[Dawn]

I’ve tried that device and didn’t like it… Sent it back. I currently use an AiroFit device and love it! It’s pricey but if you get it as a gift it’s very affordable :). It has various types of breath training and tracks progress or decline. I personally believe the expiratory exercise of the lung test is equivalent to the FEV1 test on the PFTs. It’s not advertised as such but it’s doing the same thing and gives you a score/graph to follow yourself overtime. I do it everyday and sometimes twice. My respiratory muscles are stronger and I have less coughing throughout the day. I do cough allot while I’m doing the training but I take it as I’m clearing out my lungs. Highly recommended!!!

[Dawn]

Hi,

I’ve was diagnosed a few years ago. In the beginning my coughing was very bad. My physical therapist recommended lots of water (for me it’s 64+oz) to thin down mucus, it works very well for me. Then when starting an anti-inflammatory diet it improved even more. Try to notice if certain foods trigger coughing spells or other things like aromas, molds, etc., then avoid if possible.

After rising in the morning I do PF exercises to get my lungs moving and active, followed by a breathing trainer (I use AiroFit) that strengthens my thoracic muscles. It exacerbates coughing a lot! But after I’m done I cough less the rest of the day and I feel like I’ve given my lungs a workout, which is so important with PF.

Also, I am a complete believer in prayer! But that is an insensitive way for a Doctor to behave, I’m sorry they treated you like that! Get the medicine, take pulmonary therapy classes, and get moving. If you are desaturating while moving get oxygen and exercise even if you turn up the dial to 15L. You have to move your lungs and get the mucus out of them. And, DRINK lots of WATER! I’m praying for you, the Lord knows your name 😉.

KIM (Keep It Moving) ,

Dawn

[Dawn]

Hi John,

My only suggestion would be to add a weight routine to your work out. I just finished my pulmonary therapy program at the hospital (medicare paid for 36 sessions) and they had me do 6 minutes of hand weights starting with 3# and building up to 4#. At home I’m up to 5# and do about 15 minutes at a time. I was told to condition my heart, lungs, and muscles to maximize oxygen efficiency.

Interesting, I’m 67 also and was just diagnosed along with my older brother. I lost another brother two years ago with it…he was 67.  Three siblings and all of us have pf. Still trying to wrap my head around it.

Oh, also drink lots of water!

Gods best to you,

Dawn

 

[Dawn]

Hello All,

Yes, i have been participating in pulmonary rehabilitation for the past three months at our local hospital and found it extremely beneficial! It has been paid for by Medicare so I’ve told the girls they are my all expense paid for personal trainers. I feel very blessed to have had this opportunity. This is a timely article for me since tomorrow is my last scheduled visit. I’m now trying to figure out how to keep myself going while not having access to them as a resource. I have done some of the Boot camp 101 and found the education part of it helpful but I need more than that. I need a tailored pulmonary/cardio program as a sustainable lifestyle if i hope to prolong oxygen and end of life. I’m 67 with advanced ipf and hope by keeping active and physically conditioned i can have a few more years of a good quality of life. I don’t enjoy exercising, that’s my problem. It’s certainly easier when you have someone there telling you to do this and that. At home on my own i fear it’s way too easy for me to give in and say…” I don’t feel like it today”. Then before i know it a week has gone by with no exercise.

Suggestions are appreciated and thanks for sharing.

Kind Regards,

Dawn