Pulmonary Rehab Day 5

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

DAY 5 - PULMONARY REHABILITATION

It sure seems as though this should be more than my fourth day of rehab, but I must remember that I didn't count the two pulmonary classes nor the Interview or Orientation.

It was a good day today although I gained another 1/2 pound. I must remember though that instead of working a full time job, I am not on medical leave of absence, and am not moving as much as before even though I am now exercising. There is a lot to say for all the getting up and down from one's desk and walking down the hall many times a day for this or that. I am more sedentary now, and should not have thought that two days of exercising meant that I could eat a lot more without gaining weight. I did lose weight at first but celebrated my weight loss too heartily. I'm finding that being "healthy" is includes so many things...proper and consistent exercise, eating healthy, and many mental things such as not rushing, positive thinking and having something to look forward to. I'm learning these things in rehab.

My exercises went well today. My time and level on the bike will remain the same for this coming Tuesday, but my speed on the Treadmill will increase. Today I did 11 minutes on the Treadmill at 2 miles per hour.

Today seemed to be quite a social day for my group. People are feeling more comfortable with each other now and asking each other's names and talking more. Many people don't or can't talk while they exercise, so they just come out and say, "I can't talk and walk at the same time." Some do, and some don't. I tend to do better not talking while exercising but do talk in between. Today I met a lady and a man who are mother and son. They both have COPD and decided to go through rehab together. Each one encourages the other. The mother seems to be somewhat physically stronger than the son, but they each go at their own pace.

I find that I get very thirsty when in rehab and exercising. Thank goodness they have a big tank of cold water and paper cups for us all to use. I always take bottled water with me, but it ends up in my locker, and their water is really cold and tastes good. Also, standing around drinking water while warming up or cooling down is a social event for us, and we talk about our week and how we are doing. I write this because I find that rehab involves much more than the physical aspects of COPD. So many of us copders are somewhat isolated or are in the house most of the time, and going to rehab is something I look forward to. Everyone in my rehab group has been wondering about the other machines located around the walking track which we see being used by some people but not us. None of us has asked yet but today we decided that maybe they have "graduated" and we have not. That's our best guess but I'm sure one day someone will ask.

This past Tuesday, I noticed some recipes printed out on the table but today they had all been taken except for one. Apparently, they print out recipes from the Virtual Grocery Store from the The American Diabetes Association website, so I thought I would post it below for those who want to view it and/or try some of the recipes.
Click here: VGS - Recipes - American Diabetes Association
vgs.diabetes.org/recipe/index.jsp

While at rehab, I saw a poster advertising a headband for use by people who use oxygen and have problems with it moving upward or making their ears sore, so I have posted below the link for the headband. A man at rehab today was wearing one.
oxyband.net/

Apparently the Respiratory Therapists decide when you can up your rehab days to three days instead of two. I talked with a man today who said he was told he could come three days a week but for now he has decided to just come twice a week. If I am given the chance to come three days a week, I will do it. I find that I am more motivated in a group setting than if on my own.

That was it for my rehab today, and it was another good day. Today I especially enjoyed the interaction of all the people. We motivate each other.

I would highly recommend to anyone that if given the opportunity to attend pulmonary rehabilitation, take it and go with it. If I can do it, anyone can, plus, it's fun and not hard.

Until next time...Joyce