|
|
Post by bobbioh on Nov 30, 2007 7:07:34 GMT -5
DAY 23 - PULMONARY REHABILITATION
Yesterday was a busy day with other appointments along with rehab, and I'm sorry I wasn't able to post my rehab until today.
I, along with many others at rehab, am still recovering from our Thanksgiving holiday. I did better than on Tuesday, and I think it might take two weeks to catch up after being lazy for one week.
They still have me doing the same things right now. My stats were good and also my warm up walk and exercises. I pushed it hard on the bike to make my 18 minutes at a level of 6-7. I don't know why the bike is so much harder for me than the Treadmill, but it is, so I give it my all.
The Treadmill went well with the same 18 minutes at 2.4 miles per hour. The time went by quickly though since the man next to me started up a conversation, and talked about 10 of the 18 minutes which was fine with me. The time flew by. It was interesting talking with him since his mother and sister died of copd and he now has it also. Several months ago he was hospitalized with pneumonia and was on the ventilator, but now is back in rehab. His mother and sister never smoked, and although he did smoke, he wasn't a heavy smoker. I am going to ask him next week if he has been tested for Alpha 1. It is so interesting getting to know my rehab group of people.
My cool down exercises went well, and I think next week, I am going to ask if I can up my time to 19 minutes.
I am so glad I have had this experience to get to know my fellow copders and other people with pulmonary problems. We talk and we share, and we know we are not alone. If you aren't there at rehab, you are missed and asked about. The RT's spend part of their time giving us updates on why so and so isn't here and when they might return and how they are doing if sick. It feels good to be so comfortable within this group of people.
The "Talk" at rehab right now is how to maintain our weight over the holidays and also maintain our exercise program. It is tempting to set aside exercise thinking that if we are out shopping....that will be our exercise. Always be mindful that our muscles need the exercise along with activity and good nutrition. We got into a discussion about how much more susceptible we might be (along with others) to getting sick during a holiday time due to poor nutrition, less exercise and increased stress. Then flu season comes along, and we need to be not at our weakest level if possible but at our strongest level. Preparing for the flu season and holiday season is like preparing for a race. Eat right, exercise and pace ourselves for preventative reasons. It makes good sense to me.
The RT's encouraged me to exercise more at home, so I will be doing that.
Until later---Joyce
|
|
