Pulmonary Rehab

[LGMClark]

I've been worked up for lung tx. and am currently on the non-active list(pft's don't yet qualify). However, my doctors have recommended that I begin pulmonary rehab. The topic was brought up last year but the nearest place that did it was "full" and their only hours were during the daytime (and I still work full time). To make up for that I went to the gym, got myself a personal trainer (for $45 a session/50min). It really helped but is eating away at my wallet!
I guess my question is, does anyone have a "do it yourself" pulmo. rehab "ish" routine? Also, do you use oxygen while "working out"?<img src="i/expressions/oxygen2.gif" border="0">
I know that using oxygen is the whole point, to keep your ABILITY to exercise up, rather than having to stop after 15 minutes because your o2sat is down...but coming to terms with even WEARING oxygen is depressing. I always have these little benchmarks in my head, that "rate" the progression of my disease. Transplant work-up was one of them, but i've overcome the thought of that. Even turning 21 was a tough one for me...but wearing oxygen is a HUGE benchmark for me, even if it IS only when I exercise.
Any thoughts??<img src="i/expressions/oxygen.gif" border="0">

(As of now, with PFT's in the 30's (I hit 40 last Sept!) my o2sat at rest is 97, but drops to around 78 with exercise. Pops back up to 96-99 about 3 minutes after I stop.)I bought a pulsoxometer from ebay..great investment

 

[LGMClark]

I've been worked up for lung tx. and am currently on the non-active list(pft's don't yet qualify). However, my doctors have recommended that I begin pulmonary rehab. The topic was brought up last year but the nearest place that did it was "full" and their only hours were during the daytime (and I still work full time). To make up for that I went to the gym, got myself a personal trainer (for $45 a session/50min). It really helped but is eating away at my wallet!
I guess my question is, does anyone have a "do it yourself" pulmo. rehab "ish" routine? Also, do you use oxygen while "working out"?<img src="i/expressions/oxygen2.gif" border="0">
I know that using oxygen is the whole point, to keep your ABILITY to exercise up, rather than having to stop after 15 minutes because your o2sat is down...but coming to terms with even WEARING oxygen is depressing. I always have these little benchmarks in my head, that "rate" the progression of my disease. Transplant work-up was one of them, but i've overcome the thought of that. Even turning 21 was a tough one for me...but wearing oxygen is a HUGE benchmark for me, even if it IS only when I exercise.
Any thoughts??<img src="i/expressions/oxygen.gif" border="0">

(As of now, with PFT's in the 30's (I hit 40 last Sept!) my o2sat at rest is 97, but drops to around 78 with exercise. Pops back up to 96-99 about 3 minutes after I stop.)I bought a pulsoxometer from ebay..great investment

 

[LGMClark]

I've been worked up for lung tx. and am currently on the non-active list(pft's don't yet qualify). However, my doctors have recommended that I begin pulmonary rehab. The topic was brought up last year but the nearest place that did it was "full" and their only hours were during the daytime (and I still work full time). To make up for that I went to the gym, got myself a personal trainer (for $45 a session/50min). It really helped but is eating away at my wallet!
I guess my question is, does anyone have a "do it yourself" pulmo. rehab "ish" routine? Also, do you use oxygen while "working out"?<img src="i/expressions/oxygen2.gif" border="0">
I know that using oxygen is the whole point, to keep your ABILITY to exercise up, rather than having to stop after 15 minutes because your o2sat is down...but coming to terms with even WEARING oxygen is depressing. I always have these little benchmarks in my head, that "rate" the progression of my disease. Transplant work-up was one of them, but i've overcome the thought of that. Even turning 21 was a tough one for me...but wearing oxygen is a HUGE benchmark for me, even if it IS only when I exercise.
Any thoughts??<img src="i/expressions/oxygen.gif" border="0">

(As of now, with PFT's in the 30's (I hit 40 last Sept!) my o2sat at rest is 97, but drops to around 78 with exercise. Pops back up to 96-99 about 3 minutes after I stop.)I bought a pulsoxometer from ebay..great investment

