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Use of vibration platform to loosen mucus

Posted by bernadene24 @bernadene24, May 2 11:49am

Hello everyone:
This is my first post to the group. I was diagnosed with MAC and Pseudomonas infections in this past January. My pulmonologist recommended that I not start antibiotics because of my age (80) and because my symptoms are mild. I sought a second opinion from an ID doctor who agreed with the pulmonologist’s recommendation. I was basically told to exercise and if things get worse let them know. The plan is to follow me with lung function tests every 6 months and a yearly CT scan. Nothing was mentioned to me about bronchiectasis, but as I was reviewing my CT scan, I saw that I had mild bronchiectasis.
I felt I did not have enough info about my condition and started nosing around online, I came across your wonderful group and have been reading your discussions for about a month. It has been so helpful—such a rich source of information. I am beginning to get a sense of what I need to support taking care of myself. It is also so reassuring to hear about others’ experiences and to know that there is a place to go to ask questions and hear from others who are in the same boat.
Thanks to the group I have learned about the importance of airway clearance. I did not hear anything about it from the docs.
I’ve begun the breathing techniques and have gotten myself an Aerobika, which the pulmonologist agreed to prescribe. It just arrived, so I can’t report how I’m doing yet.

Well, this has been a long introduction but my question for today is brief: has anyone tried using a vibration platform both for exercise and to loosen mucus?. I had come across a video of a group of women from the UK telling how they do their daily routines to manage BE and one of the women was using a vibration platform and liked it very much. I would appreciate any information you might have about the vibration platform. Thank you.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

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susanp64 | @susanp64 | May 4 7:17am

I borrowed a vibration platform from a friend early on in my diagnosis after seeing the patient in the UK using one. I didn’t notice a difference. I also found it boring even though I was doing weights while using it. I find a brisk 45 minute walk with a few minutes of slow jogging interspersed helps me especially if I have something stubborn to clear.

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@ling | @wangling | May 4 10:12am
In reply to @ellieoak "Yes I take it 2 x a day morning & evening. It helps me to not..." + (show)
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Yes I take it 2 x a day morning & evening. It helps me to not cough so frequently. And to avoid infection.

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How long have you been on bactrim? Is it a long term use since it prevents you from infection?

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ellieoak | @ellieoak | May 4 4:13pm

Yes I been taking Bactrim sine 2016. And yes I do believe that it has kept me healthier. I went through Covid without getting Covid. Without sneezing or sniffing. I have had many other health problems such as CLL, breast cancer and 2 knee replacements. But such is life.

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | May 4 8:17pm
In reply to @susanp64 "I borrowed a vibration platform from a friend early on in my diagnosis after seeing the..." + (show)
Profile picture for susanp64 @susanp64

I borrowed a vibration platform from a friend early on in my diagnosis after seeing the patient in the UK using one. I didn’t notice a difference. I also found it boring even though I was doing weights while using it. I find a brisk 45 minute walk with a few minutes of slow jogging interspersed helps me especially if I have something stubborn to clear.

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Interesting, Susan - I have found brisk walking my best airway clearance tool, even during an exacerbation. Jogging has been off-limits due to trying to preserve my hip replacements, but I recently learned about "Chi running" and have ordered a book on the topic from my library.

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susanp64 | @susanp64 | May 4 10:07pm
In reply to @sueinmn "Interesting, Susan - I have found brisk walking my best airway clearance tool, even during an..." + (show)
Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn

Interesting, Susan - I have found brisk walking my best airway clearance tool, even during an exacerbation. Jogging has been off-limits due to trying to preserve my hip replacements, but I recently learned about "Chi running" and have ordered a book on the topic from my library.

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Thanks Sue. I haven’t heard of Chi running but I just looked it up. I used to run half marathons before BE but gave it up for time with grandkids. I just turned 60 so I worry about the wear and tear on my joints now if I add too much running in. I will look into this method!

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cyndanna | @cyndanna | May 5 3:03pm
In reply to @becleartoday "After not seeing my doctor for 18 months due to COVID, I returned for a CT..." + (show)
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After not seeing my doctor for 18 months due to COVID, I returned for a CT scan that showed some progression in my bronchiectasis.

Based on the results, my doctor ordered me a vest. I used it consistently for six months, along with making other small but significant changes—and I was able to reduce the mucus impaction in my lungs and to clear my MAC infection.

When working with clients, I always emphasize the importance of managing expectations when starting vest therapy. It’s not like years of mucus suddenly start clearing out all at once. But over time, I do believe the vest can make a real difference—especially because it helps mobilize secretions from the lower lobes, which are often harder to reach.

I personally like my vest because it’s lightweight, has just one hose, and is easy to travel with. That said, I don’t recommend one brand over another. I know that at National Jewish Health, they prefer electric-powered vests over battery-operated models.

Speaking of travel—I’m heading to Berkeley, California in a week for the non-profit NTMir’s retreat for our 35 support group leaders. Even though I’m a volunteer patient advocate and not a group leader, they generously include me. Right after the retreat, I’ll be attending the two-day NTMir Patient Conference.

If you haven’t signed up yet for virtual attendance at the conference, I strongly encourage you to consider it. There’s a $75 registration fee, but it’s a small price for access to top experts flying in from across the country—including Dr. Joseph Falkinham, our go-to microbiologist from Virginia Tech.

And here’s a big perk: only registered attendees will have access to the session recordings for 90 days. The lineup is truly All-Star, and this is going to be an amazing conference.
https://na.eventscloud.com/website/82635/home/
Happy Sunday,
Linda Esposito

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I'm thinking of registering. I recently watched the European NTM conference (ELF) which was 5 hours of excellent information, especially since I'm new to all of this with very little guidance from my 3 pulmonologists so far. I have also been wondering about vests/platforms/huff coughing/postural drainage/etc. It's all a bit overwhelming... everyone seems to do different things. I was put on IV Cefepime for 21 days for a pseudomonas "infection" which another pulmonologist said was probably just a colonization... and unnecessary and even detrimental long term. It's all confusing. I am on the Arobika and am supposed to be nebulizing 2-3 X day with 3% saline and Albuterol. I'm not sure if this is really working since I am also thinking allergies/pollen are complicating things. All I know is that I can't breathe well, I am super fatigued, coughing a lot, and nothing is helping. Yes... pity party all of a sudden. Sorry. You may all have been here at one point.

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