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use of aerobika long term and vest
Hi everyone,
I have a big decision to make. I have a smartvest for less than 2 months, it seems to do nothing for me. I stopped using it. But I think it has to do something. It is handy to have in case I need to use it. But I have to pay about $1500 out of pocket. So it seems to me to return it now and buy it again if in the future I do decide to try again. My question to you is, when you are weak, do you still have the strength to use aerobika? Aerobika and nebulizer help me better now. I just don't know if there is a day that I don't have the strength to use aerobika. Based on the people in the support group, there are some healthy and strong 80 year old people still using aerobika. Your input is greatly appreciated.
Thanks and take care!
Ling
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I've been using a SmartVest for 8 1/2 months. Day to day progress seems slow but I can now take deep full breaths and it's wonderful. I do have days when I am congested but never fail to use my vest 2x/day. I use a nebulizer at the same time, postural changes 10 minutes 2x/day and my aeribika 2x/day. I really believe the vest and the rest of my routine are helping me to get stronger and breathe more easily. I'm 75 years old and intend to keep doing this until a miracle drug is invented.
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1 Reaction@bearsmom91, Thank you for your feedback about the vest. It is very helpful.
Ling
@wangling
Ling, Medicare paid almost entirely for my vest. The cost would have been $1895 but I ended up paying $222. The first time my doctor contacted a company that wanted me to sign a paper saying I would pay for the vest, about $1500/month for 18 months, if Medicare wouldn't cover it. I didn't want to potentially take on that amount of debt. My doctor contacted SmartVest and I was assured that I would not have to sign anything. They gave me the vest and Medicare paid for all but the $222.
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1 Reaction@bearsmom91, Wow, lucky you. I have medicare advantage ppo, I have to pay 15% no matter what. So I will have to pay around $1,750, something like that to own it. I also have Smartvest. But to me it is a tool to keep for the rest of my life. Like you I am 74 now.
Ling
@wangling
Hang in there and keep using your SmartVest. It helps clear mucus from your lower lung, as well as the rest of your lung. There's a new drug, brensocatib, FDA approved in August 2025, for bronchiectasis. This may also be helpful if bronchiectasis is
your diagnosis. I wish you the best.
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2 Reactions@ling I remember someone posting here that when you return a vest you might not be approved to get it again. So do not a hastily decision. The vest mostly helps, I use it twice a day and believe it helps me a little- I am a little mucus out person
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2 Reactions@lilianna,
Luckily, my insurance allows me to have one every 5 years. If I return this one, I can get another one right away. It all depends on the insurance.
Ling