 

[LGMClark]

I've been worked up for lung tx. and am currently on the non-active list(pft's don't yet qualify). However, my doctors have recommended that I begin pulmonary rehab. The topic was brought up last year but the nearest place that did it was "full" and their only hours were during the daytime (and I still work full time). To make up for that I went to the gym, got myself a personal trainer (for $45 a session/50min). It really helped but is eating away at my wallet!
I guess my question is, does anyone have a "do it yourself" pulmo. rehab "ish" routine? Also, do you use oxygen while "working out"?<img src="i/expressions/oxygen2.gif" border="0">
I know that using oxygen is the whole point, to keep your ABILITY to exercise up, rather than having to stop after 15 minutes because your o2sat is down...but coming to terms with even WEARING oxygen is depressing. I always have these little benchmarks in my head, that "rate" the progression of my disease. Transplant work-up was one of them, but i've overcome the thought of that. Even turning 21 was a tough one for me...but wearing oxygen is a HUGE benchmark for me, even if it IS only when I exercise.
Any thoughts??<img src="i/expressions/oxygen.gif" border="0">

(As of now, with PFT's in the 30's (I hit 40 last Sept!) my o2sat at rest is 97, but drops to around 78 with exercise. Pops back up to 96-99 about 3 minutes after I stop.)I bought a pulsoxometer from ebay..great investment

 

[LGMClark]

I've been worked up for lung tx. and am currently on the non-active list(pft's don't yet qualify). However, my doctors have recommended that I begin pulmonary rehab. The topic was brought up last year but the nearest place that did it was "full" and their only hours were during the daytime (and I still work full time). To make up for that I went to the gym, got myself a personal trainer (for $45 a session/50min). It really helped but is eating away at my wallet!
<br />I guess my question is, does anyone have a "do it yourself" pulmo. rehab "ish" routine? Also, do you use oxygen while "working out"?<img src="i/expressions/oxygen2.gif" border="0">
<br />I know that using oxygen is the whole point, to keep your ABILITY to exercise up, rather than having to stop after 15 minutes because your o2sat is down...but coming to terms with even WEARING oxygen is depressing. I always have these little benchmarks in my head, that "rate" the progression of my disease. Transplant work-up was one of them, but i've overcome the thought of that. Even turning 21 was a tough one for me...but wearing oxygen is a HUGE benchmark for me, even if it IS only when I exercise.
<br />Any thoughts??<img src="i/expressions/oxygen.gif" border="0">
<br />
<br />(As of now, with PFT's in the 30's (I hit 40 last Sept!) my o2sat at rest is 97, but drops to around 78 with exercise. Pops back up to 96-99 about 3 minutes after I stop.)I bought a pulsoxometer from ebay..great investment

 

[jfarel]

Yeah, I started pulm. rehab recently at my hospital. I also am non-active on the transplant list---although I actually qualify.

My insurance wouldn't cover the rehab (I am appealing) so right now I am going twice a week and paying like 50 dollars a month.

Have you looked into doing pulm rehab at a local hospital?
Some insurance companies will pay for it, especially if you have been evaluated for transplant.I feel much less self conscious about using the o2 while there as opposed to using it at a local gym.

The people at my rehab are really great and I do use oxygen---which is the main reason I wanted to do pulm. rehab at the hospital and not the gym. I have/had a gym membership as well, but I had gotten to the point where it was pretty pointless to exercise without Oxygen. I also have an oxygen compressor I use at home when I use my rowing machine and when I sleep. My resting Sats are usually 92-94 and begin to drop when I get sick.

For me Oxygen was something I really dreaded but I got to the point where I really needed it last Jan. I had purchased my own home Sat monitor and found my Sats were running a tad low. For me its reassuring just having the oxygen compressor around. I use the o2 when doing my neb treatments as well, since coughing attacks really leave me breathless.

 

[jfarel]

Yeah, I started pulm. rehab recently at my hospital. I also am non-active on the transplant list---although I actually qualify.

