Vest

nocode

New member
Hi,
The vest isn't covered by health insurance packages here in Holland and doctors don't even talk about it because it would be too expensive for patients to get it out of their own pockets.
My doctors tell me that it's not covered because there is no real scientific proof that the vest improves the patient's health. Basically what they say is that if the patient complies with the treatments and a regular exercise routine, the vest is not necessary, but rahter an easy, lazy solution.
Now I think this is bullshit (excuse the language) since we already have so much to do, treatments wise, that any extra help is benefitial, especially since a lot of patients aren't able to do the necessary work-out for optimal airway clearance.
My parents are willing to purchase a vest as long as they know that it can improve my health and my life in any way. The vest would cost me about $10,000.
My question - Do you find the benefits of the vest to be worth $10,000? What are the benefits?
Thanks for the input!
 

nocode

New member
Hi,
The vest isn't covered by health insurance packages here in Holland and doctors don't even talk about it because it would be too expensive for patients to get it out of their own pockets.
My doctors tell me that it's not covered because there is no real scientific proof that the vest improves the patient's health. Basically what they say is that if the patient complies with the treatments and a regular exercise routine, the vest is not necessary, but rahter an easy, lazy solution.
Now I think this is bullshit (excuse the language) since we already have so much to do, treatments wise, that any extra help is benefitial, especially since a lot of patients aren't able to do the necessary work-out for optimal airway clearance.
My parents are willing to purchase a vest as long as they know that it can improve my health and my life in any way. The vest would cost me about $10,000.
My question - Do you find the benefits of the vest to be worth $10,000? What are the benefits?
Thanks for the input!
 

Havoc

New member
That's a very good question. I'm really busy at the moment, but I'll see if I can find any efficacy studies on the vest system.
 

Havoc

New member
That's a very good question. I'm really busy at the moment, but I'll see if I can find any efficacy studies on the vest system.
 
S

semperfiohana

Guest
I personally say yes it is. I think that's why I have been able to stay in the 50's for the past few years.
 
S

semperfiohana

Guest
I personally say yes it is. I think that's why I have been able to stay in the 50's for the past few years.
 

saveferris2009

New member
"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have."
-Thomas Jefferson.

There are plenty of studies - it's easier to pacify patients on a socialized medicine plan that they can't get something because it doesn't work anyway. So sad, and to quote you, complete bull

Imagine the disruption if all patients in the EU, Canada and Australia demanded this expensive device because they knew the truth.

I think this is sad and a real disservice to CF patients. We should all take to the streets in protest.

These studies don't quantify quality of life - which for me, matters just as much as scientific proof of clinical outcomes. I love using an effective device all on my own, not having to depend on someone else.

http://www.respirtech.com/pdfs/Kluft.pdf

http://www.respirtech.com/pdfs/Hansen.pdf

http://www.respirtech.com/pdfs/Warwick.pdf

http://www.respirtech.com/pdfs/Hansen.pdf

http://www.respirtech.com/pdfs/Anbar.pdf
 

saveferris2009

New member
"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have."
-Thomas Jefferson.

There are plenty of studies - it's easier to pacify patients on a socialized medicine plan that they can't get something because it doesn't work anyway. So sad, and to quote you, complete bull

Imagine the disruption if all patients in the EU, Canada and Australia demanded this expensive device because they knew the truth.

I think this is sad and a real disservice to CF patients. We should all take to the streets in protest.

These studies don't quantify quality of life - which for me, matters just as much as scientific proof of clinical outcomes. I love using an effective device all on my own, not having to depend on someone else.

http://www.respirtech.com/pdfs/Kluft.pdf

http://www.respirtech.com/pdfs/Hansen.pdf

http://www.respirtech.com/pdfs/Warwick.pdf

http://www.respirtech.com/pdfs/Hansen.pdf

http://www.respirtech.com/pdfs/Anbar.pdf
 
C

CF45sucks

Guest
Thats a hard question to answer. I view the vest as one more tool to help keep my lungs working and to keep the plugging in the large airways from getting worse. I have actually stopped using it between appts to see how my pft's and my xrays compare and there is a difference when I'm using the vest twice a day. The plugging is not as severe and my pft's are usually just a bit higher.

However with that being said paying 10k for it would be a hard pill to swallow. I think there are certainly airway clearance techniques including exercise that can help keep your lungs clear, the vest just adds that one extra tool for CFer's to use.
 
