As part of our look at some non-medication things that help with COPD, this week we’re focusing on pulmonary rehabilitation. Sure, it’s good to know about the nuts and bolts of pulmonary rehab: exercise, equipment, and education classes. But you might say, “Okay, I am in pulmonary rehab and I'm making progress on my exericise… but can that help me do the things I want to do in my life? Things that are meaningful to me?
Here are three true stories of people who went to pulmonary rehab and how it helped each of them achieve a personal goal that meant a lot to them.
Stan
Stan was a frequent visitor to the hospital, but not in a good way. He was a young man, only in his 50’s, yet COPD and asthma had caused him to be unable to work at his job in the auto parts business. But in addition to that, Stan had breathing flare-ups that were bad enough to make him stay overnight as a patient in the hospital two to three times a year. Something had to change.
Stan’s doctor knew that pulmonary rehab could not only help Stan improve his strength and endurance, but it could give him the information he needed to take charge of his COPD and his overall health.
At first, Stan was nervous about going to pulmonary rehab. How could a guy with bad lungs who uses supplemental oxygen get better by exercising? But he had always been a positive person and he figured it was worth a try. Stan started out slowly and little by little built his strength and endurance. Soon he was beginning to feel better. One of his main motivations was the confidence he had in the staff – it was clear that they were professionals and knew what they were doing.
Following graduation from pulmonary rehab phase II, the main part of the program, Stan could have just congratulated himself, gone home, and sat on the couch. But he knew better. In order to keep the gains he’d achieved and not slide back into declining health, he signed up for going in to exercise two days a week in the optional phase III maintenance part of pulmonary rehab. Four years later, yes, Stan still goes to the hospital a lot, but not because he’s sick – he goes to stay well.
Margo
Margo, a 66-year-old grandmother living in Texas, wanted to fly to Atlanta to attend her great-granddaughter’s christening. But she had COPD and was so short of breath and physically limited that she couldn’t walk even a very short distance without struggling for breath. Margo’s doctor referred her to pulmonary rehab and she decided she’d give it a try.
On Margo’s first day, she didn’t know what to expect. “The first day I was skeptical. Then after going two or three times I was upset because I was sore and didn’t see how this would help me.”
She started not at the pace of others in her class, but with an exercise plan designed just for her. She began by walking at a very slow pace for three minutes, then resting for three minutes. Exercise while standing was too much for Margo, so she did it while sitting down, gradually working up to doing a little more with each session. “I kept going, then I slowly realized that this was actually working!”
In addition to coaching Margo to gain strength and endurance, her therapists at pulmonary rehab told her all about the necessary process and permissions required to use her own oxygen on an airplane. Thanks to the dedication of the staff, Margo’s hard work and determination, and the valuable oxygen information she now had, she was able to make the trip and attend the christening.
“I suggest that anyone with COPD should take pulmonary rehab. At first you may not see how it can help – but it can! I am so grateful because it has really helped me to have a better way of life with COPD.”
Alan
Alan spent most of his adult life fighting fires. Years of exposure to smoke and chemicals from burning homes, businesses, and factories, in addition to more than 60-years of cigarette smoking, had left him with COPD. Yet, after retiring, Alan kept busy. He did wood working and took great care of his lawn and garden. For a while, everything seemed to be fine. A few years later, though, his breathing became a real struggle – even when he was resting. This forced him to give up the last few things he loved to do. It was hard to give things up, but it was devastating when he had to give up gardening.
Alan’s wife recommended he enroll in pulmonary rehabilitation. “They started me off very slowly and by the end of 12 weeks I was much better. I learned how to breathe better, eat better, and take control of my health. I learned that I can’t overdo it. If I do, I’m just going to undo everything I’ve gained.
“After I started rehab I was able to tend my gardens again! The head respiratory therapist at pulmonary rehab talked me into helping in the flower gardens there and I work on that before going in for exercise. I plan to continue rehab as long as I’m able, and to help with the garden. The staff at that program have given so much to me, this is a way for me to give something back to them.”
Can you identify with, Stan, Margo, or Alan? Or do you have your own story of either what pulmonary rehab did for you, or a goal you’d like to achieve by going to pulmonary rehab?
I look forward to hearing from you!