My insurance wouldn't cover the rehab (I am appealing) so right now I am going twice a week and paying like 50 dollars a month.

Have you looked into doing pulm rehab at a local hospital?
Some insurance companies will pay for it, especially if you have been evaluated for transplant.I feel much less self conscious about using the o2 while there as opposed to using it at a local gym.

The people at my rehab are really great and I do use oxygen---which is the main reason I wanted to do pulm. rehab at the hospital and not the gym. I have/had a gym membership as well, but I had gotten to the point where it was pretty pointless to exercise without Oxygen. I also have an oxygen compressor I use at home when I use my rowing machine and when I sleep. My resting Sats are usually 92-94 and begin to drop when I get sick.

For me Oxygen was something I really dreaded but I got to the point where I really needed it last Jan. I had purchased my own home Sat monitor and found my Sats were running a tad low. For me its reassuring just having the oxygen compressor around. I use the o2 when doing my neb treatments as well, since coughing attacks really leave me breathless.

 

[jfarel]

Yeah, I started pulm. rehab recently at my hospital. I also am non-active on the transplant list---although I actually qualify.

My insurance wouldn't cover the rehab (I am appealing) so right now I am going twice a week and paying like 50 dollars a month.

Have you looked into doing pulm rehab at a local hospital?
Some insurance companies will pay for it, especially if you have been evaluated for transplant.I feel much less self conscious about using the o2 while there as opposed to using it at a local gym.

The people at my rehab are really great and I do use oxygen---which is the main reason I wanted to do pulm. rehab at the hospital and not the gym. I have/had a gym membership as well, but I had gotten to the point where it was pretty pointless to exercise without Oxygen. I also have an oxygen compressor I use at home when I use my rowing machine and when I sleep. My resting Sats are usually 92-94 and begin to drop when I get sick.

For me Oxygen was something I really dreaded but I got to the point where I really needed it last Jan. I had purchased my own home Sat monitor and found my Sats were running a tad low. For me its reassuring just having the oxygen compressor around. I use the o2 when doing my neb treatments as well, since coughing attacks really leave me breathless.

 

[jfarel]

Yeah, I started pulm. rehab recently at my hospital. I also am non-active on the transplant list---although I actually qualify.

My insurance wouldn't cover the rehab (I am appealing) so right now I am going twice a week and paying like 50 dollars a month.

Have you looked into doing pulm rehab at a local hospital?
Some insurance companies will pay for it, especially if you have been evaluated for transplant.I feel much less self conscious about using the o2 while there as opposed to using it at a local gym.

The people at my rehab are really great and I do use oxygen---which is the main reason I wanted to do pulm. rehab at the hospital and not the gym. I have/had a gym membership as well, but I had gotten to the point where it was pretty pointless to exercise without Oxygen. I also have an oxygen compressor I use at home when I use my rowing machine and when I sleep. My resting Sats are usually 92-94 and begin to drop when I get sick.

For me Oxygen was something I really dreaded but I got to the point where I really needed it last Jan. I had purchased my own home Sat monitor and found my Sats were running a tad low. For me its reassuring just having the oxygen compressor around. I use the o2 when doing my neb treatments as well, since coughing attacks really leave me breathless.

 

[jfarel]

Yeah, I started pulm. rehab recently at my hospital. I also am non-active on the transplant list---although I actually qualify.
<br />
<br />My insurance wouldn't cover the rehab (I am appealing) so right now I am going twice a week and paying like 50 dollars a month.
<br />
<br />Have you looked into doing pulm rehab at a local hospital?
<br />Some insurance companies will pay for it, especially if you have been evaluated for transplant.I feel much less self conscious about using the o2 while there as opposed to using it at a local gym.
<br />
<br />The people at my rehab are really great and I do use oxygen---which is the main reason I wanted to do pulm. rehab at the hospital and not the gym. I have/had a gym membership as well, but I had gotten to the point where it was pretty pointless to exercise without Oxygen. I also have an oxygen compressor I use at home when I use my rowing machine and when I sleep. My resting Sats are usually 92-94 and begin to drop when I get sick.
<br />
<br />For me Oxygen was something I really dreaded but I got to the point where I really needed it last Jan. I had purchased my own home Sat monitor and found my Sats were running a tad low. For me its reassuring just having the oxygen compressor around. I use the o2 when doing my neb treatments as well, since coughing attacks really leave me breathless.

