FEV1 Boosters

[jerry]

Hi Lisa

My FEV's vary from 39 - 41%...
I have found exercise to be the key to keeping my lungs stronger. I personally prefer jogging OUTSIDE and at first you may need to walk/jog/ I would also time yourself so you can start setting goals for your self. As you get better and use to the jogging increase your speed.

I also use probiotics and prefer Bio K-plus and you can find out more info about it at www.biokplus.com

Hope this helps and remember to EXERCISE outside and cough up the junk.

STAY CLEAR
Jerry
50 with CF

 

[mom2lillian]

exercise exercise exercise <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> As you already know it increases lung function but it also affects how easily your body can handle and use oxygen thus you will also see your resting heartrate decline greatly (which is good, the lower the better). SInce having my duaghter I resumed walking in february then gym workouts by end feb and have continue and my resting heart rate has went from 80's to the 60's. I do the eliptical but in past really enjoyed running but had to stop due to knee issues. I have recently tried running again (still knee issues) but I got much better clearance those days, the same pounding that hurts my knees does a good # for my lungs I think. ANyway I am seeing a rheumatologist and chiropractor about knee issues to see if I can get back into it.

Wish you great success.

also experiment with when you work out ocmpared to vest and pulmozyme. For me working out after vest and pulmozye seems work really well but not too long after pulmozyme since I go to the gym and dont want poele hearing/seeing me hacking up junk but about 1 hour after pulmozyme it really starts getting it shook around then after my shower I can really get cleaned out.

 

[mom2lillian]

exercise exercise exercise <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> As you already know it increases lung function but it also affects how easily your body can handle and use oxygen thus you will also see your resting heartrate decline greatly (which is good, the lower the better). SInce having my duaghter I resumed walking in february then gym workouts by end feb and have continue and my resting heart rate has went from 80's to the 60's. I do the eliptical but in past really enjoyed running but had to stop due to knee issues. I have recently tried running again (still knee issues) but I got much better clearance those days, the same pounding that hurts my knees does a good # for my lungs I think. ANyway I am seeing a rheumatologist and chiropractor about knee issues to see if I can get back into it.

Wish you great success.

also experiment with when you work out ocmpared to vest and pulmozyme. For me working out after vest and pulmozye seems work really well but not too long after pulmozyme since I go to the gym and dont want poele hearing/seeing me hacking up junk but about 1 hour after pulmozyme it really starts getting it shook around then after my shower I can really get cleaned out.

 

[mom2lillian]

exercise exercise exercise <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> As you already know it increases lung function but it also affects how easily your body can handle and use oxygen thus you will also see your resting heartrate decline greatly (which is good, the lower the better). SInce having my duaghter I resumed walking in february then gym workouts by end feb and have continue and my resting heart rate has went from 80's to the 60's. I do the eliptical but in past really enjoyed running but had to stop due to knee issues. I have recently tried running again (still knee issues) but I got much better clearance those days, the same pounding that hurts my knees does a good # for my lungs I think. ANyway I am seeing a rheumatologist and chiropractor about knee issues to see if I can get back into it.

Wish you great success.

also experiment with when you work out ocmpared to vest and pulmozyme. For me working out after vest and pulmozye seems work really well but not too long after pulmozyme since I go to the gym and dont want poele hearing/seeing me hacking up junk but about 1 hour after pulmozyme it really starts getting it shook around then after my shower I can really get cleaned out.

 

[summer732]

Exercise is definitely key. When I have been on a strict exercise routine (that will come back once I move into the city and my commute is cut down) I usually like to do like 4 days at the gym and 2 days of Tae-Bo, one day off (mental health, i really hate exercising). Tae-Bo is super intense and will tone your muscles, you will definitely be coughing and out of breath too so its nice that you can do this in your own house.

Also, and this is going to sound stupid but it works, blow up balloons. I'm still told to do this post-transplant as it opens up the airways and keeps them elastic. It's a nice work out for the lungs and its super easy to do!

 

[summer732]

Exercise is definitely key. When I have been on a strict exercise routine (that will come back once I move into the city and my commute is cut down) I usually like to do like 4 days at the gym and 2 days of Tae-Bo, one day off (mental health, i really hate exercising). Tae-Bo is super intense and will tone your muscles, you will definitely be coughing and out of breath too so its nice that you can do this in your own house.

