THEODORE is sticking his head in the LEOPARD pillow of a distant ancestor saying I DIDN’T DO IT!!
BUT I WILL CATCH AS MANY AS I CAN TO ELIMINATE YOUR PROBLEM!
IF you received and READ my LAST POST I mention I might have LADY WINDERMERE DISEASE!
IT HAS BEEN CONFIRMED!
From the SPUTUM TESTS…….I have been able to do two out of three.
SHALL WE DROP THE LA CONTESSA AND JUST REFER TO ME AS LADY WINDERMERE?
I did receive a lovely email from THAT LUNG DOCTOR confirming the FINDINGS!
IF you missed the LAST BLOG on LADY WINDERMERE POST CLICK HERE!
“Hi,
Your sputum sample did reveal non-tuberculosis mycobacterium (mycobacterium avium)
Common bug found in environment but some persons are more sensitive and get lung inflammation
Or scarring as we saw in you CT scan as a result of exposure.It’s Carried by our winged friends (birds of all kinds).
The regimen to rid or at minimum control the disease is 12-18 months of antibiotics.
I think we can start 1 antibiotic at a time in your case instead of allthree at once
To observe any GI upset or any other side effects and eventually when on all 3 medications we can
consider monthly liver and kidney tests.
These medications are identical minus one medication for tuberculosis… a tried and true
Regimen for past few decades.Let’s begin the most one 3 times a week (clarithromycin 1000mg Monday Wednesday Friday)
And update me next week on how you are doing on it..I’ll be in clinic with some
Time Before heading back to ICU again the following week…. i’m in ICU this week
But wanted to start asap if you are agreeable.Take care,”
I am ONLY SHARING THIS WITH YOU AS I HAD NEVER HEARD OF IT AND THOUGHT IF ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE MIGHT BE AT A LOSS FOR ANSWERS HERE IS A LIST OF SYMPTOMS.
I WAS TOLD BY THE LUNG DOC MOST OF THE POPULATION HAS IT!
Just TALL, THIN WOMAN are MORE SUSCEPTIBLE!!!
In the back of my mind I thought I might have COVID-19 because of the cough and the ZERO APPETITE!I had read people with blood 0 slide by better than MOST when they contact COVID!
I am 0 negative.The Italian is 0 positive!
WE ARE RARE BIRDS………but if you have been reading here long YOU ALREADY KNOW THAT!
What are the symptoms of Mycobacterium avium?OR MAC As it is called.
Symptoms
weight loss.
sweats/chills.
diarrhea.
cramping.
abdominal pain.
unexpected tiredness.
anemia (low red blood cells)
I am experiencing WEIGHT LOSS,CHILLS,DIARRHEA,AND ALWAYS TIRED EVEN IF I SLEEP 9 HOURS!
Now, I have a dear friend who asked what did your MD say………SHE HAS SAID,ZERO NOTHING and has seen the emails to and fro to THE LUNG DOC!In the OLDEN DAYS didn’t your regular doctor follow up with YOU?
I assume the NEW way to practice is OUT OF SIGHT OUT OF MIND!
I GOOGLED A FEW THINGS AND I KNOW WE CANNOT GO BY GOOGLE BUT IT DOES NOT LOOK PROMISING!
Is MAC lung disease terminal?
A: Although MAC may be “cured”, the disease of bronchiectasis does not result in total symptom-free living. Patients who are unable to cure their MAC may have to deal with residual effects of both diseases (i.e., MAC and bronchiectasis). This often will decrease the quality of life compared to “before MAC”.
SO,I WILL BE FINDING A NEW HOME FOR MY CHICKENS AND ONE DOVE………I GUESS!
Although, the damage has already been done and WHO is to say it WAS MY FEATHERED GIRLS AND BOYS!
I have always picked up BIRDS who fly into our windows and sprinkle them with water on their little faces and place them in the BIG HYDRANGEA URN HOSPITAL
for RECOVERY away from
THE GRAND MASTER BELOW!
I HAVE NEVER HAD ONE WHO DIDNOT MAKE IT!
NOW I WANT TO COMPILE A LIST OF QUESTIONS FOR MY LUNG DOCTOR!
