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@scoop Thank you for the detailed information. I have only read about postural drainage. My routine might not follow the exact process. I’ve never received instructions from a professional. I was using the Aerobika but found I was able to expel more mucus with the drainage / positioning body to help drain. I should start using Aerobika too, likely.
I drink a fair amount of water as this helps. I use NAC to thin out mucus.
My respirologist has said that I don’t need to nebulize or use mucinex. I have no allergies or previous lung issues. I have a fair amount of mucus but seem to be able to clear it or most of it. If I don’t clear it out by 1 or 2 pm each day, there is a heaviness in my chest. I don’t cough often during the day, otherwise. BE seems to affect everyone a little differently.
Routinely I do the postural drainage before lunch and before supper. Usually that is enough. Sometimes I cough up a bit first thing in the morning too.
I lay on my back with hands behind my head, and inhale for a count of 4 or 5. Then I exhale deeply for a count of five, engaging my diaphragm, so to speak. It produces a growling sound. It causes some rattling and I sit up and huff cough or repeat the inhale breath, hold my breath for a count of four and then huff cough. Sometimes laying to my side produces a bit more phlegm. I’ve been doing this for about 4 months.
Feedback from people about that technique would be welcomed. Maybe my technique needs to be tweaked. It would likely be difficult for some people to use this method if they have mobility or back issues.
I wonder what I’ll need to do later in life.
My condition developed after infections weren’t properly treated with antibiotics. That’s what I believe as my X-rays changed over a two year period of feeling really unwell and dealing with changing mucus issues, cough etc that doctor didn’t connect to possible lung issues. CT scan and respirologist confirmed BE. Gerd had been explored as the cause, but I have no Gerd. Well, everyone can have some acid reflux occasionally but I had nothing to warrant a diagnosis or using meds. As Sue has said, many of us likely need to be better advocates in our own health journey.
Thanks @scoop This is a helpful forum.
Replies to "@scoop Thank you for the detailed information. I have only read about postural drainage. My routine..."
Your question of "I wonder what I'll need to do later in life" is something I have frequently, silently, said/asked myself this last year having understood and learned about postural drainage. I tried different ways of lowering the upper torso and was frustrated and said '" how will I do this later in life this is hard to manage getting in the position and getting up from it.'
I think I have found my answer for now (P.S. I'm 82 and thankfully strong for my age).
I will try to describe what "I" do for myself.
I use the end of the narrow sofa arm, place my wedge pillow inside the sofa with the high end resting up against the sofa arm, place the high end of a bed reading arm "pillow"on the arm of the sofa, for cushion and height. I lay over the reading arm pillow and the wedge pillow and therefore resting my head on the sofa cushions. By doing it this way it is easy for me to get in the position and as well remove myself from the position easily. Yes the legs are hanging out there beyond the sofa (I can bend the legs so that they are bent upward towards the ceiling while I hold the postion) and this allows me to use the legs/feet to drop to the floor and easily place my two feet back on the floor for a standing position. It works for me, for now.
Barbara
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I use postural positions while using the Aerobika. Back (hips raised, head slightly lower), then each side. The back position is the only way I can get up the majority of my daily mucus production. Otherwise it will not come up.