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Pacemaker: What alternatives to a vibrating vest help clear mucus?
I've been using a SmartVest for a couple of years (I have cystic fibrosis with bronchiectasis). Recently, I noticed that my heart rate "goes through the roof" when I'm using it, and lately have experienced some chest pain -- apparently heart-related -- toward the end of each session. I have a pacemaker, so the pacemaker keeps my heart rate in a range of 60-130, and the SmartVest maxes out my heart rate pretty regularly! I experimented with doing my breathing treatments without the vest, to see if my nebulized medication (albuterol) was causing the heart rate jump, but my heart rate remained pretty stable without the vest. Has anyone else -- using a SmartVest or similar device -- experienced anything like this?
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Current price of VibrLung has gone sky high! Exponentially higher than when I bought mine. I won’t recommend it any more. Thanks for warning everyone about the price!
I have been using SmartVest since January 2024. I have Arrhythmia and so have been using Levalbuterol rather that Albuterol. I seem to tolerate the Levelbuterol better.
I haven't experienced change in heart rate using the SmartVest but I do not as yet have a pacemaker.
Best of luck finding the reason for your increased heart rate.
Have you called the makers of your pacemaker to see if the smartvest is interfering with the electrical part of the pacer. I know massage chairs and certain things should be avoided if you have a pacer, especially if they have magnets in them.
Will smart best cause bleeding in respiratory tract?
I seem to have more bleeding after using it a week.
What I have come to understand on this site and for myself..... is that the "vest(s)" are not always helpful nor a one size fits all for various reasons such as causing other problems due to how it is pumping somewhat at the stomach, above the waist and below the neck. on the entire area, systems, and parts within us and not just the lungs.
I would imagine your doctors would like to know what is happening. Hope the 'more bleeding' stops.
Barbara
@blm1007blm1007
That is enlightening blm1007. I believe what I have is throat bleeding and I am also trying to figure out whether it is caused by other reasons. Smart vest provides excellent customer service and always walk you through for every details.
Many of you have run into @ckscoville in the discussions in the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group or perhaps in the new Cystic Fibrosis Support Group. Check out the latest member spotlight interview with @ckscoville to get a behind the scenes look at what makes Pug tick besides his pacemaker and how stroke led to prioritizing the important things in life.
- Rethinking what's truly important: Meet @ckscoville https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/newsfeed-post/rethinking-whats-truly-important-meet-ckscoville/