chest percussion and other thoughts

October 23, 2003

I still remember a 1 yr old who opened birthday presents and has the grace to

make sure each person who gave her a gift felt as if theirs was the most

special. My niece was, and still is, an incredible child.

My niece and I don't live in the same state. She is in NJ (I grew up in NJ) and

I am in CT. Is anyone else on this list from either state? I went to NJ for 3

days during each week she was in the hospital for her tune-up. I was able to see

1st hand what this child has to go through on a daily basis. In fact, they

admitted another cf child during her stay (fortunately, near the end of her

stay) so that any time either was out of his/her room a mask had to be worn to

be sure bacteria wasn't transmitted to either of them.

The other thing is the impact on all of us in the family. The impact on her

sister, my 8 yr old niece, was also profound. I spent time with her, as well.

While both parents were out, I was able to get her her evening snack, shower,

and do her normal routine for getting ready for bed. Fortunately, she was

allowed at the hospital for visits, which helped.

I was wondering if everyone does the chest percussion by hand or if most use the

vest. My niece got the vest by the time she was discharged, but I think they

will only be using it sparingly- maybe once daily. In your experiences, has the

vest been as effective as manual percussion? They were also told that if she's

away from home for a night that she could use the acapella for a treatment. I

felt her back while she was using it and could feel the vibrations, but it

doesn't seem enough. I suppose if it's only occasionally a substitute that it's

ok. If I know my sister and brother-in-law it won't be the case unless

absolutely necessary.

Well, I don't want to make this any longer than I've already done.

Thank you.

Jill

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