NJH Patients

What kind of compressor? I have a Hill Rom vest which a pulmonologist/infectious disease doctor I see in Tampa had ordered. I had an appointment with a respiratory therapist at NJH whose job it was to talk about and fitted for a vest. They didn’t realize that I already had one. If you don’t have one now NJH will definitely address as needed. It has helped me since I got it. The hoses fit into each side of the vest.

I did have some meds for high blood pressure, thyroid meds, baby aspirin, food incentive to increase my appetite (5 total) all in a daily pill container in my carry on and had no problems.

When you started using the vest, did it help you cough up staff? Is it hard on your ribs (I am tiny).

Yes it helps loosen the mucous in our lungs which is what we want - loose and coughing it up and out of our lungs. It has different settings on it to lower the strength. I had to lower it from 10 Hz to 6 Hz after experiencing pain in my right ribs. I now weigh 86 lbs so I am tiny also.

I do have both MAC and Bron. I was seeing my pul for under a year and all I know is that she put in referral for vest (Hillrom) and I was approved. HMO Medicare Advantage Plan covered most of it and after applying with Hillrom for financial assistance they will cover anything insurance doesn't. Respiratory Therapist then comes to your home and shows you how to use it.

I have only been using it for 3 weeks @2-3 times day. I weigh under 90 lbs and it in no way aggravates my ribs. If you look at videos on YouTube you can see how much it inflates and the frequency of oscillations is set low when you start out. Hope this helps.

Welcome to Mayo Connect, and thank you for sharing your experience with the vest.
Are you also nebulizing to help loosen secretions? And have you taken the antibiotics for your MAC, or is the pulmonologist hoping this helps enough so you don't need them?
Sue

Thank you for checking Sue. I use a nebulizer with Albuterol. My pul has put in RX for saline twice but they do not stock it. Everyone says it is very helpful. Purchasing it OTC or Amazon is one more expense to the many I am incurring. I do not produce sputum.

My symptoms progressed over past several months so I was referred to ID and started on the 3 AB. 3 weeks ago. 3x week to start.

My pulmonologist told me since the pandemic there has been a shortage of saline. I also found out that most insurance and Medicare generally don’t pay for it as there is no medication in it. My pulmonologist placed an order for 7% saline months ago but still haven’t received it; however I am buying 7% from Amazon without a problem. FYI - NJH told me definitely to use 7% saline.