was given - it was more of an honorary bestowment)

My number usually landed me near the bottom of the totem pole.

I've averaged twenty-five percent the last few decades.

But don't tell my lungs. They prefer to be over-achievers.

Have you taken the 6 minute walk test recently? How did you do? https://www.verywellhealth.com/6-minute-walk-test-914820

Are you keeping your new years goals? It is not easy to always stay on track. The blog article below discusses staying on track. Small steps towards our goals will eventually get us to where we desire to be. https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/67/To-Be-or-Not-To-Be-Compliant-That-is-the-Question

BestPortable mesh nebulizer

Are you currently experiencing more frequent wheezing? Do you understand the source of your wheezing? The article below reviews wheezing and it’s possible causes.https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/169/Wheezing-and-the-BronchiectasisNTM-Patient

Hello,

I am just starting the 3 drug regimen and wondering if anyone is aware of financial assistance for Rifabutin as of 2023 Pfizer discontinued the patient assistance program for Mycobutin most of the discount card resources come out about the same; $220./month

Thank yo

Are you a new patient dealing with acid reflux? The blog article below offers some tips:https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/47/The-Basics-of-Acid-Reflux

Wabi steam sanitizer & dryer. Has anyone used it for Phillips Innospire Go Mouthpiece? I use it on my Aerobika and other nebulizer pieces. I contacted Phillips and have not received an answer to date. Thanks for any info!

https://www.verywellhealth.com/diffusing-capacity-of-the-lungs-2249024

Do you understand all of the terms used by your pulmonologist? The link below reviews the most common terms used:https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/Learn-More/Glossary

Have you recently been diagnosed with NTM, Bronchiectasis or both? Do you have a specific question?

Is the flu widely spreading in your area? https://symptoms.webmd.com/cold-flu-map/default.htm?ecd=wnl_spr_121922&ctr=wnl-spr-121922_lead_title&mb=BV9hlHMDfjVlJNmGRIb%40PxXFE73IOX1cnRFKG4M8oE4%3D

Do you want to learn more about reducing exposure to NTM? The video below offers some great recommendations: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bRyoYXthxH4

https://bronchiectasis.com.au/bronchiectasis/diagnosis-2/lung-function

My chimney's immune system is weak due to smoking, and now it has the flue.

Hello from Australia. My wife has been to see her doctor, who has recommended a course of three antibiotics to treat her NTM. The doc says that the treatment might have to be for 6 months to a year or perhaps longer. She has been informed about possible side effects and is now deciding whether to start the treatment. She's 66. Any thoughts, particularly from Aussie patients?

I have noticed that weather seems to affect how I feel. Does anyone have any tips on how to manage the coming winter?

Inhale colistin using a nebulizer

Can someone tell me about the local support groups that I have seen on this site.

I do airway clearance every day using 3% (just started using 7%) hypertonic saline….once in the morning and once late afternoon. I also use the Aerobika after I nebulize the saline. I also take the Big 3 antibiotics 3 days a week even though my last sputum culture was negative for MAC. I also use Albuterol when needed. Within the past week I have not been expelling a significant amount of sputum. Some days there is hardly any mucus. Should I be concerned or is the daily use of airway clearance having an impact?