IAM ASKING FOR YOUR HELP ONCE AGAIN……..CAN YOU THINK OF ANY QUESTIONS TO ASK ON MY BEHALF?
I have started the clarithromycin 1000mg three times a week.
SO, FAR SO GOOD.None of the STATED SIDE EFFECTS.I actually had an appetite yesterday at lunch!
WHICH IS VERY UNUSAL!
SO, maybe it is already working!
I believe this has nothing to do with my EPISODES as I call them but who knows maybe the meds will cure those too!
Wishful thinking on my side.I think I am more in shock than depressed at the moment.As I turned 60 last year and have so much I want to do still……….I realize I should wear a mask when working in the GARDEN NOW!Of course, I will be more susceptible to COVID and its variants!
SO, I have been shopping a bit on line as I go NOWHERE and feel I NEED A FEW MORE THINGS for the GIANT CLOSET the ITALIAN BUILT!Just to drive him CRAZY!I DO A REALLY GOOD JOB OF THAT!I Now have NEW NICKNAMES FOR US!HE IS SCIENTIFICO and IAM THE CREATIVE!THESE NAMES STOP US IN OUR TRACKS BEFORE A DISAGREEMENT OCCURS.I HIGHLY RECOMMEND NAMING YOUR SPOUSE WITH A NICKNAME and HE YOU!
This is a long sweater from FREE PEOPLE which comes in a GREY color as well; it was hard to make THE CALL!I may need BOTH as they are like walking blankets and I am always COLD!Especially my hands, feet and NOSE!That is a hoodie the bundle around my neck and can be a cover for the head as well.My pin is hanging upside down!It’s hard being the MODEL, STYLIST and PHOTOGRAPHER!!!The turban is from JULIA CLANCY and the slides are from BIRDIES.Any other questions you have JUST ASK ME IN THE COMMENTS; I ALWAYS ANSWER THE COMMENTS!
IT’S MY PLEASURE AND JOY and FILLS A BIT OF TIME………..FOR ME.ARE YOU ALL RECEIVING MY EMAILS WHEN I DO A NEW POST?TO CHECK JUST GO ABOVE TO THE HOME PAGE and SCROLL THROUGH AS I THINK THAT MAILCHIMP DELIVERY GUY TAKES LOADS OF COFFEE BREAKS AND A LOT OF YOU DONOT RECEIVE SOMETIMES!
I POST AT LEAST TWO or THREE times a month;SO I DONOT OVERLOAD YOU!
Now who can tell me WHY THE ITALIAN puts a rope in the bathtub?
Shall I tell YOU or let YOU guess?
I think I will TELL YOU as I dislike those CONTINUED SHOWS!
We have visiting SPIDERS ALWAYS…….
THEY LIKE TO END UP IN THE BATHTUB after spinning their TRAPS high in the windows!
A SPIDER CANNOT GET OUT OF A TUB AS THEY SLIP AND SLIDE!
SO,THAT KIND ITALIAN HAS MADE A SAFETY NET OF SORTS FOR THEM TO CLIMB OUT!
I ACTUALLY WITNESSED THE ACTION THE OTHER DAY AND COULD NOT BELIEVE MY EYES!
I put HIM OUTSIDE!
CAN SOMEONE TELL ME WHAT THIS IS SAYING BELOW?IS IT SAYING WHAT I THINK ITS SAYING?!!
How long can you live with MAC disease?
Despite high heterogeneity, most studies in patients with MAC pulmonary disease document a five-year all-cause mortality exceeding 25%, indicating poor prognosis.
WELL,THIS WASNOT TO UPBEAT TODAY BUT I HAVE AN AGELESS STYLE POST COMING UP WITH CINDY HATTERSLEY AND I KNOW MOST OF YOU ENJOY THOSE.MY VICTIM THIS MONTH COMES FROM HOLLAND….AN AMERICAN LIVING IN HOLLAND FOR THE LAST 49 YEARS!YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED I PROMISE!