Also, and this is going to sound stupid but it works, blow up balloons. I'm still told to do this post-transplant as it opens up the airways and keeps them elastic. It's a nice work out for the lungs and its super easy to do!

 

[summer732]

Exercise is definitely key. When I have been on a strict exercise routine (that will come back once I move into the city and my commute is cut down) I usually like to do like 4 days at the gym and 2 days of Tae-Bo, one day off (mental health, i really hate exercising). Tae-Bo is super intense and will tone your muscles, you will definitely be coughing and out of breath too so its nice that you can do this in your own house.

Also, and this is going to sound stupid but it works, blow up balloons. I'm still told to do this post-transplant as it opens up the airways and keeps them elastic. It's a nice work out for the lungs and its super easy to do!

 

[mum2kj]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>Lilith</b></i>

Alright, so exercise, exercise, and more exercise...



Mum2kj, I will certainly try the treadmill. May I ask how long your daughter usually runs for? Is 30 minutes good?



Fred, I may try the garlic tablets and the taurin. I'm thinking heavily about starting yoga as well. Rick has a katana...maybe I can make my own version of Iaido! LOL! As for hiking, I'm in FL, so the highest point in the whole state is probably the ant hill in my back yard. But taking walks with the BF may not be a bad alternative...



Ricky123, I will try to get some swimming in as well. Thanks for the tip!



I'm off to see the doc, so we'll see where my numbers stand...wish me luck!</end quote></div>



At the hospital she usually does 10 mins on treadmill, 10 mins on the bike and an aerobic activity or weights depending what activity the physio prepares an after that she walks/runs up the stairs to the 3rd floor of the hospital.

She does this twice a day there, plus her clearance (flutter) as well.

at night, we usually take her big pink ball an she does exercises on it (sit ups, weights for her arms while bouncing, catching, star jumps, whatever we think up) plus flutter.

I think 30 mins would be good if your able too.

I try to give Kj a variety of exercises so she doesn't get bored.

A mini trampoline or a skipping rope is also good exercise.

I hope your pft's are higher than you think. Good luck <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[mum2kj]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>Lilith</b></i>

Alright, so exercise, exercise, and more exercise...



Mum2kj, I will certainly try the treadmill. May I ask how long your daughter usually runs for? Is 30 minutes good?



Fred, I may try the garlic tablets and the taurin. I'm thinking heavily about starting yoga as well. Rick has a katana...maybe I can make my own version of Iaido! LOL! As for hiking, I'm in FL, so the highest point in the whole state is probably the ant hill in my back yard. But taking walks with the BF may not be a bad alternative...



Ricky123, I will try to get some swimming in as well. Thanks for the tip!



I'm off to see the doc, so we'll see where my numbers stand...wish me luck!</end quote></div>



At the hospital she usually does 10 mins on treadmill, 10 mins on the bike and an aerobic activity or weights depending what activity the physio prepares an after that she walks/runs up the stairs to the 3rd floor of the hospital.

She does this twice a day there, plus her clearance (flutter) as well.

at night, we usually take her big pink ball an she does exercises on it (sit ups, weights for her arms while bouncing, catching, star jumps, whatever we think up) plus flutter.

I think 30 mins would be good if your able too.

I try to give Kj a variety of exercises so she doesn't get bored.

A mini trampoline or a skipping rope is also good exercise.

I hope your pft's are higher than you think. Good luck <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[mum2kj]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>Lilith</b></i>

Alright, so exercise, exercise, and more exercise...



Mum2kj, I will certainly try the treadmill. May I ask how long your daughter usually runs for? Is 30 minutes good?



Fred, I may try the garlic tablets and the taurin. I'm thinking heavily about starting yoga as well. Rick has a katana...maybe I can make my own version of Iaido! LOL! As for hiking, I'm in FL, so the highest point in the whole state is probably the ant hill in my back yard. But taking walks with the BF may not be a bad alternative...



Ricky123, I will try to get some swimming in as well. Thanks for the tip!



