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@ Nina Paley
2025-05-17 02:16:23
Inhaling all the saline takes 20-30 minutes at a time, minimum twice a day.
Then there's cleaning, which has to be done after every session. And boiling to sterilize, which takes longer. I just got a baby bottle sterilizer to use as a dryer only (I still need to boil everything in a pot first) and it make drying and storing easier.
I'm also supposed to do breathing exercise sessions several times a day, but haven't done much because I'm waiting to meet with the pulmonologist next week. Depending on where my lungs are damaged, they might have me sit in different postures while doing the breath work.
There are other body exercises I might be instructed in. Stuff with the arms...it's all to clear (ie cough up and spit out) mucus from the airways, which in healthy people happens naturally but in bronchiectasis sufferers has to be done manually.
I estimate 2-3 hours per day total on this, which is conservative. I'm currently spending more time on it per day, but I'm a newbie, setting up equipment and finding a routine. Also sobbing on the sofa takes time, but I haven't cried for 2 days and once I reach the "acceptance" stage of grief that part should be over.