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Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2007 10:46:29 GMT -5
All! I am new to this website and forum. I understand this is COPD Canada, but I am from N.E. Florida, USA., and this is the best website I have found so far. My mother has COPD and I need to help her find a therapy/exercise program designed for her difficulties. She has tried walking in the neighborhood, but hasn't found that to be working very well. I would like to find an indoor program that is geared to COPD'ers, so that she would be in a controlled environment for exercise. Could anyone tell me the best way to go about researching these kinds of programs in my area. I have a call into her doctor now, but he hasn't been very forthcoming in the past with helpful information. Thank you all for your help, in advanced. And Jackie and family, Best Wishes from me as well. LynnG
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Post by cocojax on Nov 12, 2007 12:31:45 GMT -5
Hi Lynn, has your Mom been to see any other Doctor other than your family Doctor?? Here in Canada it is a little different, so I am hoping someone from your area can better help you...
Ellen
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Post by chrisw on Nov 12, 2007 13:58:06 GMT -5
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Post by cheryl on Nov 12, 2007 16:31:45 GMT -5
Hi Lynn, I was told to walk, walk, walk. Investing in a treadmill for those days that you can't get outside is a big help. Welcome.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2007 18:49:09 GMT -5
Alynng, if your mom is under the care of a pulmonolgist, you might ask if she can be referred to a pulmonary rehab program if one is available in her area. It is covered by Medicare and most insurances. I have just completed my 4th week in rehab and can't believe how much my energy level has improved. It is the best thing I have done for myself other than stop smoking years ago. Hope this is the information you need for her-------sandytx
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Post by maryaz on Nov 12, 2007 23:18:33 GMT -5
Hi Alynng, Glad you found a place you are comfortable to ask. It would help too if we knew what point your Mom's COPD is at. That way we have better idea what to suggest. Don't go completely by the lists on websites for rehabs. I know in Arizona they are all messed up anymore. She should go to a Pulmonary Rehab and that does have to be referred by a doctor. There are a few things we generally tell new people. First is always, if they smoke, they must quit. Then to see a Pulmonary Doctor (not just PCP). Ask the Pulmo Dr abut getting into Rehab. Learn all you can about the disease. These forums can be a great place to start. You ask questions and read. You would think when short of breath (SOB) the last thing to do would be rehab but it is not. I have 24% FEV1 and I started rehab over 5 years ago and couldn't even walk the TM for weeks because was in very bad shape. I started finally at 1.2 mph for 2 minutes. My max to date has been 36 minutes at 1.8 but not lately. There is a lot to learn. Proper breathing is very important. Most people do not breath right. Nutrition and many other things can help and you can learn over time. This is not cureable but if we do the things we should we can keep the progression at a much slower pace and have many years left. Good luck to you. Here is an excellent read if you are up to it. One of the members here has been recording her rehab experience. It is Joyce's Pulmonary Rehab Experience. You can read thru or just the rehab posts. There were a few days before exercise started that she attended classes and she tells it all. philns.proboards46.com/index.cgi?board=rehabGood luck and welcome to the forum.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2007 12:17:10 GMT -5
Thank you all so much for your responses! You all are very friendly, indeed!
I'm not sure exactly how to categorize my mom's COPD.... I know that she has home oxygen, but uses it for night time and when her sob is really bad. Not 24 hours a day.
I don't know any of her statistics, though. She has been hospitalized twice in 2 1/2 years.
The reason I asked about rehab programs, and have actually found one to investigate further, was because of you all here. After reading so much about how staying active and exercising helps, I knew that's what Mom needs to start doing.
I feel like this type of program will be beneficial, not only to her physical health, but her mental health, as well. And the things you all have written here, totally confirms my beliefs.
She needs to get out with other people, and socialize, and take some of the focus of her disease, and how bad she feels, as well as trying something to make her feel better.
Thank you all again, for your help, and concern.
Lynng
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Post by AnnB on Nov 13, 2007 13:43:42 GMT -5
Hi Lynn,
This may be a Canadian web site, but believe me, many of us from the US visit here. You are in NE FL I am in SE FL
If you live in, or close to Jacksonville? You are in a great area for help with COPD. Visit or call the Mayo clinic. They do lung transplants there and lung volume reduction surgery, I am sure they can put you in touch with a very good rehab program. Not all of our pulmonoligest realize the benefit of pulmonary rehab. The rehab will help her, and I agree with you that the group atmosphere and socialization will be good for her
Do you live with your mother? It is good of you to be so understanding of her illness. Have you suggested to her that she visit this site, or any of the other COPD message boards?
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Post by AnnB on Nov 13, 2007 13:59:29 GMT -5
Lynn, I forgot to say that being short of breath has nothing to do with your 02 stats. A person can be extremely SOB and have high 02 stats in the high 90's...I am one of those people.
Many of us have found an oximeter to check our stats. It is very valuable when exercising. So often I have thought my 02 was in the cellar because I was so SOB, but when I checked the meter low 02 was not my problem.
On one of the sites people are talking about a meter that is being sold for a very low price. I have the Nonin Onyx 9500 Finger Pulse Oximeter and it has served me well for many years...I can't count the number of times I have dropped it and was sure I had killed it, it was expensive but in the long run a very good purchase
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Post by Joyce7 on Nov 13, 2007 20:09:36 GMT -5
Hi Lynn--It's so good to have you as a member of this group. I live in South Carolina. It's nice to meet you..Joyce
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