 

[Kelli]

Laura,
Can you do rehab over the summer (I'm thinking you are a teacher.) I think it only lasts for a few weeks/months. Maybe 'some' of it would be better than 'none' and you can ask for a modified session that you can do at the gym.

My dr's wanted me to go but I was working too much then too.I called for details, it was at a hosp. about 30 mins. away and you had class for part of it and then worked out for part of it. But it was like 4 hours, 4 days a week! Who has time for that?! And yes right in the middle of the day (they did have an early one but w/treatments, I'd have to get up at 4:30 a.m., not thanks!)

Now that I'm working less.. it's a possibility. They said to make sure you are not in there w/other CF'ers. Duh, we knew that. I'm thinking it's going to be like 75 year old heart transplant patients. I dread doing it but should probably look back into it. Ugh.

Good luck.
Kelli
30 f CF

 

[Kelli]

Laura,
Can you do rehab over the summer (I'm thinking you are a teacher.) I think it only lasts for a few weeks/months. Maybe 'some' of it would be better than 'none' and you can ask for a modified session that you can do at the gym.

My dr's wanted me to go but I was working too much then too.I called for details, it was at a hosp. about 30 mins. away and you had class for part of it and then worked out for part of it. But it was like 4 hours, 4 days a week! Who has time for that?! And yes right in the middle of the day (they did have an early one but w/treatments, I'd have to get up at 4:30 a.m., not thanks!)

Now that I'm working less.. it's a possibility. They said to make sure you are not in there w/other CF'ers. Duh, we knew that. I'm thinking it's going to be like 75 year old heart transplant patients. I dread doing it but should probably look back into it. Ugh.

Good luck.
Kelli
30 f CF

 

[Kelli]

Laura,
Can you do rehab over the summer (I'm thinking you are a teacher.) I think it only lasts for a few weeks/months. Maybe 'some' of it would be better than 'none' and you can ask for a modified session that you can do at the gym.

My dr's wanted me to go but I was working too much then too.I called for details, it was at a hosp. about 30 mins. away and you had class for part of it and then worked out for part of it. But it was like 4 hours, 4 days a week! Who has time for that?! And yes right in the middle of the day (they did have an early one but w/treatments, I'd have to get up at 4:30 a.m., not thanks!)

Now that I'm working less.. it's a possibility. They said to make sure you are not in there w/other CF'ers. Duh, we knew that. I'm thinking it's going to be like 75 year old heart transplant patients. I dread doing it but should probably look back into it. Ugh.

Good luck.
Kelli
30 f CF

 

[Kelli]

Laura,
Can you do rehab over the summer (I'm thinking you are a teacher.) I think it only lasts for a few weeks/months. Maybe 'some' of it would be better than 'none' and you can ask for a modified session that you can do at the gym.

My dr's wanted me to go but I was working too much then too.I called for details, it was at a hosp. about 30 mins. away and you had class for part of it and then worked out for part of it. But it was like 4 hours, 4 days a week! Who has time for that?! And yes right in the middle of the day (they did have an early one but w/treatments, I'd have to get up at 4:30 a.m., not thanks!)

Now that I'm working less.. it's a possibility. They said to make sure you are not in there w/other CF'ers. Duh, we knew that. I'm thinking it's going to be like 75 year old heart transplant patients. I dread doing it but should probably look back into it. Ugh.

