3rd August 2007
Evening Grammy.
Thanks for responding back. I think I do have a good Doctor. He's head of Pulmonary at one of the best Hospitals here in Milwaukee. Have been with the clinic for a good 35 years. Go in every six months. I'm an asthmatic (from birth), with COPD. On theophylline for the past 35 years, even though it's an old drug. It works for me, so the Dr's don't want to rock the boat.
Silly thing is that last September, went to Emergency as I thought I was having a bad asthma attack and needed a treatment. They X-ray'd and said I had pneumonia. Wanted to keep me 4-5 days, but wouldn't stay as I have my husband and..........my mother who had a stroke 4 years ago - just at the end of my husband's radiation. I care for her also. Maybe if I had stayed, they would have identified this earlier.
Went in for my regular checkup in January, and at that time, the spot was still on my upper right lobe. Broncosophy tested positive to MAC. Started drugs in May. Bascially, the MAC was there in Sept, but didn't start any med's until May. In July, CT scan showed a slight size change on the upper right, but lower left has a large mass.
Started out with Azithromycin, one week later, added Ethambutol, and one week later, added the Rifampin. Then got the rash. Doc felt it has to be one of the drugs, so stopped them all and sent off the May culture to NJ. From what I've read, these are the 3 drugs of choice. There are alternates for the Azithromycin, and Rifampin, but I haven't heard of any for the Ethambutol.
I'm starting to cough more, and want to get back on what-ever regime they decide will work. Does anyone come back as drug resistant? This is the biggest thing that worries me.
I think that my drugs for my asthma may be helping me with the breathing. I did get a yeast infection in my mouth before I started the regime but nothing since. Have had some days where I feel drained, but overall, think I'm doing better than some. The more I read, the more I think that this is worse than it's cousin, TB. Just hoping now that it doesn't take NJ too long to report back to my Dr.
Keep your chin up also as you have your grandbaby to spoil. Besides, we're a tough bunch. Been through too much to let this bug get to us. Enjoy every moment!!;)
Thanks for responding back. I think I do have a good Doctor. He's head of Pulmonary at one of the best Hospitals here in Milwaukee. Have been with the clinic for a good 35 years. Go in every six months. I'm an asthmatic (from birth), with COPD. On theophylline for the past 35 years, even though it's an old drug. It works for me, so the Dr's don't want to rock the boat.
Silly thing is that last September, went to Emergency as I thought I was having a bad asthma attack and needed a treatment. They X-ray'd and said I had pneumonia. Wanted to keep me 4-5 days, but wouldn't stay as I have my husband and..........my mother who had a stroke 4 years ago - just at the end of my husband's radiation. I care for her also. Maybe if I had stayed, they would have identified this earlier.
Went in for my regular checkup in January, and at that time, the spot was still on my upper right lobe. Broncosophy tested positive to MAC. Started drugs in May. Bascially, the MAC was there in Sept, but didn't start any med's until May. In July, CT scan showed a slight size change on the upper right, but lower left has a large mass.
Started out with Azithromycin, one week later, added Ethambutol, and one week later, added the Rifampin. Then got the rash. Doc felt it has to be one of the drugs, so stopped them all and sent off the May culture to NJ. From what I've read, these are the 3 drugs of choice. There are alternates for the Azithromycin, and Rifampin, but I haven't heard of any for the Ethambutol.
I'm starting to cough more, and want to get back on what-ever regime they decide will work. Does anyone come back as drug resistant? This is the biggest thing that worries me.
I think that my drugs for my asthma may be helping me with the breathing. I did get a yeast infection in my mouth before I started the regime but nothing since. Have had some days where I feel drained, but overall, think I'm doing better than some. The more I read, the more I think that this is worse than it's cousin, TB. Just hoping now that it doesn't take NJ too long to report back to my Dr.
Keep your chin up also as you have your grandbaby to spoil. Besides, we're a tough bunch. Been through too much to let this bug get to us. Enjoy every moment!!;)