Living Dangerously - Nebulizer Cleaning

Posted by thumperguy @thumperguy, Mar 12, 2021

I marvel at the time consuming, meticulous way many, perhaps the majority, of contributors to this forum clean and sanitize nebulizers. Following the treatment session I soap and hot water “bathe” the mouthpiece then let it air dry until its next use. The tube gets no special attention except being fully disconnected from the compressor. I’ve read of some regimens aimed at sanitizing shower heads; another activity I ignore entirely. I’m closing in on 16 months free of a “flare-up” involving fever, and an antibiotic to defeat.
The lengthening periods of freedom from acute symptoms is something I attribute solely to learning about 7% saline nebulizer solution which I read about on this forum.
My comparatively minimal attention to “sanitation” may catch up with me but so far so good.

I should add that I realize many forum participants are contending with considerably more virulent pathology than I am. Don

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

@tampamac

I have an NJH phone interview this week so any suggestions on how to prepare for this or if I can request a provider. I have heard Dr. Gwen Huitt's name . Also trying to get an appt with our local Mac specialist but slow going. Wondering if any other suggestions for getting connected with a Mac specialist. I live in Tampa, FL. ? Mayo Jacksonville.

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@tampamac I have been going to Mayo in Jacksonville (I live in Spring Hill, FL) for about a year now and very pleased with the Pulmonary clinic there. My lead doctor is Margaret Johnson MD, but I only got to see her on my first visit, I primarily see her "Fellow" Dr Kukhon MD. I also had 1 visit with Dr Julio Mendez an Infectious Disease doctor. They are all excellent doctors very knowledgeable about Bronchiectasis and MAC. Dr Johnson stated that she had taken more people off antibiotics than she has put on them, and she was very supportive of me nebulizing 7% saline, which is all that I do now. Bill

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Great info Bill. Will look into an appt. at Mayo Jax. currently on the big 3. Tried Arikayce but couldn’t handle the side effects. Working thru some fatigue issues but cough getting better.

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@spencersok

My wife just got her AFFLOVEST this past Friday. Based on the instructions and the training we were given, it is an easy process. I know it it time consuming, but everything comes with a cost and in this case time, 30 minutes x 2 each day. If it get results then the benefit is to your favor. I am trying to get my wife to do both at the same time, nebulize and vest...I understand the benefit will be worth it...

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Definitely do nebulizer and vest together. Take slow deep breaths. This is the best way for results. My doctor didn't tell me, so I wasn't getting good results. Both work together.

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After dutifully doing the Vest\Neb dance for a spell I became adventurous and put the Vest on a hanger and and introduced it to a bunch of old suits I once wore. It seems happy there and I’m also happier. Inhaling nebulizied saline twice daily (3% morning, 7% evening) is keeping me out of the antibiotic store and I still have enough material to maintain my membership on this forum. What more could an old geezer ask.

If your harvest is a bunch of lemons make some lemonade. Don

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@thumperguy

After dutifully doing the Vest\Neb dance for a spell I became adventurous and put the Vest on a hanger and and introduced it to a bunch of old suits I once wore. It seems happy there and I’m also happier. Inhaling nebulizied saline twice daily (3% morning, 7% evening) is keeping me out of the antibiotic store and I still have enough material to maintain my membership on this forum. What more could an old geezer ask.

If your harvest is a bunch of lemons make some lemonade. Don

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Hi Don,
I was hoping you would step in and comment. We miss your thumper posts though, could you [lease start it up again?
Sue

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,
Sue, how did you know I’m starved for compliments? Da Thumperguy

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@poodledoc

@tampamac I have been going to Mayo in Jacksonville (I live in Spring Hill, FL) for about a year now and very pleased with the Pulmonary clinic there. My lead doctor is Margaret Johnson MD, but I only got to see her on my first visit, I primarily see her "Fellow" Dr Kukhon MD. I also had 1 visit with Dr Julio Mendez an Infectious Disease doctor. They are all excellent doctors very knowledgeable about Bronchiectasis and MAC. Dr Johnson stated that she had taken more people off antibiotics than she has put on them, and she was very supportive of me nebulizing 7% saline, which is all that I do now. Bill

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@poodledoc Got an appt set up at Mayo with Dr. Johnson. Thxs for the recommendation.

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