by Gracie » 27 Jan 2011, 09:14
Anything and everything. For a 3y/o, walking, running, bouncing on one of those baby swings (if she still fits, and most CF kids are small/light for their age). Hopscotch. A trampoline (but get a little exercise one or an outdoor one with sides). Swimming. Tumbling/gymnastics (they got these places out near me for even little ones like yours). Jumping Jacks. Horseback riding (obviously on your saddle, not on her own that young).
You don't say if she's got asthma or how bad. Lots of CF got that too. So you might have to be careful about her getting winded and bring a portable neb and albuterol with you (they got these new portable ones that run on batteries and can work with a mask, i think by Omron, ask your pulmonologist). But any physical activity at all will increase lung function, whether your sick or healthy. Just be careful about pushing limits, back off if she starts wheezing or gets out-of-breath, and keep the meds handy in case of an asthma attack.
Also, and I know you know this, but keep diligent with the CPT. Get a vest if you can -- it was literally a life saver for my kid, because both my wife and I got severe tendonitis by the time our girl was 4 and just couldn't give a good clapping without severe agony. I can't imagine what things would be like 14 years later without the vest. Our girl is still very healthy with excellent PFT and only 3 hospital tune-ups after 14 years using the vest almost exclusively (one was for weight). Even the last two hospital tune-ups they told me to bring the vest with us because it makes for better treatments than the therapist can give. www.thevest.com -- just a very satisfied customer.