Use of vibration platform to loosen mucus

> as I was reviewing my CT scan, I saw that I had mild bronchiectasis.

I'd be interested to hear how you found that, how you are reviewing
your CT-scan. I spent much time to do that with my CTs.
(I asked before to show and discuss CT-pictures, but a moderator
was concerned wrt. privacy issues)
3 signs of BE=bronchiectasis are usually mentioned :
"signet ring" , no tapering, bronchi visible near the pleura

quoting from the British Thoracic Society Bronchiectasis-Guidelines , 2018 :
------------------------------------------------------
CT features of bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis is defined by bronchial dilatation
as suggested by one or more of the following:
1.) Bronchoarterial ratio >1 (internal airway
lumen vs adjacent pulmonary artery)
2.) Lack of tapering
3.) Airway visibility within 1cm of costal
pleural surface or touching mediastinal pleura.

The following indirect signs are commonly
associated with bronchiectasis:
Bronchial wall thickening
Mucus impaction
Mosaic perfusion / air trapping on expiratory CT

Welcome to the group! I also find the group enormously helpful. I also have mild brinchiectasis and was initially thought to have MAC due to CT abnormalities. I had a bronchoscopy done to obtain a good culture which was neg.

I haven’t heard about a vibrating platform. Interesting idea.

I meant that I was reviewing the CT scan report, not the scan itself. The report only said: “Associated mild bronchiectasis”. None of the features you listed were mentioned.

Thank you. If I find more info about the vibration platform, I will post it.

If I read this correctly, Whole-Body Vibration can be helpful if you use the plate during exercise. How much more helpful than "regular" aerobic activity is unclear. Vibration plates (frequencies and amplitudes) differ from those in targeted airway clearance devices.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36556991/
@bernadene24 I believe I watched the same video as you with one of our fellow sufferers using a vibration plate on which to exercise. If I remember correctly she uses the plate while exercising. Using the plate is not a passive activity. Anyway, as you did, I thought wow maybe this might help so I ordered one, which I ended up returning.

I realized that using the plate would be yet another, but possibly superfluous tool for dealing with my bronchiectasis. In other words, it would not replace nebulizer and airway clearance. It would add to the time I spend on AC. Perhaps they could be combined? The plate was frightfully heavy and there was a risk I could fall off of it. The manufacturers literature says it can be helpful for osteoporosis if it's used every day for 45 minutes. That seemed too much for me so I am back to my walking routine and lifting weights and of course airway clearance using autogenic drainage.

I too use the Aerobik. It has been very helpful. I also take Bactrim and do a nebulizer 3x a day. It has worked well for me.

Thank you, Scoop, for your input. I was thinking the vibration platform might be good for exercise. I believe the woman in the video used weights while on it. I was thinking the vertical vibration loosening mucus would be an added benefit. I’m not getting out much these days since the pollen count here in Maryland is very high and as a result, I end up coughing much more. Pre infection and BE I used to walk a lot, but not so much now. I’ve been using a rebounder and doing yoga. I’m not sure if it is enough, though.

Do you take Bactrim prophylactically?

Yes I take it 2 x a day morning & evening. It helps me to not cough so frequently. And to avoid infection.

After not seeing my doctor for 18 months due to COVID, I returned for a CT scan that showed some progression in my bronchiectasis.

Based on the results, my doctor ordered me a vest. I used it consistently for six months, along with making other small but significant changes—and I was able to reduce the mucus impaction in my lungs and to clear my MAC infection.

When working with clients, I always emphasize the importance of managing expectations when starting vest therapy. It’s not like years of mucus suddenly start clearing out all at once. But over time, I do believe the vest can make a real difference—especially because it helps mobilize secretions from the lower lobes, which are often harder to reach.

I personally like my vest because it’s lightweight, has just one hose, and is easy to travel with. That said, I don’t recommend one brand over another. I know that at National Jewish Health, they prefer electric-powered vests over battery-operated models.

Speaking of travel—I’m heading to Berkeley, California in a week for the non-profit NTMir’s retreat for our 35 support group leaders. Even though I’m a volunteer patient advocate and not a group leader, they generously include me. Right after the retreat, I’ll be attending the two-day NTMir Patient Conference.

If you haven’t signed up yet for virtual attendance at the conference, I strongly encourage you to consider it. There’s a $75 registration fee, but it’s a small price for access to top experts flying in from across the country—including Dr. Joseph Falkinham, our go-to microbiologist from Virginia Tech.

And here’s a big perk: only registered attendees will have access to the session recordings for 90 days. The lineup is truly All-Star, and this is going to be an amazing conference.
https://na.eventscloud.com/website/82635/home/
Happy Sunday,
Linda Esposito