Plumo Rehab Day 17

[bobbioh]

DAY 17 - PULMONARY REHABILITATION

Today's rehab seemed to go by so fast. Of course, I did talk almost the whole time. I felt very energetic today, and after my stats were taken, I headed off to the walking track without hesitation and walked my two laps quickly with no shortness of breath.

On the bike, I did minutes at a level of 6-7, and had a good conversation regarding hearing aids with the gentleman on the bike next to me. I did start the conversation since I noticed he had a hearing aid in both ears, and I might need one. So, as he explained to me the details of his hearing aids, I rode and rode that bike and listened, and before I knew it, I was done. And, I had no shortness of breath.

There were a good many people at rehab today, but I was able to find a Treadmill without any problems. I walked the Treadmill for minutes at 2.4 miles per hour with my arms swinging slightly by my side (not holding on to the bars) and feeling really proud that I was hanging in there for full minutes. On one side of me was a lady who has progressed now to 20 minutes on the Treadmill and today for the first time, they started her at a slight inclination. The lady on my other side was new and today was her first day. They had her start at 12 minutes on the Treadmill. My "happy" bubble was burst a bit as I wondered why I wasn't at an incline yet and why I started at 5 minutes, not 12. But, as I type this, I smile, because each person is different, and they say I'm doing well, so I believe them

I started my cool down by circling the walking track twice slowly and did my exercises slowly and headed home. The RT said that once I get to the point where I can walk the Treadmill for 20 minutes, then they will put me on a slight incline. Without a doubt, I will get there.

I asked Mark, who seems to be the supervisor of RT, if he was holding Tai Chi classes this Friday. He said yes, and I am going to try to attend if possible.

Even though I laugh at myself at times for being a snail, I truly do feel better and stronger, and I don't mind taking it slow. Besides all the good physical exercise I get at rehab, I am enjoying so very much being in group with other people...some copders and some with cardiac problems or other pulmonary issues. We all have a common bond, and we all know it. Everyone always makes sure to say and See you later or Have a good weekend. It's nice.

Until next time--Joyce