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Post by bobbioh on Oct 25, 2007 14:31:58 GMT -5
DAY 14 - PULMONARY REHABILITATION The Rehabilitation Gym at the hospital was packed today so some of us had to wait on the machines. If for any reason a person is unable to come at their designated time, they can come another time, so maybe a lot of the 10:00am people came today at 11:00am. With such a large group there at the same time, it was a good "talk and get to know each other better" day. My stats were good and my warm up exercises went well. My right arm is a little sore today from my two physical therapy treatments this week, so I had to pull the oxygen tank along with my left hand today which slowed me up a little, but it wasn't a great hindrance. Today I did 15 minutes on the bike at a level of 6-7 with very little shortness of breath. I upped it myself off and on to between 8-9, and I could tell the difference but believe I can do that much if they will let me. I walked on the Treadmill for 15 minutes at 2.2 miles per hour and did not hold on to any bars while walking. It does make a big difference for me. It's amazing how out of shape I find myself, but I also see where I am becoming stronger and more "in shape" when it comes to my muscles and strength. The Treadmill went fine today, and I feel I can do more. At checkout, the RT increased my time on the Treadmill next week to minutes and also the bike for minutes. I'm making headway here and am glad of it. Being crowded today, after my cool down walk and exercises, I sat in one of the many chairs for my stats to be taken along with many others. Today I sat next to a lady who has Pulmonary Fibrosis and is on 15 liters of oxygen. She also has an enlarged heart and has a permanent cath for heart medication since she takes it frequently throughout the day. While there, the RT's administered her medication to her through the cath. It was interesting. She has been on 15 liters of oxygen since the year 2001 when she almost died of heart failure and pneumonia. She does not wear the cannula but wears a mask for her oxygen. She has such a tremendously positive attitude, and I watched her exercise on the bike and the Treadmill, and her speed is higher than mine. So, anyone out there who is on 15 liters of oxygen, don't think you can't get up and out and go. She couldn't at first, but now after a great deal of pulmonary rehab and the correct heart medications, she is. She is to be commended. If anyone wants to know more about her medications, let me know, and I will ask her. I am meeting many people who inspire me. I feel confident that in time, I will be able to walk the Treadmill for 30 minutes along with the bike for 30. I can't now, but I will slowly but surely, like a turtle, get to my destination and reach my goal. Once again I can only say....today has been a good day. Until later--Joyce
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