Doing treatments for Cystic Fibrosis includes at least doing physical therapy - usually the vest - and breathing treatments. Some people with CF also have weeks where they need to do additional treatments such as IV antibiotics or tube feeds. Doing the Vest and breathing treatments takes anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. During this time, you're basically tied down to one spot due to the machines needing to be plugged in. As you can imagine or as you experience yourself, this is pretty time consuming and rather boring. Here are a few things you can do if you have Cystic Fibrosis and need a few ways to pass the time.
1. Art
If you like to draw or create any type of art, this is typically difficult if you're constantly shaking due to the Vest compressions. But the way I see it, the art created with the help of the Vest ends up being incredibly unique while also maybe giving you a laugh at the shakiness. The vest can give you the signature mark that no one else has.
2. Make a planner or to-do list
I'm someone that finds I am incredibly more productive if I have a visual list that I can physically cross off. Pen and paper is my go-to but you may find it better to make a note on your phone! While doing treatments, you'll have plenty of time to think of things you may typically forget to put on the list when you're in a hurry.
3. Catch up on social media
This is one that isn't too much of a "wow, I've never thought of that!" idea. Something I like to do while doing treatments, in fact, I literally just did this about 15 minutes ago, is to catch up on YouTube videos/Netflix shows. During any other time when I'm browsing the great world of YouTube, I'll add videos to my "Watch Later" list and watch those during treatments. I recommend wearing headphones because I'm not sure if it's just my vest and nebulizer machine, but they aren't the quietest of things.
4. Chores
Do some chores that you can do while sitting. Now, I now treatments themselves are a sort of chore but you're going to have to do them anyway so you may as well multi-task. Folding laundry or putting clothes on hangers are things I find is typically easy when I'm doing treatments.
5. Find new music
If you love music, I find treatment time to be a great time to find new music. I like to type in my favorite band or artist-which right now is LANY- and listen to the similar recommended songs to find new artists I may like. If you have Spotify, you can also do this sort of thing with a playlist you've made. If you just scroll to the bottom, They have recommended songs that they think would fit in with that playlist. (My spotify link is https://open.spotify.com/user/1254058858 if you want to view any of the playlist up above. Side note: my little sister uses my spotify as well. All of her playlist are "Sarah."
