Plumo Rehab Journey Day 10

[bobbioh]

DAY 10 - PULMONARY REHABILITATION

My day at rehab today was twofold. They didn't weigh me today...that's the positive. The negative is that by the time I got to rehab, I was already tired. Today I learned "not" to shower and wash my hair on the same morning that I go to rehab. In other words, I did not pace myself well this morning. Another lesson learned.

I noticed as soon as I walked into rehab today that there were a lot of empty bikes, Treadmills and other machines, where as normally most of the machines are in use when I arrive. One of the RT's said that there obviously were a lot of people out today from the 10:00 group, therefore I could go ahead and get started a bit early. Several people in my group (the 11:00 group) were also absent. It seemed strange not to see the same people as before. I found myself hoping they were not ill or feeling sick. I guess having so much in common with these new friends of mine, I find myself truly concerned about their wellbeing. I also hope there is not a bug going around nor the flu and made sure I sanitized my hands frequently.

Since I was a bit tired this morning, I was slow walking around the track and doing my stretches, but made sure I stretched well even if slowly. I know that not warming up properly can result in sore muscles.

My bike exercises went exceptionally well today much to my surprise. Maybe the warm up got my circulation going. Normally, my legs tire quickly on the bike, and today I rode the bike for 14 minutes at a level of 6-7 with no problems and no shortness of breath. I was happy for that.

Only two of the Treadmills were in use, so I selected one with a good view of the television and began my 14 minute walk at 2.2 miles per hour. I may have mentioned previously a man in my group had a lung transplant. He arrived and began walking on the Treadmill next to me. He looked tired today. I said and asked how he was doing today, and he said he had a bad night last night and didn't sleep much. I assured him that the RT's would not want him to overdo it if he didn't feel well, and I noticed he became short of breath fairly quickly. He did end his session early today, and I'm glad he did. The RT's have always told us that if we don't feel well, to stop, and they will check us. I'm glad that they do not in any way attempt to push us to do more than what we feel we can do. They treat us as adults, not children.

While waiting for my stats to be taken prior to leaving, one of the RT's asked me if I would be interested in participating in a Better Breather's Club. I have read about the Better Breather's Club and even called the American Lung Association to see if there was one in my area, but there was not. They are thinking about starting a Better Breather's Club here in my area and are trying to find out how many people might be interested. They are also contacting the other hospitals in this area to see if their pulmonary patients would be interested. I think this is a great idea, and I told her that I would be very interested in participating. I hope very much they can get a group started here.

I have an appointment today with my pulmonologist at 3:30, and he is doing another PFT. I will try to get a copy of the test and will post the results of my PFT.

Until next time....good breathing to all---Joyce"