Afflovest I don't want to use it.
I have a new size small Afflovest that I don't want.
Everyone else thinks I need this thing but I've tried it several times and I just don't like it. It might be the cats meow for someone .... but it's not my cup of tea. Yes I have MAC and Bronchiectasis , but I've finally come to the conclusion that I'm never going to use it and I want to sell it. Where can I advertise an Afflovest? I thought maybe here... but is this forbidden? Ebay? where?
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.
I don’t know if it’s against the rules but I might consider purchasing if you could give more information on the vest. Feel free to private message me.
I have an Afflovest also, which gave me rib pain. My new improved pulmonologist suggested I try it with the lowest setting. I had been using it on the highest setting. If pain is your issue, maybe the lowest setting is worth trying first before selling etc?
I had high hopes for Afflovest and somehow thought it would make an appreciable difference in the clearance (time) regimen. Since I stopped using it I've managed to get by with mucinex/albuterol/saline and autogenic drainage and active breathing. I will try again on low to see if it makes a difference.
As for selling, I'm pretty sure I've seen them on Ebay before. That or a donation somewhere. I think the CF community gets them at no cost.
I also put it on the highest setting. I did that because I figured might as well really shake things up. Go big or go home! It didn't cause me pain, but I still didn't like it. Does anyone remember those exercise machines that had a wide belt you put around your waist or butt and while you just stood there it shook the bejeebers out of you? My mom had one when I was a teenager. I think the idea was it was supposed to shake the fat off of you ... so funny. My mom was skinny as a rail already... Anyway, the vibration made your skin itch like crazy. That's what the Afflovest reminded me of... because on a high setting for 30 minutes the vibration was uncomfortable in that way. I bought an inversion table and that's what I like. Sometimes it feels like my head might explode but most of the time hanging nearly upside down is kinda nice. Makes my back feel better and helps drain the respiratory system at the same time. The only trouble with the inversion table is I always start thinking "what if I can't get off of this thing? what if I die here hanging upside down? .. .. " 🙂
I would definitely try a lower setting and a shorter interval before making a final decision to get rid of the vest. My insurer denied me a vest but my pulmonary rehab center donated one to me to use until I can work out getting my own. I just started and do it in the middle range for 15 mts. It’s a lot to get used to. But it’s tolerable. Am going to work to build up from there. Is it making a difference? None that I can tell but that is true for all the AC techniques. Hoping to see improvement re mucus impaction on next CT.
I'm not ignoring your suggestion of a private message bayarea58. It's just that as a new member I'm restricted from private messaging for awhile (don't know how long) I guess it's to make sure I'm not a scammer. Which I'm not, but what evs.
Yes I am thinking of donating a vest also but going to try it again.
Developed pain on my left side and stopped....but...going to give it another go on a lower setting than before. Yes, I feel what I am doing is getting the job done also....but....one more go of it with the vest.
One thing for sure.....the manufacturers want to sell them! Just like food producers and all manufacturers etc. etc. want you to think they have what you 'need.' Some, however, do have what we need and a thank you to them.
Barbara
So funny.....I think we all have those thoughts about the positions and types of postural drainage positions we try. I thought of the inversion table myself due to my Mom having had one way back when. At my age....I decided against it.
I think I found my 'go to' position that I told about and posted about previously....I feel safe doing it and I know for sure I can get back on my feet easily and safely.
Barbara