RE: VESTLESS, NOT RESTLESS

[Guest guest]

I don't think it affected my breathing. D.

To: bronchiectasis From: winstead.c@...Date: Sun, 24 Jul 2011 20:31:39 -0700Subject: Re: nebs. S/vest etc ....

Hi,

My children had the opposite reaction when they first saw my vest. They wanted to try it. Both have asthma and they both tried it and liked it. My daughter is tiny so we pulled in the straps and my son is bigger so we let them out. I feel the vest really helps me keep the infections down, although I am fighting one right now. I didn't have a culture, but was at a routine visit with pulmonologist and he felt from my sputum color and sound of my chest I needed to start on an antibiotic.

I am still trying to hold off by doubling the time in vest and using the flutter valve. I supposedly have a mild case of bronchiectasis, but the first few years I had it, I was on an antibiotic for almost the entire year, also antifungal medicine, and finally IV's for psuedomonas. The psuedomonas was drug resistant. I struggle to stay healthy even with all my supplements. I also always have a sinus infection.

I really don't want to go on the antibiotic because I was on one in May and I was trying to at least hold out for 6 months. I just feel afraid that if I take too much antibiotic I will become resistant and it won't be effective when I really need it.

That is why I like to hear that some of you have managed this disease for so long. It gives me hope. When I was first diagnosed, I felt like my life was just about over.

Thanks for being there everybody.

Cindi W.

I guess that is why the vest appeals to me as a way to lessen time on antibiotics.

To: bronchiectasis Sent: Sun, July 24, 2011 7:08:17 PMSubject: Re: nebs. S/vest etc ....

, it has nothing to do with bravery - I'm just VERY fond of breathing!!! I have been traveling back home from vacation, and have not done my Vest since Fri PM - ran out of time yesterday AM and just didn't have the strength to set it all up in the motel last night. I DO notice more non-productive coughing having missed it twice.I can't wait for it to be over, either - it's annoying. And I AM an old lady of almost 68! My daughter and grandchildren practically rolled on the floor laughing when they saw me in that huge vest with a face mask on. I happen to have round eyeglasses which I wear so I can either read or work on the computer, and we all agreed that all I need is the helmet and a white neck scarf and I look just like the Red Baron!One of the things I've learned about aging is that one must learn humility as there are so many things about old age and illness that are VERY humbling. I'm trying very hard to accept this with grace - I don't always succeed.Suzanne