Friday, August 27, 2010

The Vest

One of our appointments on Tuesday was with the physical therapy department, to try on the vest, which most people who have CF use at least some of the time for daily airway clearance. If you'll remember, we are doing manual airway clearance 2-3 times a day for about 20-30 minutes. This vest will take the place of that most of the time. It will take the same amount of time, and we will still need to sit with him while the machine is working, but we won't necessarily have to experience the wrestling match - which is what it has become - every single time he needs airway clearance. It's not that he dislikes the manual therapy, he just has so many other things he'd rather be doing!! Furthermore, as it is now, we are only clapping each of the 6 lobes we do for 3-5 minutes. This machine provides the compression/vibration for all the parts of the lungs for 20-30 minutes.

The therapist showed me the 3 different machines I could choose from, and she demonstrated all of them on herself. I chose the one that is pictured, and then we tried it on Brett. He wasn't feeling his best, so I wasn't sure how he would react. He just curled up against my chest and kept sucking on his pacifier like nothing was even happening. Therefore, I said, "Order it!" No word on how long the process will take since it has to be approved through our insurance company. If you'd like to know more about the process, you can read about high-frequency chest compression below.

High-Frequency Chest Compression


High-frequency chest compression (HFCC) is widely prescribed for patients with numerous diseases and conditions that compromise the body's ability to clear secretions from the lungs.


HFCC works by administering rapid but gentle compressive forces to the chest via an inflatable jacket. These "compressions" increase air flow within the lungs to loosen, break up, and help your body mobilize and clear those secretions.


After starting HFCC therapy, most patients notice:
* easier breathing
* fewer respiratory infections
* greater exercise capacity
* fewer visits to the clinic
* reduced hospitalizations

6 comments:

  1. LeslieAugust 27, 2010

    This sounds GREAT! It seems like a win-win situation for sure! I hope the insurance is quick on their part so you can get on with making your life a little easier and making things better for him with more effective therapy.

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  2. TaraAugust 27, 2010

    Wow, what a great device!

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  3. Joy for the SeasonsAugust 27, 2010

    Anything that makes the process a little less work intensive for y'all sounds great! You will have to let us know how it goes when he finally gets it.

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  4. SherryAugust 31, 2010

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  5. SherryAugust 31, 2010

    My daughter, Rachel, has this exact same vest. I actually requested that brand. She got it when she was 18 months (now 4) and has been doing great with it ever since. Good company to deal with. I think you choose well!!!

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  6. NormaSeptember 03, 2010

    Now this is exciting - in the sense that even though it doesn't free up any of your time - it frees you and Brett from some of the manual clearance - which I can figure must be a pain for all involved.

    Isn't it great that Sherry endorses both the vest and the company you selected? There's NOTHING like a first hand recommendation!

    I LOVE the benefits listed!!! Hopefully, it will reduce Brett's infections as well as help the child breathe easier!!!

    Come on insurance company!!!!!

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