When I started kindergarten school the teacher had the class draw a picture with every member of your family. I drew my mother and I thanking the angels for bringing me to them, my brother and I playing, and this is what I drew with my dad…
You can read it says “My dad pounding my chest”. When the teacher asked me to explain, I told her “my dad pounds me everyday”. That and the black X’s I drew for my eyes gave the teacher an immediate concern. Let’s just say my parents were called into school rather quickly for an explanation. Back when I was diagnosed with CF the vest did not exist. Patients had to have manual treatments. They were called bronchial drainage or BD’s. At a young age I referred it to pounding. It meant someone had to pound on my back, chest, and sides with a cupped hand to loosen the mucus verses the independence that is available today with the vest.
Nikki's New Lungs 
Your Mom and Dad would be in big trouble today!! But seriously your new “pair” cant come soon enough. Angie and I did our part today speaking with some kids in Chaska.
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Hi Nikki,
I have CF too and go to U of M (Dr. Billings). My dad did my poundings too until I went off to college and then had to use the percussor. He even built me a portable BD table. One of my best friend’s learned how to do my pounding so I could go on my senior band trip. The vest has definitely given us independence!!! I got my vest my last year of college.
Thinking of you and hoping your transplant comes soon!
Lisa
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I love Dr. Billings! She is so kind and sweet. Independence is an understatement huh? Hope you are doing well, thanks for the comment!
Take care,
~Nikki
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Love it Nikki!
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Great story. Thank you for sharing.
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