Percussion vest
Does anyone have any experience with a percussion vest? I could not tolerate an albuterol nebulizer so this is the next step he has recommended. However, the co-payment is pretty hefty and would like to have some feedback before investing in this. I did have a bad cough that is improved, however, am unable to produce any sputum and he said this will loosen the secretions in my chest. Thanks so much.
Hi thumperguy, thanks for the compliment on my compliance but I too take random, very short breaks when I can’t muster motivation😔. I could not bring up any mucus prior to using the vest but had a pretty consistent dry cough. The combination of nebulizing and the vest tend to bring up the mucus for me and then sometimes for a little while afterwards. Periodically, during the day I still have my dry cough and rarely some spitting. That’s how it goes for me anyway. Wishing a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Teri, thanks for the welcome. Only Mac has sputum confirmation. Bronchiectasis diagnosed on film by radiologist and pulmonologist in tandem.
Migzii your experience compared to mine really drives home a point; that being the wide variation there is among persons regarding how this malady presents. I consider myself lucky when I learn of others’ experience; like I must have a relatively mild case.
Jumping topics, and I hope this isn’t too intrusive, but I’m curious about what in the world is the derivation of “Migzii? 😁
I don’t have a percussion vest but do use a nebulizer with 3% saline, followed by an aerobics and my husband pats various parts of by rib cage over my lungs after laying in various positions where I’m slightly inverted. Each step is followed by huff coughs and controlled coughing. It takes about an hour every morning (empty stomach). I understand how you can want a break every once in awhile.
I find that I cough up bits of mucus throughout the day now but definitely not only in the morning. Is that other prople’s experience? It means I’m coughing more all day,which is great for clearing my lungs when I’m at home but not so great when I’m out in public.
Well Kathy, you and your husband sure figured out a way to beat the steep cost of percussion vests. Congratulations. My mucous clearing episodes, unlike yours, almost always occur in unannounced "obligatory" episodes of several minutes when I'm essentially out-of-commission for any other activity. Fortunately they seem to occur predominately at bed time. Also fortunately my wife's a night owl so is minimally bothered by the clamor I make.
LOL. I guess we have saved a bit of money but it was directed by the respiratory therapist!
Thanks for you comments,
Migizii is the Ojibwe word for eagle
Well, Well. Very interesting.
I use the nebulizer with the 7 percent saline. I did need a prescription and it is fairly inexpensive compared to everything else I need. I also get new mouthpieces and tubes for my nebulizer every 6 months. I follow it up with an aerobika. I also couldn't cough up anything. Now, it's unusual if I don't cough up something.
@hsletter @gj53
Your settings may be off. I was ready to quit it and phoned the 800 number. The specialist worked with me and I changed the settings…what a difference. Don't give up!
@tinaesims, Hi. I have to share this story because it stresses the importance of nebulizing saline. Here goes. I did my saline treatment this morning and coughed up the usual goo. But this time, I saw a small bit of bright red. So, I thought it was from a small lung bleed. Upon closer inspection, I saw that it was in fact, a small tiny bit of my bright red winter scarf that I had unpacked yesterday. I had even contemplated on getting rid of it because it sheds a lot of yarn onto my grey wool coat. Now, I am sure it has to go bye-bye. Now, what if I hadn't have coughed that up? Can you imagine the mucous plugs that can form when you do not clean your lungs out? My apologies if I grossed anyone out. But, you know how it is.
That sounds just like me! I would have been on the way to the doctor's office! I feel so much better after I nebulize saline. I didn't start doing it until I got on this site. My doctor was all for it! I just picked up 3 boxes today at the pharmacy.