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7% sodium Chloride, is it harsh on your lungs?
After 6 months with this diagnosis and little info from pulmonologist I went to a new pulmonologist today. She said 7% is very harsh on the lungs and wants me to go to 3%.
Frankly I have no idea if she knows what she's talking about --- her aide had never heard of bronchiectasis. Not a really good sign!
I'd love to have opinions from you experienced folks. Thank you.
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@grammyvictoria I forgot the meats - fresh or frozen chicken breast or turkey breast . No deli meat . Salmon , cod .. Whole eggs. Boiled scrambled or poached .
@grammyvictoria
Because steroids are not used to treat bronchiectasis -- unless -- you have asthma in addition to bronchiectasis. I think other things too such as COPD. Steroids can make one with bronchiectasis more susceptible to pathogens as it can suppress your immune system. Important to find the lowest effective dose.
@grammyvictoria I do my huff cough while nebulizing. I stop briefly about 3-5 times during it to do this. It’s most effective and productive for me this way, with the mucus thinned.I otherwise have a more
“ dry” bronchiectasis and it’s hard to produce sputum.
I was nebulizing 7% for a long while (right after my albuterol), but it was irritating my throat to the point that I had to make a change. With my pulmonologist's approval, i switched to 3%. Much better on my throat and still effective in producing sputum. The biggest difference was in finding a local pharmacist who would stock the 3% when I had no problems finding the 7%!
Have any of you had luck getting Medicare to cover the 7% saline? They are balking with me under the "bronchiectasis diagnosis.
@pgpunch This has been discussed a lot here. I'll try to answer briefly. Medicare has several requirements. You must have been prescribed a nebulizer and at least one medication like albuterol (the saline doesn't count). The dispensing pharmacy must participate in Medicare Part B. When charging it, the pharmacy must code it for use with durable medical equipment under Medicare Part B, not Part D. I have good luck with my independent pharmacy, where they taught me this. Some people do well at their Walmart, and in the past Costco did it for us.
Do you use other inhaled meds?
@crystalena I'm also gluten and dairy free and so curious about the mug bread you make. Would you mind sharing the recipe?
@sueinmn Thank you for responding! I have the nebulizer and the albuterol went through my pharmacy under Medicare Part B with no trouble. Medicare B rejected the 7% saline indicating that diagnosis code had to be more specific ( went in under bronchiectasis). My doc would probably try another code, but unsure what is needed. Is there another code that is legit?
@jago I did that this am.
Three tablespoons of almond flour. ( I am going to look for a finer grind). One large egg . A pinch of salt if desired . (I don’t add salt to anything ) One Ttablespoon of melted real butter , or olive oil . Put in an. 8 oz micro safe mug . Stir with fork until smooth. Place in microwave . ( I put a paper napkin over top . ). Cook for 90 seconds at full power. Then remove and let it sit for a minute . Dump it out of cup and slice it. It says in half- I cut it three times . It was pretty chunky . I have a toaster that does bagels so it fit ok . This is my first try at it . I may increase the ingredients a bit. Maybe a taller cup . :). I t was good . I will keep experimenting. It had texture like cornbread . I will check my flour and see if they make a different grind . I had it with an egg and my daily ration of chopped fruit . See if you can read this picture.
@pgpunch Sorry but I don't know the answer. Let me ask my pharmacist when I am back in town.