I'm off to see the doc, so we'll see where my numbers stand...wish me luck!</end quote></div>



At the hospital she usually does 10 mins on treadmill, 10 mins on the bike and an aerobic activity or weights depending what activity the physio prepares an after that she walks/runs up the stairs to the 3rd floor of the hospital.

She does this twice a day there, plus her clearance (flutter) as well.

at night, we usually take her big pink ball an she does exercises on it (sit ups, weights for her arms while bouncing, catching, star jumps, whatever we think up) plus flutter.

I think 30 mins would be good if your able too.

I try to give Kj a variety of exercises so she doesn't get bored.

A mini trampoline or a skipping rope is also good exercise.

I hope your pft's are higher than you think. Good luck <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[mum2kj]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>summer732</b></i>

Exercise is definitely key. When I have been on a strict exercise routine (that will come back once I move into the city and my commute is cut down) I usually like to do like 4 days at the gym and 2 days of Tae-Bo, one day off (mental health, i really hate exercising). Tae-Bo is super intense and will tone your muscles, you will definitely be coughing and out of breath too so its nice that you can do this in your own house.



Also, and this is going to sound stupid but it works, blow up balloons. I'm still told to do this post-transplant as it opens up the airways and keeps them elastic. It's a nice work out for the lungs and its super easy to do!</end quote></div>

Lol Ive been thinking of getting kj some balloons, you just reminded me <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

How many balloons do you blow up?

Do you use just the one and blow it up several times or blow heaps up and then have fun popping them <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[mum2kj]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>summer732</b></i>

Exercise is definitely key. When I have been on a strict exercise routine (that will come back once I move into the city and my commute is cut down) I usually like to do like 4 days at the gym and 2 days of Tae-Bo, one day off (mental health, i really hate exercising). Tae-Bo is super intense and will tone your muscles, you will definitely be coughing and out of breath too so its nice that you can do this in your own house.



Also, and this is going to sound stupid but it works, blow up balloons. I'm still told to do this post-transplant as it opens up the airways and keeps them elastic. It's a nice work out for the lungs and its super easy to do!</end quote></div>

Lol Ive been thinking of getting kj some balloons, you just reminded me <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

How many balloons do you blow up?

Do you use just the one and blow it up several times or blow heaps up and then have fun popping them <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[mum2kj]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>summer732</b></i>

Exercise is definitely key. When I have been on a strict exercise routine (that will come back once I move into the city and my commute is cut down) I usually like to do like 4 days at the gym and 2 days of Tae-Bo, one day off (mental health, i really hate exercising). Tae-Bo is super intense and will tone your muscles, you will definitely be coughing and out of breath too so its nice that you can do this in your own house.



Also, and this is going to sound stupid but it works, blow up balloons. I'm still told to do this post-transplant as it opens up the airways and keeps them elastic. It's a nice work out for the lungs and its super easy to do!</end quote></div>

Lol Ive been thinking of getting kj some balloons, you just reminded me <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

How many balloons do you blow up?

Do you use just the one and blow it up several times or blow heaps up and then have fun popping them <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[Landy]

My FEV1 increased about 5% when I started taking Zithromax. However, at the same time I started walking on the treadmill, so I'm not sure which, or if both combined actually contributed to the increased FEV1.
As for the treadmill, I started with probably 8-10 minutes and worked up from that to my current 30 minutes a day. As for walking outside--I prefer that, but when it's super humid I stay inside & do the treadmill.

I hope you had a good check today.

 

[Landy]

My FEV1 increased about 5% when I started taking Zithromax. However, at the same time I started walking on the treadmill, so I'm not sure which, or if both combined actually contributed to the increased FEV1.
As for the treadmill, I started with probably 8-10 minutes and worked up from that to my current 30 minutes a day. As for walking outside--I prefer that, but when it's super humid I stay inside & do the treadmill.

I hope you had a good check today.

 

[Landy]

My FEV1 increased about 5% when I started taking Zithromax. However, at the same time I started walking on the treadmill, so I'm not sure which, or if both combined actually contributed to the increased FEV1.
As for the treadmill, I started with probably 8-10 minutes and worked up from that to my current 30 minutes a day. As for walking outside--I prefer that, but when it's super humid I stay inside & do the treadmill.

I hope you had a good check today.

