I am being treated for MAC (mycobacteria avium complex). I had my CT scan on Wednesday. The doc said that their is some progress on the healing of the hole in my lung. No idea how much... inches, centimeters. They are not happy with the little progress. They want to start me on even more meds. I am on rifampin, ethambutol, and zithro. They tried to start me on another antibiotic but I was horribly allergic to it. I was taken off the IV amikacin as it is becoming resistant. They are thinking if they need to add a second drug WITH the amikacin (inhaled) it might work better.
I am very frustrated. I have had 3 months of *#@% and the docs are not pleased. I was hoping for more success after all of this misery. I am still on all the oral meds. I am scared to start a new oral med on top of these and have more side effects (dangerous ones). I am allergic to tons of medications.
Hubby and I are broke. This MAC treatment is going to make us even more broke as we have to pay whatever the insurance won't for January. From October to December my insurance paid 100%. The drugs are expensive and the home health has been expensive. They want to me see more doctors... copays are high. My insurance won't pay for the brand name drugs.... I have to pay full price for them....out of my pocket. We would rather not file for bankruptcy.
Is there anything else I can do as the patient to fight the MAC (diet?? exercise???) to assist the med??
I could use some advice.... support.... encouragement.
I am very frustrated. I have had 3 months of *#@% and the docs are not pleased. I was hoping for more success after all of this misery. I am still on all the oral meds. I am scared to start a new oral med on top of these and have more side effects (dangerous ones). I am allergic to tons of medications.
Hubby and I are broke. This MAC treatment is going to make us even more broke as we have to pay whatever the insurance won't for January. From October to December my insurance paid 100%. The drugs are expensive and the home health has been expensive. They want to me see more doctors... copays are high. My insurance won't pay for the brand name drugs.... I have to pay full price for them....out of my pocket. We would rather not file for bankruptcy.
Is there anything else I can do as the patient to fight the MAC (diet?? exercise???) to assist the med??
I could use some advice.... support.... encouragement.