How to juggle therapies and homework

[Beccamom]

For homework while vesting my daughter uses her IPAD to type papers, create flashcards, and uses an app called notability which allows her to take a picture of any dito and then create text boxes and type in her answers so penmanship is not an issue. She is also a gymnast and in 8th grade. The key to the schedule is to include drive time as homework time and get ahead on work whenever possible. For example, reading 30 minutes every night can't happen so she reads ahead on her nook app on the Ipad during all weekend vesting which covers the whole next week.

Tonight my daughter had 3 1/2 hours gymnastic practice and 30 min vest/ neb time. She did 1 hour of homework split between each 30 min time to and from practice. Ate dinner also in the car and then did 1 1/2 hour more homework at home 30 minutes of which was vest time.

The more time she has the more time she wastes texting. She is the multitasking pro. She had physical therapy last year and vested and did PT knee exercises while vesting. I made a video for the knee PT and the respiratory PT and they were both impressed.

Also I have to neb and vest myself, so she has to handle this herself by the time she gets home. I also have lot less complicated younger daughter, but life is worth figuring it out. Health comes first.

 

[Beccamom]

For homework while vesting my daughter uses her IPAD to type papers, create flashcards, and uses an app called notability which allows her to take a picture of any dito and then create text boxes and type in her answers so penmanship is not an issue. She is also a gymnast and in 8th grade. The key to the schedule is to include drive time as homework time and get ahead on work whenever possible. For example, reading 30 minutes every night can't happen so she reads ahead on her nook app on the Ipad during all weekend vesting which covers the whole next week.

Tonight my daughter had 3 1/2 hours gymnastic practice and 30 min vest/ neb time. She did 1 hour of homework split between each 30 min time to and from practice. Ate dinner also in the car and then did 1 1/2 hour more homework at home 30 minutes of which was vest time.

The more time she has the more time she wastes texting. She is the multitasking pro. She had physical therapy last year and vested and did PT knee exercises while vesting. I made a video for the knee PT and the respiratory PT and they were both impressed.

Also I have to neb and vest myself, so she has to handle this herself by the time she gets home. I also have lot less complicated younger daughter, but life is worth figuring it out. Health comes first.

 

[Ratatosk]

Smiles,

The Pari compressor does not last long. We had one and it would break down every 3 months. I finally paid out of pocket for a Mobilaire compressor with adjustable Psi. It cuts down on time which is so precious. It cost about $270 or so but is worth every penny.

Darn you, Rebjane! I bit the bullet last night and ordered up a Mobilaire. It's been awhile since I've had to send the Devilbiss back for a replacement and we just had to replace a Vios this summer. How often do you have to change the filters or do you just clean them?

 

[Rebjane]

Ratatosk,

Ha! The filter took me a while to figure out, why who knows. The filter is this black spongy thing inside a black knob(you'll see it on the instructions sent with the compressor). I wash the black spongy thing in antibacterial soap then let it airdry overnight on a papertowel. My husband has to open the cover over the filter, for some reason I just can't do it. I don't bring the Mobilaire when we travel, it is just too heavy. SO it's still good to hold onto the Vios for that. Have had absolutely no problems with the Mobilaire and we've had it at least a year and half. Felt like Christmas when it was delivered...

Beccasmom,

I am so impressed with your schedule. I love the I pad idea. Tell your daughter keep up the good work

 

[smiles]

Are the vests used only in the U.S? I'm wondering if there's anyone else out there who uses the PEP or other therapies? Why would they not recommend the vest in Canadian clinics?

 

[JennyCoulon]

It is tough but when they get home from school they have a snack and then start on treatments. After they are done which usually takes about 1 1/2 hours. When they are doing their aerosols they work on homework until they start vest. If they have soccer practice they do treatment, snack, soccer, dinner, homework, shower and then bed. It is a struggle but if they can do their aerosol and homework together it makes it easier and faster

 

[Rebjane]

Smiles,

My guess about why Vests are not used in other countries is cost. The Vest costs about $15,000

 

[Ratatosk]

Are the vests used only in the U.S? I'm wondering if there's anyone else out there who uses the PEP or other therapies? Why would they not recommend the vest in Canadian clinics?

I know people in canada who've gotten them -- either through private insurance and fundraisers. I believe clinics still have the view that CPT is just as adequate, especially due to the costs involved in purchasing a vest.