 

[catboogie]

hey lisa,

i'm so glad to see your determination to be as healthy as you can be and hopefully get your numbers up in the process! i am going to be another one to ring in for exercise. i find that i feel the best, that i recover from colds faster, indeed that i even 'forget' i have CF when i'm not doing treatments! when i am exercising 4-5 days per week.

my exercise consists of 35-45 minutes on the EFX (eliptical type) machine at the gym. sometimes i ride the bike or jog for variety, but i've found that although jogging is the best thing for my lungs, it is hard on my knees. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0"> i do the EFX mondays, tuesdays, thursdays, and fridays. wednesday i have yoga class for an hour. i give myself the weekends off generally.

i also take the dogs for walks several times a week and try to walk as briskly as possible.

i used to swim some and it was really great for my lungs, too. but i have an issue with putting my face in the water, so i'm sure i wasn't getting as much benefit as i could. i would use a kickboard or whatever.

as fred said, the key is to find something you can stick with. although, i have found that i am so into the routine of exercise that i have come to enjoy the whole of the routine and feeling well, not sure about the exercise itself!

best of luck!

 

[catboogie]

hey lisa,

i'm so glad to see your determination to be as healthy as you can be and hopefully get your numbers up in the process! i am going to be another one to ring in for exercise. i find that i feel the best, that i recover from colds faster, indeed that i even 'forget' i have CF when i'm not doing treatments! when i am exercising 4-5 days per week.

my exercise consists of 35-45 minutes on the EFX (eliptical type) machine at the gym. sometimes i ride the bike or jog for variety, but i've found that although jogging is the best thing for my lungs, it is hard on my knees. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0"> i do the EFX mondays, tuesdays, thursdays, and fridays. wednesday i have yoga class for an hour. i give myself the weekends off generally.

i also take the dogs for walks several times a week and try to walk as briskly as possible.

i used to swim some and it was really great for my lungs, too. but i have an issue with putting my face in the water, so i'm sure i wasn't getting as much benefit as i could. i would use a kickboard or whatever.

as fred said, the key is to find something you can stick with. although, i have found that i am so into the routine of exercise that i have come to enjoy the whole of the routine and feeling well, not sure about the exercise itself!

best of luck!

 

[catboogie]

hey lisa,

i'm so glad to see your determination to be as healthy as you can be and hopefully get your numbers up in the process! i am going to be another one to ring in for exercise. i find that i feel the best, that i recover from colds faster, indeed that i even 'forget' i have CF when i'm not doing treatments! when i am exercising 4-5 days per week.

my exercise consists of 35-45 minutes on the EFX (eliptical type) machine at the gym. sometimes i ride the bike or jog for variety, but i've found that although jogging is the best thing for my lungs, it is hard on my knees. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0"> i do the EFX mondays, tuesdays, thursdays, and fridays. wednesday i have yoga class for an hour. i give myself the weekends off generally.

i also take the dogs for walks several times a week and try to walk as briskly as possible.

i used to swim some and it was really great for my lungs, too. but i have an issue with putting my face in the water, so i'm sure i wasn't getting as much benefit as i could. i would use a kickboard or whatever.

as fred said, the key is to find something you can stick with. although, i have found that i am so into the routine of exercise that i have come to enjoy the whole of the routine and feeling well, not sure about the exercise itself!

best of luck!

 

[Lilith]

Thanks, guys, for the exercise tips!

Well, my FEV1 ended up being much lower than I thought...35% (OUCH!!) But my sats are fine, 99 - 98, so I don't need to even consider oxygen yet. My doc suggested that, because of the bad air quality from the fires (I'm in FL) and my frequent staph flare-ups, that is causing my poor lung function. He said if I can just keep from getting sick for about four months my FEV1 would probably increase. Easier said than done, I think! But he said that exercising would help (especially yoga because of the deep breathing), so that's what I'll do. The good news; I no longer culture psudo.

He's also putting me on the new Pari eFlow, which is supposed to have a more effective delivery of my treatments. So that may help, too... All in all, not a terrible appointment.

I plan to give all of your suggestions a shot. We'll just have to see where it goes from here!

Edited to add: I just bought one of those tabletop exercise cycles online, as they had me using it in the hospital last time and it gave me a pretty good workout. I hope it helps!