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Pulmonary rehab – wow or whoa
Have you attended pulmonary rehab? Was it a wow moment or a whoa moment?
I attended pulmonary rehab before my transplant and then again following my transplant. I admit I was a bit skeptical when I first started but I became a believer.
Have you attended pulmonary rehab? Was the experience worth it? Why or why not?
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8 Replies
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Yes, I have attended pulmonary rehab. I have had IPF for 18 months and have been an athlete my whole life. I am on room air and 69 years old. I thought I was in good shape, playing high level pickleball 4 days a week. PR significantly increased my cardio/pulmonary capability. I highly recommend it.
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I have been diagnosed with IPF since 2017. I suffered an exacerbation in early 2023. I went on the list in mid 2023. I entered pulmonary rehab shortly thereafter. I was doing so well and got well enough to do my exercises without the assistance of oxygen. I asked them to test me and I was able to do everything well and stay above 94 on my O2. So I took myself off the list. I credit the team at my Pulmonary Rehab with my ability to be de-listed. I took up a gym routine and had been doing very well with no oxygen use. Early 2024 developed a heart issue and that set me back from my gym routine. Now using oxygen with exertion and planning to get back in the gym. Talked to my Pulmonologist and if I have trouble in the gym, I will go back to pulmonary rehab. I highly recommend giving it a try and push yourself if you can.
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It’s definitely a GO!!!!
But you have to make sure that it is a true pulmonary rehab facility. The first one my husband went to was more like a heart rehab and they claim to be pulmonary rehab. We were fortunate enough to find an actual pulmonary rehab therapy place and they really did a nice job and it helps tremendously. After my insurance covered the limit For $30 a month I am able to go to pulmonary rehab and do the exercises that I was taught.
I recommended highly to everyone and anyone who needs pulmonary rehab
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I have attended Pulmonary Rehab and I’m glad that I did. I do have to say that their periodic educational sessions were geared more toward COPD patients than pulmonary fibrosis patients, but I still learned some things like how to deal with stress, diet, etc.
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Adding to my original post…I have attended Pulmonary Rehab and I’m glad that I did. I do have to say that their periodic educational sessions were geared more toward COPD patients than pulmonary fibrosis patients, but I still learned some things like how to deal with stress, diet, etc. I was able to strength my lung capacity and learned what exercises would help me the most. Because i was also dealing with some major knee issues (waiting for surgery date) I did not reach my potential but i learned the tools to achieve my goals. Today I’m doing 3 miles on the treadmill (with 3 liters of oxygen) and weight exercises 3 times per week. It has made a difference. Even though I am using oxygen outside the home and upon exertion I am less dependent within the home since I’ve been on an exercising routine. Bottom line I highly recommend it.
Good luck!
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I was diagnosed with ILD about 2 and a half years ago. Luckily I was diagnosed fairly early. I immediately asked for pulmonary therapy. It was wonderful for me both physically and emotionally. My periodic testing showed that my benchmarks improved. When I started I was suffering from the initial gut punch of receiving the diagnosis. I was feeling very helpless. I was a victim of my disease. Pulmonary therapy showed me that there is a lot I can do to keep myself as strong as possible. I have managed to keep my condition stable and have much more hope for a long future. Definitely go for it!
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I attended pulmonary rehab after being diagnosed with IPF in 2017 and catching pneumonia in 2020. I found it very useful, in part for the focus it put on cardio-vascular exercise. Also in part for the dietary class and background information classes that made it clear I needed a few lifestyle changes. I also liked interacting twice a week with other people who also had pulmonary or cardiac conditions.
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I was diagnosed at age 57 with PF caused by Sjogrens Syndrome in 2019. I started Pulmonary Rehab in early 2020. We had a 7-week class, followed by optional maintenance classes up to 3 times a week. Some people have been in the maintenance program for 20 years! I am doing 3 times a week. It’s like going to the gym, but with the security of respiratory therapists to help monitor us and talk to us about what is going on with our breathing. When I started, I could barely walk on the treadmill and was on supplementary O2. Now I am jogging 2-3 miles on the treadmill and not on O2! I have learned how to breathe correctly, using the pursed lip breathing and diaphragm breathing. My large muscles, heart and diaphragm are strengthened so they can help me where my lungs cannot. I am hiking up mountains and even traveling to higher elevations with minimal use of supplemental O2! Not only has this program been a life-saver in my lung health and overall physical health, but we also have a social network, support group/educational meetings, monthly lunches and annual field trip. The social/support aspect of the program is invaluable and a critical component of being able to keep active for as many years as possible.
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