Has anyone used a 'flutter' machine? I have scleraderma of the lung. I cough all day long and this makes my breathing worse.

[lancslass43]

I'm on steroids, have had 7 treatments of cyclophosphamide that did nothing to improve my condition and now on Azathioprine

[knitter]

Hi, do you have a productive cough with mucus that you can cough up?

Have you asked your gp if a flutter would be helpful?

I think it would be a good idea to ring the BLF helpline for advice, for someone with your condition

I tried a flutter in the past....but gave it up I am afraid

[peege]

A very warm welcome to this marvellous site Lancslass.

I cannot help I'm afraid but have read many times here how flutter devices help people.

As Knitter says, give the BLF a call. They are marvellous too.

All the best. P

[Sohara]

I have a flutter, tries to use it many times, but I cannot make the little ball vibrate in the way you should to help.

I have discovered since ( from reading others reports) that I most probably have too little lung function to make it work properly...if your 'puff' is not good and strong you cannot make the 'ball' vibrate, and its these vibrations that loosen the mucous and so help to get it up

So my answer to you is. they would be brilliant as a lung clearance aid...IF you can operate it as it should be operated.

[helingmic in reply to Sohara]

I also have a flutter and had productive mucus. You have to incline your head backward a bit and blow gently. Because i developed quite some pain doing this, my pulmonary nurse, told me to do it only three breathing out gently and to increase this little by little over 6 weeks time.

But knitter is right, have you a productive cough. BLF help line is the best to answer 03000 030 555 from next week now, in the morning form 10 am till 1 pm. Get better soon.

[happyfeet59]

I have used the flutter in the past. It is a neat little machine and can work very well at loosening sputum so you need to have a productive cough to use one.

There is a knack to using it, you need to keep it level and blow in a particular way. I sometimes found it difficult to use so bought an Acapella Choice instead. It can work at all angles and when lying down. The flutter is available on NHS, I think, the Acapella is not.

Knitter is right though, you need to ask your GP or physiotherapist if these machines would be suitable for you before you try them. They work by putting back pressure into your lungs and are NOT suitable for some conditions. So take care as they can cause problems for some people.

[lancslass43]

Thanks everyone. I'll ring BLF. I was considering buying one but they don't sound easy to use and I don't have a lot of puff. I'm waiting to see the physio but can't get in for 5 months!! When I see my nurse in a couple of weeks I'll see if she can get me an earlier appointment. She put me down as urgent!!!

[becraftygirl]

i use flutterbut i swear by it but i guess like all things what works for

[Crack]

Hi I haven't used the machine but my mother has been a long term user as she has a pseudomonas infection in her lungs .we have found it as a exceptional device for removing mucous build up in her lungs quick easy to use And she can use it anywhere with great effect hope this helps