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Nebulizer question

Posted by thumperguy @thumperguy, Dec 12, 2019

I have a disagreement with my pulmonologist. He urges me to nebulize first then do the Thumper. Loath to lengthen the time devoted to the twice daily drill I’ve essentially rejected his advice, usually starting the percussions
within several seconds of starting the nebulizer. Respirtech tells me some do it one way some the other way. Any opinions? btw, the interaction with the doc wasn’t belligerent. Don

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kjellis | @kjellis | Dec 13, 2019

While at the hospital recently, the Respiratory Therapists had me use the vest at the same time as the breathing treatments. Open the airways and loosen all the gunk. It made a lot of sense to me.

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Dec 13, 2019

Hmm Don - I'm not a thumper, but my doc and his respiratory therapist (and my daughter's) all have us using the Aerobika at the same time as the neb. I would think the principle would be the same... And if you have seen any of my posts, I am a great proponent of "whatever works" to stay compliant while still managing to have a life. (Said as I sit typing this, nebbing saline and keeping my 3yo grandson company as he eats his second breakfast of the day...
By the way, did the doc provide an explanation for his recommendation? Have you tried it both ways to see which clears your lungs better?
Sue

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kathyhg | @kathyhg | Dec 13, 2019

The direction I got was to use the nebulizer and then follow it with lying in a slightly inverted position, first in my back with the aerobika and then on both sides and my stomach (and my husband pats my rib cage over my lungs). How does that compare?
Not sure what the Thumper is?

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thumperguy | @thumperguy | Dec 13, 2019
In reply to @kathyhg "The direction I got was to use the nebulizer and then follow it with lying in..." + (show)
@kathyhg

The direction I got was to use the nebulizer and then follow it with lying in a slightly inverted position, first in my back with the aerobika and then on both sides and my stomach (and my husband pats my rib cage over my lungs). How does that compare?
Not sure what the Thumper is?

Jump to this post

Thanks for the info Kathy. Maybe I can recruit my wife to try it on me.

“Thumper” is my whimsical name for an InCourage percussion airway clearing device.

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thumperguy | @thumperguy | Dec 13, 2019
In reply to @kjellis "While at the hospital recently, the Respiratory Therapists had me use the vest at the same..." + (show)
@kjellis

While at the hospital recently, the Respiratory Therapists had me use the vest at the same time as the breathing treatments. Open the airways and loosen all the gunk. It made a lot of sense to me.

Jump to this post

Me too Kjellis.

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thumperguy | @thumperguy | Dec 13, 2019
In reply to @sueinmn "Hmm Don - I'm not a thumper, but my doc and his respiratory therapist (and my..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Hmm Don - I'm not a thumper, but my doc and his respiratory therapist (and my daughter's) all have us using the Aerobika at the same time as the neb. I would think the principle would be the same... And if you have seen any of my posts, I am a great proponent of "whatever works" to stay compliant while still managing to have a life. (Said as I sit typing this, nebbing saline and keeping my 3yo grandson company as he eats his second breakfast of the day...
By the way, did the doc provide an explanation for his recommendation? Have you tried it both ways to see which clears your lungs better?
Sue

Jump to this post

Sue, you are indeed a multitasker. Can you juggle three tennis balls along with the other stuff?
And I think the doc just intuitively favors neb first. The order is probably totally inconsequential.

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migizii | @migizii | Dec 13, 2019

Hi! My pulmonologist is okay with me doing both procedures at the same time to give me some time during my day as I work pretty much full time and he feels my lungs are receiving the needed treatment. Everyone is different and has different ideas, so I don’t know the reasons for your doctor’s choice, but I certainly believe in gathering information to go back to discuss with him/her. Good luck and be well.

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