C

CF45sucks

Guest
Thats a hard question to answer. I view the vest as one more tool to help keep my lungs working and to keep the plugging in the large airways from getting worse. I have actually stopped using it between appts to see how my pft's and my xrays compare and there is a difference when I'm using the vest twice a day. The plugging is not as severe and my pft's are usually just a bit higher.

However with that being said paying 10k for it would be a hard pill to swallow. I think there are certainly airway clearance techniques including exercise that can help keep your lungs clear, the vest just adds that one extra tool for CFer's to use.
 

muchlove

New member
Though I am having a drop in PFT's even with the vest, after starting the therapy I had a large decrease in the number of infections I aquired. I like the freedom to do treatments on my own and not have to rely on another person. Ive had positive change in how gunky my xrays were too. The only down side for me is if I do come down with a really gross infection my cough becomes less effective even wit the CPT. But I guess its to be expected we'll have times where extra antibiotics and such are required on top of daily care. So with that said I have no complaints about the vest.
 

muchlove

New member
Though I am having a drop in PFT's even with the vest, after starting the therapy I had a large decrease in the number of infections I aquired. I like the freedom to do treatments on my own and not have to rely on another person. Ive had positive change in how gunky my xrays were too. The only down side for me is if I do come down with a really gross infection my cough becomes less effective even wit the CPT. But I guess its to be expected we'll have times where extra antibiotics and such are required on top of daily care. So with that said I have no complaints about the vest.
 
J

jacobus

Guest
A good cardio workout is a lot more effective than the vest. Yes, it takes more effort, but the overall benefits will keep you much healthier in the long run.
 
J

jacobus

Guest
A good cardio workout is a lot more effective than the vest. Yes, it takes more effort, but the overall benefits will keep you much healthier in the long run.
 

SIcklyhatED

New member
No.
I thoroughly regret having the vest(s). I saw no added benefit (nothing that a little soccer practice wouldn't take care of) when I was younger, or in recent hospital stays (plus compliance was a pain). For me, running around cardio will always, always trump the vest and it's easier to stick too. The vest is too easy to be lazy with (you know, just sitting there etc). But this has been MY experiences, and I know some people swear by the vest.

Maybe before you invest you can work out a new, inexpensive routine for a little while to see if that'll work before plopping down a huge chunk of change for a vest. Think gastric bypass: patients are mandated to try to alter their lifestyle for at least 9 months (usually) before embarking on a risky surgery. If that example makes any sense at all, lol.
 

SIcklyhatED

New member
No.
I thoroughly regret having the vest(s). I saw no added benefit (nothing that a little soccer practice wouldn't take care of) when I was younger, or in recent hospital stays (plus compliance was a pain). For me, running around cardio will always, always trump the vest and it's easier to stick too. The vest is too easy to be lazy with (you know, just sitting there etc). But this has been MY experiences, and I know some people swear by the vest.

Maybe before you invest you can work out a new, inexpensive routine for a little while to see if that'll work before plopping down a huge chunk of change for a vest. Think gastric bypass: patients are mandated to try to alter their lifestyle for at least 9 months (usually) before embarking on a risky surgery. If that example makes any sense at all, lol.
 

JENNYC

New member
We have had the vest for 3 years and absolutely love and I whole heartedly believe that it has helped Abby tremendously. And I was very skeptical at first, not sure that it would do a good a job as we did, but I was wrong. Not only that it gives her so much independence. She can do the vest on her own and doesn't ever have to depend on someone to help her. And Hillrom is wonderful if you have any issues with it. They send out replacements parts immediately. I have nothing but great things to say about the vest. It changed our lives for the better!! It's a life long investment. Good luck with your decision! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 

JENNYC

New member
We have had the vest for 3 years and absolutely love and I whole heartedly believe that it has helped Abby tremendously. And I was very skeptical at first, not sure that it would do a good a job as we did, but I was wrong. Not only that it gives her so much independence. She can do the vest on her own and doesn't ever have to depend on someone to help her. And Hillrom is wonderful if you have any issues with it. They send out replacements parts immediately. I have nothing but great things to say about the vest. It changed our lives for the better!! It's a life long investment. Good luck with your decision! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 

Printer

Active member
Vera:

Based upon my experience, I would strongly recommend a vest. I would contact the various vest manuacturers to see if they would give you a break on the price or contact the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Either would be worth a try.

Bill
 

Printer

Active member
Vera:

Based upon my experience, I would strongly recommend a vest. I would contact the various vest manuacturers to see if they would give you a break on the price or contact the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Either would be worth a try.

Bill
 
Top