It is wonderful news that you have a diagnosis and it’s treatable! I wouldn’t rule out that it affects your eyes — oxygen shortage can affect your vision temporarily. I will be getting tested for M. avian because, as you know, I’m around wild birds a lot and have a lot of the same symptoms! Ann
P.S., your heterogeneity passage I think can be interpreted as follows: the studies vary greatly. “heterogeneity” refers to diverse results from studies. People with co-morbidities would
have a much greater risk of dying — for example those with Aids. The high all-cause fatality rate is more than 25%. but note the word “all cause” — that means having it when you have some other (bad) illness at the same time. I would not worry about the mortality rate — they have caught it in time and I would expect the antibiotics to eventually get rid of all the nodules in your lungs and the lymph nodes to return to normal. Be religious about taking the antibiotics. Eat yogurt and take probiotics. You shouldn’t blame the birds exclusively as pigs can be asymptomatic carriers. Best Wishes for your continued recovery!
When covid vaccines become available ask your lung specialist first about timing etc.
Elizabeth, I Am glad that you finally have an answer to your health questions. I’ve never heard of this and find it interesting that after all this time someone finally found the answer for you. Sorry the chicken have to go but as you said perhaps there is room for a sheep or two! Your new physician sounds like a compassionate doctor,a change from many of the others.
You are in my prayers my friend! I believe that God has a plan and you will be spreading your light, love and joy for a very long time to come.
THIS IS ON TOP OF THE EPISODES.I FEEL THIS IS NOT CONNECTED TO THE LOSS OF VISION.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS!
EXCITED YOU HAVE MOVED TO WORDPRESS!ALTHOUGH,THE PAGE WASNOT AVAILABLE THE OTHER DAY.
I’m SURE YOU WILL GET THE SNAFU’s FIXED ALL IN GOOD TIME.
NOW I WILL BE ABLE TO COMMENT!!!
XXX
Dear Contessa- you are a trailblazer and a survivor! Your zest and creativity are and inspiration to all of us. Now that you’ve started your meds routine healthy days are beginning. I’ve never heard of this before but will tell my friends who have feathered children. Thank you for sharing all this and making me aware. You are in my prayers and sending healing energy to you. Knowing you adds joy to my life. Hugs
Oh my… I have just read all the comments, and most of what I would say has been said… I wondered if this would be another ‘no diagnosis’ dead end, so actually it was something of a relief to know there was an answer and that meds are already at work w/ no side effects thus far. I was on v. strong antibiotics for six months when Lyme diagnosis was belatedly confirmed and I know how important the probiotics are, so do make sure you are taking the right amount of the best to counteract the drugs. BUT very sad and shocked to learn that birds are the culprit/carrier… it seems like this should be a much more common ailment… the silver lining for the girls is that they will be going to the RITZ at Sonoma Chicks : ) I wish you could have a few sheep or Nubian goats, but both would dine too heavily on your gorgeous garden!! Sending all the very best health wishes, (we already had our mental health wishes answered on 20 January… that young poetess…no words.) As the song goes, YOU ARE STRONG, YOU ARE INVINCIBLE… and you are. XOXO
WILL you send me an email with the name of your PROBIOTICS you used please!
I am gathering MORE and MORE information.Spoke with a woman yesterday who had it and said this disease also comes from THE DIRT!She is an AVID GARDENER!!!
Took LYME TEST YESTERDAY!
THE POETESS WAS BEYOND WONDERFUL!SHE WILL HAVE MANY OPPORTUNITIES A HEAD OF HER!IT WAS BEAUTIFUL AS IT COULD BE!
XOXO
Dear, dear Contessa, HELLO!!!!!!! I just saw that you visited my blog and honestly I had a heck of a time finding your blog! I can’t get here by clicking on your link. It takes me to Go Daddy!
I am so glad to find you here and to find out the real cause of your problems. How interesting of a syndrome; I read that it got its name due to the supposed nature of those who tend to get it, by holding back a cough? Never heard of this but now that you know what it is, and as I read your notes here, nothing can be done?
I didn’t think being tall, thin and elegant would have drawbacks as such! My dear, may you experience total healing and health.HUGS and we miss you on Instagram!
May I suggest you subscribe at the end of the post so maybe you will receive the email that way you donot have to search for me.
I also believe you have BLOGGER?AS your platform for your BLOG?That is the problem I believe.
I cannot comment on BLOGGER BLOGS unless I use googles CHROME.
