Does anyone have any experience with a percussion vest?

Posted by gj53 @gj53, Oct 10, 2019

Does anyone have any experience with a percussion vest? I could not tolerate an albuterol nebulizer so this is the next step he has recommended. However, the co-payment is pretty hefty and would like to have some feedback before investing in this. I did have a bad cough that is improved, however, am unable to produce any sputum and he said this will loosen the secretions in my chest. Thanks so much.

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@thumperguy

Migzii your experience compared to mine really drives home a point; that being the wide variation there is among persons regarding how this malady presents. I consider myself lucky when I learn of others’ experience; like I must have a relatively mild case.
Jumping topics, and I hope this isn’t too intrusive, but I’m curious about what in the world is the derivation of “Migzii? 😁

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Migizii is the Ojibwe word for eagle

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@migizii

Migizii is the Ojibwe word for eagle

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Well, Well. Very interesting.

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@gj53

THank you for your reply. Am thinking could try the nebulizer with just saline then and see if that helps. The doctor will ask me if my chest feels full but it does not. Just can't produce anything with my cough.

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I use the nebulizer with the 7 percent saline. I did need a prescription and it is fairly inexpensive compared to everything else I need. I also get new mouthpieces and tubes for my nebulizer every 6 months. I follow it up with an aerobika. I also couldn't cough up anything. Now, it's unusual if I don't cough up something.

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@hsletter

@gj53 I tried the HillRom vest and being so thin (as I imagine most of us are), it was uncomfortable. I would end up very sore from the vibrations. Only used for one month and sent it back.

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@hsletter @gj53
Your settings may be off. I was ready to quit it and phoned the 800 number. The specialist worked with me and I changed the settings...what a difference. Don't give up!

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@tinaesims

I use the nebulizer with the 7 percent saline. I did need a prescription and it is fairly inexpensive compared to everything else I need. I also get new mouthpieces and tubes for my nebulizer every 6 months. I follow it up with an aerobika. I also couldn't cough up anything. Now, it's unusual if I don't cough up something.

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@tinaesims, Hi. I have to share this story because it stresses the importance of nebulizing saline. Here goes. I did my saline treatment this morning and coughed up the usual goo. But this time, I saw a small bit of bright red. So, I thought it was from a small lung bleed. Upon closer inspection, I saw that it was in fact, a small tiny bit of my bright red winter scarf that I had unpacked yesterday. I had even contemplated on getting rid of it because it sheds a lot of yarn onto my grey wool coat. Now, I am sure it has to go bye-bye. Now, what if I hadn't have coughed that up? Can you imagine the mucous plugs that can form when you do not clean your lungs out? My apologies if I grossed anyone out. But, you know how it is.

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@windwalker

@tinaesims, Hi. I have to share this story because it stresses the importance of nebulizing saline. Here goes. I did my saline treatment this morning and coughed up the usual goo. But this time, I saw a small bit of bright red. So, I thought it was from a small lung bleed. Upon closer inspection, I saw that it was in fact, a small tiny bit of my bright red winter scarf that I had unpacked yesterday. I had even contemplated on getting rid of it because it sheds a lot of yarn onto my grey wool coat. Now, I am sure it has to go bye-bye. Now, what if I hadn't have coughed that up? Can you imagine the mucous plugs that can form when you do not clean your lungs out? My apologies if I grossed anyone out. But, you know how it is.

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That sounds just like me! I would have been on the way to the doctor's office! I feel so much better after I nebulize saline. I didn't start doing it until I got on this site. My doctor was all for it! I just picked up 3 boxes today at the pharmacy.

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@tinaesims

That sounds just like me! I would have been on the way to the doctor's office! I feel so much better after I nebulize saline. I didn't start doing it until I got on this site. My doctor was all for it! I just picked up 3 boxes today at the pharmacy.

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@tinaesims, Yay!!!! It makes me so happy when I get feedback from our members that they got something good out of being on this site. I too, feel so much better after nebulizing the saline. I am about to hit the road for Virginia for the holidays to hang with my daughter. I hope you enjoy the holidays ahead. Hugs!

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@windwalker Hi, I hope you can advise me please. In the first 6 months of this year I was ill with lots of symptoms, lots of coughing and large amount of phlegm, weight loss, fatigue etc. I had +ve sputum cultures for mycobacterium chimaera in 3 out of four samples. My CT scan showed a very small nodule (5mm) and my lungs have no scarring or signs of damage or bronchiectasis. I have a repeat CT scan scheduled in Jan 2020.
I am feeling much better though in the last two months. The thing is my only symptom now is a dry persistent cough and I don’t produce any phlegm.
My last appointment with my respiratory consultants in November would have been an assessment to see whether I need to start the long term antibiotics treatment. They say since my symptoms have improved they would advise to put that on hold until a review after my next CT scan.
Is the symptoms I described normal? I’m still coughing persistently. Should I be worried? I have asthma but it has been under control for 20 years and I have not had the need to use my inhalers very often. I’m not wheezing and not breathless. Thank you everyone for an excellent site. Very glad I’m connected here. All best wishes to all of you.

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@brigby

@gj53 i do find the Afflovest helpful, and it is portable.

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I am doing some research on various vests and am interested in learning more about the Afflovest, as I think it may be a good additional option for me. I understand that it uses a different technology than the ones that use air compression and that the vest is heavier in comparison to the air driven versions.
Does the weight cause any negative issues?
I really like the fact that this vest is portable and look forward to learning any pros/cons you can give.
FYI for anyone else reading this: I already use an air driven vest and nebulized saline/meds and all have helped me. I too produce little sputum and it took a few months of use before I can say it really helped. I still do not produce a lot, but what I can produce makes a difference for how I feel. In the beginning of using the vest, I did have to consult with the company to adjust settings in order to mitigate some muscle discomfort. The adjustments made all the difference and I comfortably use my vest at this time (3-4 times/day). I like the vest I have; I am just exploring the portable option, as I live far from appointments and would like the convenience of a portable vest.
I greatly appreciate this forum. Thank you!

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@monaj

I am doing some research on various vests and am interested in learning more about the Afflovest, as I think it may be a good additional option for me. I understand that it uses a different technology than the ones that use air compression and that the vest is heavier in comparison to the air driven versions.
Does the weight cause any negative issues?
I really like the fact that this vest is portable and look forward to learning any pros/cons you can give.
FYI for anyone else reading this: I already use an air driven vest and nebulized saline/meds and all have helped me. I too produce little sputum and it took a few months of use before I can say it really helped. I still do not produce a lot, but what I can produce makes a difference for how I feel. In the beginning of using the vest, I did have to consult with the company to adjust settings in order to mitigate some muscle discomfort. The adjustments made all the difference and I comfortably use my vest at this time (3-4 times/day). I like the vest I have; I am just exploring the portable option, as I live far from appointments and would like the convenience of a portable vest.
I greatly appreciate this forum. Thank you!

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Did your Dr. give you a Rx for the vest? I was told this would be the only way to have ins. cover it. Then only with proof that you don't produce sputum on your own? I do but only with nebbing abuterol which increases my heart rate like crazy! I would like to get the vest covered if possible.

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