Sue, as always, your advice and guidance are helpful and reassuring. I wish that I had had and known about this site when first diagnosed. The experience of others is invaluable when navigating all of this.

My doctor told me that she tells all patients to do the nebulizing and airway clearance with device for the rest of their lives. I, too felt so overwhelmed at first, but it makes me feel better, and my count of bacteria was drastically reduced after less than 3 months by taking 2 meds along with the nebulizing and airway clearance.

I am so determined to finish the course of meds successfully, that I am following all of the recommendations made by experts. Raised the water heater temp, avoid ice in public establishments, mask in most public spaces, use Guaifenesin and NAC, and keep my airway treatment supplies sterile.

I rinse and then boil my equipment twice a day, right after use. It is so easy. First, I nebulize. Then, I do the Aerobika. While I wash the Aerobika, I turn on the heat under my small pot to boil the water. While it is boiling, I do things in the kitchen. I use metal rings to remove the items after boiling and place them on layers of paper towels on my tray table in the corner of my bedroom where I do my nebulizer. They dry almost instantly after boiling.

Other than feeling extremely tired from the meds, I feel well and breathe well. I don’t cough, expect when doing airway clearance to get things out. The clearance is very effective and helps keep bacteria counts down.

The hardest thing after getting the diagnosis was acceptance. Next was finding a good doctor. Once I started the airway clearance, I felt that I had control over this disease and that my precautions could influence my future health. The clearance empowers you to be proactive and stay well.

Yes, it is a pain to have to do it all, but it becomes just another chore after a while, just like laundry or dishes- and you can do it while reading, watching tv, checking e mails (like Sue does), etc…

It is harder when you work, but use the time as a time for yourself. It is doable!