YOU need to add that to your computer and copy and paste into CHROME.
LOADS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT BLOGGER……….they have changed stuff.
Thats it for my TECHY INFO.BUT try it and see.
IAM BACK ON INSTAGRAM under…….Contessa and her PIG!
XXX
As usual my comments disappeared. Hate electronics.
Oscar Wilde could no doubt add you to his marvelous play, and include your feathered friends as well. So glad you finally got a dignosis and are in treatment.
Hold off on getting rid of the birds, as you do not have to cuddle them, but with a mask, good hand washing your Dr. may say you can keep them. I’d ask before sending them to a new home as I know they mean so much to you.
Great FREE PEOPLE outfit, and ideal for those of us who are never warm. My Raynaruds is bad enough but now inmy 70’s I can never seem to get warm. 4 layers on my bed, and still cold most nights. That’s what I get for a 225 year old house – BLOWIN IN THE WIND.
Keep well, and despite the verdict, you looks spendid.
I have found wearing a CASHMERE SWEATER over your nightgown HELPS KEEP ME WARM!
TRY THAT!
I AM SORRY you had to do this TWICE!These computers can be PRICKLY!!!
The LUNG DOCTOR told me I didnot have to get rid of the BIRDS( as the damage is done) just to wear a mask.But that would mean wearing a MASK ALL THE TIME IN MY BACKYARD………as its in the AIR.
I have a LOVELY WOMAN WHO HAS OFFERED TO TAKE THEM SO I MUST FOLLOW UP WITH HER!
THANK YOU MARY…………..AMAZING what a little make up and a NEW ITEM CAN DO to LIFT THE SPIRITS!!!
SO HAPPY YOU FOUND ME!
XXX
If the chickens have to go…….they have to go.
I know you love them so.
I’m so pleased to read that there’s been an improvement to your appetite. You have become a skinny lass of late. Stick with the medication regimen and fingers crossed this works Elizabeth.
Take care Bella
Neat xx
YES, I have NO PROBLEM WITH LETTING THEM GO……………maybe we can put a sheep or two in the COOP NOW?!!!!
TO WANDER THE GARDEN BY DAY……….and snuggle down by NIGHT!
XXX
I can imagine you shepherdess of a flock of miniature, tap dancing shep!
Happy your diagnosis is so clear. I like your doctor. He is conservative in dispensing one antibiotic at a time to see how it affects you.
The mystery of the lung spots has been diagnosed too.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Sometimes it’s fun to arrive late to the party; I can see all of the wonderful input from others. Contessa, I can see how this is a lot to handle. Thank heavens you have a diagnosis, and thus a path to follow. Let’s see how you respond to the antibiotics; no one wants to take them, but they ARE miraculous. I think you will see a difference in relatively short order. I would like to be optimistic and think that perhaps an improvement in this issue may have a positive bearing on your other issues. As a couple of other folks have said, we are at the dawn of a new day in our nation and have reason for hope; I am looking forward to not having to control my news intake. I’m sure you can relate. And your Italian is kind to spiders! I take them out as well, usually by scooping them up with a magazine. I rescued a scorpion in Mexico this way. Anyway, look at all of the love and support you have here. Take it one step at a time. We are all here for you, Contessa!
Contessa, we need to just make a small change-you are Creativa! And I need to tell you about my mother who had terminal cancer 4 times in her life and lived to be….101! And she was healthy when she died! The doctors gave up on her many times but she was indomitable and outlived 8 siblings and the Spanish Flu! You are of her ilk and will be with us for a very long time.
YOU ARE NEVER LATE HERE!
ALWAYS HAPPY TO HAVE A VISITOR!
ESPECIALLY ONE THAT GIVES GOOD ADVISE ALL THE TIME!
I WILL FOLLOW YOUR ADVISE it’s been THREE DAYS of ANTIBIOTICS and so far SO GOOD!
I KNOW YOU ARE ALL HERE FOR ME AND I ADORE THAT!
MY READERS ARE THE BEST THINK TANK I COULD HAVE!
XXX
Oh my dear! That is a lot my friend! But I have no doubt you shall overcome my dear. I agree with dear Juliet’s beautifully crafted comment! She is such a gifted wordsmith!
XOXO
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