I've now been to 3 rehab sessions and I'm hopeful, I feel good exercising. They told me today that I work too hard at completing the repetitions too quickly, that I'm not breathing correctly (in through the nose and out through pursed lips) and therefore the oxygen in my blood is dropping too quickly (today at a point down to 80 when it should be in the 90's and many times down to 81 and 82) - geez, I thought I was breathing even though I was huffing and puffing.
I purchased free weights to use at home and I'm thinking I need a treadmill and maybe a stationary bike (both are used in my rehab) - does anyone have opinions on good ones?
I attend rehab 3x a week and they want me to continue to exercise daily. Hmmm, would it be better to just get a gym membership?
I was also told that it appears I'm having panic/anxiety attacks as I exercise and that I need to relax - how do I do this?
Monday, June 22, 2009
Pulmonary Rehab
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23 COMMENTS:
Hi Deb - it sounds like you enjoy the exercise. Once you iron out the kinks, and they get you where you need to be, I bet you will feel much better too. As for the equipment - I will be watching what you get for recommendations as I have no idea either.
It is sounding positive - keep up the good work!
Kathy
I have a NordicTrac treadmill that I love to pieces. What does the rehab place use? Probably the industrial ones.
Way good on the rehab. You'll get the hang of it. It just takes a bit of time.
Have a terrific day. :)
Would some musics while you are working out do the job to help you relax?
I've always liked the idea of working out at home, but in reality, I never end up sticking to it. I've been a member of the local YMCA for 5 years now and LOVE it. They have a million different machines so you can switch around whenever you want - PLUS they have a pool (which is relaxing) a steam room (which is relaxing) a hot tub (which is relaxing) yoga, pilates and massage therapy. It's also a great place to meet others.
The one thing that I have found helps with breathing more than any other exercise is a rebounder. If used only three or four times a week it enables me to run up several flights of stairs without getting out of breath. They do several versions - some have large stabilising handles on them so you can hold on as you jog - even walking on them makes a huge difference to your well-being ... and they are less stressful on the knees than treadmills.
Good luck with all the exercising - :)
Sorry - in the US you may call them mini trampolines - the specialist varieties are best but they are available for just a few pounds/dollars ... and any are better than none, I think!
I have a pro-form treadmill from Sears, and it works very well. I have severe asthma, so I know how scary it feels to not feel like you can breathe. Is that why you are having panic attacks? Music really helps to take my mind off of the feeling that I can't catch my breath. Hang in there with the rehab. It sounds like you are doing great, and remember it takes time to build up stamina.
Take care:)
I have a treadmill. I find it hard to use. I have tried watching TV, Listening to music and looking out the window and I still can not stand it. Think it would be better to get a stationary bike. You can listen to music and will not get as bored as you would on the tread Mill. As for the gym, if you have to use your O2 while exercising that might be a problem at some gyms. However if you find one that will accommodate you, that would be great! because there will probably be someone there to assist you in proper breath control.
I am sure that you will find soon a ways to have your exercises going smoothly and that you will get better. I liked your three stories and remember having read two of them before. I also have a "genetic" cholesterol problem, though under control.
wwI'm 75 years old and do very little exercise. Well, none except a little weeding in the flower beds now and then. I was hospitalized in April with bronchitis and a physical therapist visited me twice a week for about a month. I enjoyed doing the exercises along with her, so I would be interested in a personal trainer I think.
Perhaps you would too?
focus on slowing down, and on thinking of happy things, like how much healthier your are getting by exercising, and by how you will be able to keep up with happy things like family outings, that may help your anxiety.
As for bikes, I have a PT Fitness bike that I love, I got it at my local department store on sale. Try looking online and getting reviews of bikes that are in your price range. I only exercise at home - I can get fit when I want, wearing what I want, without anyone looking, lol.
Best of luck in your fitness and health goals, you can do it!!
Just take it easy and do what you can. Hopefully you'll adjust well and the anxiety will cease.
I think that's wonderful that you are exercising!
As far as the panic goes, meditation has helped me in the past. I would see what your doctor suggests. I know that some of my friends take medication for anxiety or panic issues. I hope you get this resolved. keep up the good work!
Maria Michelle's Furkids
I say, take it easy. Excitement and working too hard makes you anxious. :) Keep up the good work.
Ear-piercing Essentials
I'm in physical therapy for my back...it sucks! Total barbaric torture! LOL
Perhaps I'm just a big sissy?
Deb,
I have had panic attacks off and on for many years--frequently enough to seek medical help. I find that exercise helps me when I'm in midst of one. It may not be the same for you. Also, my experience is that a panic attack, although very intense, is short-lived, and if I can just hold on for about as long as I know one lasts, I will eventually be okay. Sometimes, what helps me is counting. I know that if I count to a certain number, the attack should be over. So I count. It gives me something to focus on. It works for me.
I have an elliptical and a treadmill and love them both... right now especially the elliptical because it's not so hard on my feet and knees. I'm asthmatic and can really relate to the breathing. The heat this time of year leads me to stay mostly inside. Practicing through meditation and/or something like a special yoga class make breathing much easier... ask the rehab folks about heartrate variability training. good luck!
You hang in there, girl!! I'm glad to see you are remaining very active. My dad has idiopathic pulmunonary disease and is on oxygen, too. It was a tough transition for him at first, but he kept up his incredibly active lifestyle and he barely noticed having the tank and oxygen line around.
Please excuse my commenting here unrelated to your above post (will pop back for that).
Overhauled (sweating bullets cause I'm tech savy), blog and really need some feedback.
Could you take a look see.
Thanks bunches
Sandy
http://travelingsuitcase.blogspot.com/
Hi Deb: So glad you're in rehab. My mom has been a long-time smoker with COPD and it's awful.
Anyway- about those panic attacks. I agree with Patricia R. about a few things. If you can realize that they are short-lived that really does help. And that you will not die from the anxiety. I know you're on some medication most probably and you might want to check with your MD about prescriptions if the anxiety persists. Of course you've probably already talked to your son about all of this!
I think developing a regular meditation practice would be very helpful - nothing woo woo, just regular times for progressive relaxation and as slow and deep breathing as you can do. I generally breathe in to a slow count of two and then hold for two and exhale to a count of four. But you can do anything that's comfortable.
I hope these ideas help, Deb. We're all pulling for you!
Warmly,
Laura
Exercise = Anxiety for me 2!
You have an award. Stop by and pick it up. http://mothernosbest.blogspot.com/
Hi Deb
My wife has COPD and lupus. She went to rehab and thought it was the greatest. The hardest thing is getting the breathing down pat. Believe it or not she uses a WII to do her exercises in the house. She also has panic attacks. Her way of fighting them is to stop and count ten and then tell yourself everything is fine. She is not on oxygen yet. I feel the biggest thing is try not to push yourself too hard. I have to tell her to slow down every once in awhile.
Sorry for my rambling. Have a good day.
Y'all have given me some great ideas about meditation and I'm trying to learn. I have also tried the ideas on panic and they have also helped some - I'm certain this takes awhile to become proficient at also and maybe is even cumulative.
You have all been so supportive and friendly, I only wish you lived near.
My husband and I are going out tomorrow to start the search for a treadmill (I'd love one that will not only track my distance but also give me the calories it's burning (I don't even know if they do that). My daughter claims I should get an elliptical trainer but I think that's aggressive for someone like me. Right now I'm using the free weights at home and that's about it, otherwise everything is done at rehab and then it's only 3x per week - yeah, yeah, I need to get that treadmill.
Thank You again for your encouragement and suggestions!
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