Celebrating an antibiotic-free year

Posted by thumperguy @thumperguy, Oct 10, 2020

And I’m convinced 7% nebulized saline did the trick. (Accompanied by percussion vest vibration) And this forum is the place I learned of “The 7% Solution.“ “Don the indebted.”

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

How big is the incline on the wedge? I got one that was about 5 inches at the head of the bed and 1 inch at the foot. It is under the mattress and covers the whole area.

My doctor recommended a steeper incline but I felt like I was always slipping down the bed. I have wondered if I should have gotten a steeper incline but sleeping well is a priority for me too! He also recommended no eating or drinking for 3 hours prior to going to bed but I sometimes get sloppy about that, especially if I’m thirsty. The gastro guy I saw similarly wanted me to go on meds but the pulmonologist said not to take them.

This test is to confirm whether or not I have reflux, since it wasn’t checked at the time he gave me the above direction ( I’m assuming that I do but it would be a pleasant surprise if I don’t).

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@kathyhg

How big is the incline on the wedge? I got one that was about 5 inches at the head of the bed and 1 inch at the foot. It is under the mattress and covers the whole area.

My doctor recommended a steeper incline but I felt like I was always slipping down the bed. I have wondered if I should have gotten a steeper incline but sleeping well is a priority for me too! He also recommended no eating or drinking for 3 hours prior to going to bed but I sometimes get sloppy about that, especially if I’m thirsty. The gastro guy I saw similarly wanted me to go on meds but the pulmonologist said not to take them.

This test is to confirm whether or not I have reflux, since it wasn’t checked at the time he gave me the above direction ( I’m assuming that I do but it would be a pleasant surprise if I don’t).

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@kathyhg I got a steep wedge...9.5 inches from headboard to my waist. I think most are around 6" but I went for the extreme...as I am an extremist..haha. I need to put a pillow or two at the bottom of my butt to keep me from sliding off. At first, awkward, but I got used to it. I am thrilled that it works for me....and could not believe I encountered a Doc that was not wanting to script pharmaceuticals. Yay..I fell in love!

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@alleycatkate

@migizii Hi and glad to hear your response. You seem right on top of any gastro issues! I had no idea that my lump in my throat was an indication of acid reflux. When I visited my Pulmo at Mayo he suggested that the acid reflux could have been an issue with the MAC and Bronchiectasis as the reflux may have aspirated into my lungs at night. He saw it as an issue that really needed to be handled. And what was amazing was that a Pulmonologist's suggestions for getting it under control were far superior to my gastroenterologists. Anyway...It seems so often that one problem leads to another....so I was just looking to give a heads up..but can see you are already there!! Glad you are doing well. Kate

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I had terrible time when my depression made me lay down while eating. I was told you needed to sit up and wait 2 hours before going to bed. Nexium made me sick.

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@kathyhg

How big is the incline on the wedge? I got one that was about 5 inches at the head of the bed and 1 inch at the foot. It is under the mattress and covers the whole area.

My doctor recommended a steeper incline but I felt like I was always slipping down the bed. I have wondered if I should have gotten a steeper incline but sleeping well is a priority for me too! He also recommended no eating or drinking for 3 hours prior to going to bed but I sometimes get sloppy about that, especially if I’m thirsty. The gastro guy I saw similarly wanted me to go on meds but the pulmonologist said not to take them.

This test is to confirm whether or not I have reflux, since it wasn’t checked at the time he gave me the above direction ( I’m assuming that I do but it would be a pleasant surprise if I don’t).

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Mine is 7” at the head and also goes under the mattress so it’s under the whole bed. My husband complains he slides down, lol, but I don’t feel like I do. I told him it’s a small price to pay to NOT hear me cough all night. He agrees.

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@migizii

@migizii. As a patient who has difficulty removing mucus, the twice daily nebulizing/vest therapy is the primary way I have to get any mucus up. During the day, is usually feel like something is stuck in my throat, have a dry cough, and on “lucky” occasions can cough up mucus. However, the very fortunate part for me is that I have not faced a MAC infection yet. I don’t know why, it I feel blessed. From what I read here, the 7% saline maybe the key.

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Hi migizii, your post sounds exactly like me. When I first started going to the pulmonologist he asked me how much I coughed up which was basically nothing. He began the nebulizer and then the vest. After starting with the vest I can get some mucus up but it also gets stuck in my throat. I don't have acid reflux. My MAC was also ruled out at this time. I could not convince him (yet) to give me 7% saline but have found it through Amazon. I hope to convince him to give me a script as I am sure it would be cheaper with one. I do want to use it to keep my lungs as healthy as possible. This site has provided a wealth of information.

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@gej53

Hi migizii, your post sounds exactly like me. When I first started going to the pulmonologist he asked me how much I coughed up which was basically nothing. He began the nebulizer and then the vest. After starting with the vest I can get some mucus up but it also gets stuck in my throat. I don't have acid reflux. My MAC was also ruled out at this time. I could not convince him (yet) to give me 7% saline but have found it through Amazon. I hope to convince him to give me a script as I am sure it would be cheaper with one. I do want to use it to keep my lungs as healthy as possible. This site has provided a wealth of information.

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Do I understand correctly that you’re able to get 7% saline from Amazon?

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Yes, it was also available on ebay. I had asked my pulmonologist for a prescription but he was reluctant and said he felt it would cause bronchospasm. Decided to look on my own to try it. Have tolerated it well and will pursue a script for it when I go back to him in January. I am sure it is more without a prescription.

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@thumperguy

Do I understand correctly that you’re able to get 7% saline from Amazon?

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Hi Don - Yes, you can get it on Amazon or eBay, but...I pay about $14 for 60 vials Rx, but on line it's quite a bit higher - 3-4 times, usually. Like @gej53 I had to "prove" it was OK for me before my original pulmo would prescribe. Later I found out my primary would have done it if only I asked her.
Sue

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@macjane

I had terrible time when my depression made me lay down while eating. I was told you needed to sit up and wait 2 hours before going to bed. Nexium made me sick.

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@macjane Hi Jane...I hope that you have found something to help for depression. I know that being blue is difficult. Sometimes I just go for a long walk and that picks me up but long term I am not sure that will cut it. Have you gotten the acid reflux under control? Kate.

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@macjane Vitamin D is a very good help for depression. I am sure the time change is a catalyst for a depressive mood. Plus, the holidays coming with no real end in sight for Covid can complicate one’s mental health. irene5

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