Plumo Day 28

[bobbioh]

DAY 28 - PULMONARY REHABILITATION

Rehab today lasted a little longer than usual but was well worth it. I was a bit tired by the time I arrived at rehab today at 11:00am. I had a dental appointment, and then I went by the Library and then on to rehab, so I wasn't exactly fresh as a daisy and full of energy when I got there.

As soon as I arrived, I ran into the lady who was wanting a copy of "Sick Lungs Don't Show" which I had in my car. So, she and I walked out of the hospital and to my car in the parking lot and back. I wanted her to have it since her family is having difficulty understanding her condition. I had had a busy morning and after walking into the hospital for rehab, back out again to my car and then back again into the hospital, I felt as though I already had walked the Treadmill but went ahead and walked three times, not two, around the walking track. Much to my surprise, today was my second six minute walk test. (sure wish I hadn't made that extra trip to and from the car!!), but there stood the RT with oximeter in hand along with a timer. So, off I went and much to my surprise, I did quite well. I walked one extra lap than I previously walked when I first started and my oxygen stayed at between 95 and 97 the whole time. I was very happy about that. It seems as though I have increased my strength and endurance, and all these weeks of rehab have paid off well. I even felt as if I could walk another lap around the track, but the six minutes were up, so the RT stopped me. I am very pleased.

Since I had my six minute walking test, they decided that it would be best if I did my normal routine and not start the upper body machine today. I will continue to use my 2 lb weights at home for upper body strengthening and also my theraband.

My stats were good, and I rode the bike for 20 minutes at a level of 6-7 (they have not increased that in a long time), and then I walked the Treadmill for 20 minutes at 2.4 miles per hour. I did my cool down exercises, and many people are not going to be at rehab Thursday due to the holidays, so many were making the rounds and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I am not going out of town for the holidays, so I will be at rehab this Thursday. It will seem odd for so many of my "rehab partners" to not be there Thursday and some are not returning until after the new year, but that's the way it is at this time of the year.

I will be there on Thursday with a smile on my facing and a feeling of gratitude. I didn't think I would ever be able to improve my strength and ability to do things. I was wrong....thank goodness. It was another good day.

Until next time---Joyce