Good luck.
Kelli
30 f CF

 

[Kelli]

Laura,
<br />Can you do rehab over the summer (I'm thinking you are a teacher.) I think it only lasts for a few weeks/months. Maybe 'some' of it would be better than 'none' and you can ask for a modified session that you can do at the gym.
<br />
<br />My dr's wanted me to go but I was working too much then too.I called for details, it was at a hosp. about 30 mins. away and you had class for part of it and then worked out for part of it. But it was like 4 hours, 4 days a week! Who has time for that?! And yes right in the middle of the day (they did have an early one but w/treatments, I'd have to get up at 4:30 a.m., not thanks!)
<br />
<br />Now that I'm working less.. it's a possibility. They said to make sure you are not in there w/other CF'ers. Duh, we knew that. I'm thinking it's going to be like 75 year old heart transplant patients. I dread doing it but should probably look back into it. Ugh.
<br />
<br />Good luck.
<br />Kelli
<br />30 f CF

 

[LGMClark]

I know...the hours were obviously catered for non-working older people. But 4 hours! No way Jose!
I tend to do very well during the summer because I am very active; playing tennis and swimming everyday...the problem is using oxygen. My gym is associated with the hospital that offers the pulmo. rehab and has a very clinical setting (mostly 50+ ages), so I guess using it there wouldn't be bad.
I'd have to look into finding an o2 tank. I felt better after watching the Jerry Cahill video www.jerrycahill.com
He's 51, so that's gotta be working for him.

I must say, I just brushed the dust off my treadmill today and it felt soo good to get my heart going (and get some laundry done too! - 26 min. cycle).

 

[LGMClark]

I know...the hours were obviously catered for non-working older people. But 4 hours! No way Jose!
I tend to do very well during the summer because I am very active; playing tennis and swimming everyday...the problem is using oxygen. My gym is associated with the hospital that offers the pulmo. rehab and has a very clinical setting (mostly 50+ ages), so I guess using it there wouldn't be bad.
I'd have to look into finding an o2 tank. I felt better after watching the Jerry Cahill video www.jerrycahill.com
He's 51, so that's gotta be working for him.

I must say, I just brushed the dust off my treadmill today and it felt soo good to get my heart going (and get some laundry done too! - 26 min. cycle).

 

[LGMClark]

I know...the hours were obviously catered for non-working older people. But 4 hours! No way Jose!
I tend to do very well during the summer because I am very active; playing tennis and swimming everyday...the problem is using oxygen. My gym is associated with the hospital that offers the pulmo. rehab and has a very clinical setting (mostly 50+ ages), so I guess using it there wouldn't be bad.
I'd have to look into finding an o2 tank. I felt better after watching the Jerry Cahill video www.jerrycahill.com
He's 51, so that's gotta be working for him.

I must say, I just brushed the dust off my treadmill today and it felt soo good to get my heart going (and get some laundry done too! - 26 min. cycle).

 

[LGMClark]

I know...the hours were obviously catered for non-working older people. But 4 hours! No way Jose!
I tend to do very well during the summer because I am very active; playing tennis and swimming everyday...the problem is using oxygen. My gym is associated with the hospital that offers the pulmo. rehab and has a very clinical setting (mostly 50+ ages), so I guess using it there wouldn't be bad.
I'd have to look into finding an o2 tank. I felt better after watching the Jerry Cahill video www.jerrycahill.com
He's 51, so that's gotta be working for him.

I must say, I just brushed the dust off my treadmill today and it felt soo good to get my heart going (and get some laundry done too! - 26 min. cycle).

 

[LGMClark]

I know...the hours were obviously catered for non-working older people. But 4 hours! No way Jose!
<br />I tend to do very well during the summer because I am very active; playing tennis and swimming everyday...the problem is using oxygen. My gym is associated with the hospital that offers the pulmo. rehab and has a very clinical setting (mostly 50+ ages), so I guess using it there wouldn't be bad.
<br />I'd have to look into finding an o2 tank. I felt better after watching the Jerry Cahill video www.jerrycahill.com
<br />He's 51, so that's gotta be working for him.
<br />
<br />I must say, I just brushed the dust off my treadmill today and it felt soo good to get my heart going (and get some laundry done too! - 26 min. cycle).
<br />