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High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) vest? Good or bad?

Posted by johnny49 @johnny49, Jul 3 6:53pm

Throat cancer some 20 years ago but still kickin'. But, mucus and musculoskeletal pain are chewing me up. I'm considering the HFCWO vest. Any experienced users? Good or bad results? The Vest APX and the AffloVest are the ones I'm looking at right now, but I'm open minded.

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jul 16 9:08pm

@johnny49, I've seen members posting about high-frequency chest wall oscillation for cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis and lung conditions. The vest vibrates the chest at a high frequency to loosen and thin mucus. Every five minutes, the person stops the machine and coughs or huffs.

You mention that you also have musculoskeletal pain. As such I have a few questions for you:
1. Is the mucus in your lungs?
2. Wouldn't the oscillating vest cause more pain?

Have you talked to your doctor about your idea of using such a vest?

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johnny49 | @johnny49 | Jul 17 7:52am
In reply to @colleenyoung "@johnny49, I've seen members posting about high-frequency chest wall oscillation for cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis and lung..." + (show)
Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

@johnny49, I've seen members posting about high-frequency chest wall oscillation for cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis and lung conditions. The vest vibrates the chest at a high frequency to loosen and thin mucus. Every five minutes, the person stops the machine and coughs or huffs.

You mention that you also have musculoskeletal pain. As such I have a few questions for you:
1. Is the mucus in your lungs?
2. Wouldn't the oscillating vest cause more pain?

Have you talked to your doctor about your idea of using such a vest?

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@colleenyoung
A LOT of mucus is an understatement, so I guess it has to be originating from my lungs. A vibrating vest may well shake me up in a bad way, so now I'm not so sure. I talked to my pulmonologist just yesterday and he says I need a peg tube because I'm swallowing food particles. Then he recommended a $#@ sleep study! For what? He says I "may" also have oxygen issues. I've had a peg tube before and, to be honest, I'd rather be dead.

I think there are other options. I'm working the issue and I'll post with updates.

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