Pride followed by Grace

I realized that there is more that I want to say. It is only marginally related to pulmonary rehab but I think it's important as I'm making myself healthier to continue to be independent.

My sister called me today. We talk almost every day but today impacted me so much. A few weeks ago, she came over to visit. Once she got here, she saw that my dishes were dirty all over the counters and the litterbox was overdue for a cleaning, and the floor needed sweeping. She said to me "Eileen, I know you don't want me to do this, but I am going to do it anyway." As I cried in the livingroom ( I really did, like a baby), feeling helpless and needy, she did all of my dishes and the litterbox and swept the floor. I tearfully thanked her and we went on to have a good visit. I had really needed help with my housekeeping and I was so very grateful for her help, but I was actually physically unable to ask her for it.

Today, when we talked, she told me that she would like to come and help me out some more. She told me that she had felt so good that she was able to do something for me, and even though I cried, it was too good a feeling not to do it again. SHE made ME feel like I was doing a favor for her. Go figure. She was sincere, too. She then told me if I could physically stop her, she wouldn't do it. We had a good laugh over that.

My friends at BBLW kept telling me that some people need to do for others, and my sister is one of those people. But I couldn't accept it while I was wallowing in selfpityland under the influence of toomuchprideism. I see where my inner work lies...

But I think I'm recovering now and I will look forward to having my sister come over and help me out. What a gift she has given me and I pray that I will have the grace to accept it.

Thursday, August 23

I just wrote and then deleted two long paragraphs about why I didn't go to rehab today. I deleted them because there just isn't an excuse good enough not to attend rehab. 'Nuff said.

Tuesday August 21

I was so happy to have my friend Gail with me today when I went to rehab! I had topped off my O2 tank, which I really should not have done, and by the time we got to the hospital, it froze up. I walked from the parking lot to the lobby with just a dribble of oxygen making it through the canula, and my O2 sats were 84%. I was kicking myself because topping off the tank is a sure way to freeze the works up. I usually use my own tank when at rehab, and I wanted to make sure that I had enough. So Gail had to wheel me into the rehab room. I laughed all the way because she was going 65 MPH to get me to some oxygen, and we were flying past everyone in the halls. Everyone must have thought I was on my way to delivery... When I stopped laughing, I told her that it was ok not to panic because just by being still and breathing, my sats would come up. We both had a good laugh talking about the looks on the faces that we sped by.

I got hooked up with a rehab tank and my sats came right up to 95%. I was feeling tight in my chest and achy all over so I figured I would take it easy today. I started on the Nu-step and did 20 minutes, and 1,700 steps. After a rest, I did the UBE. I did 18 minutes on that one. Then on to the TM. I did 10 minutes today at .9mph. Not very good, but at least I got that 10 minutes in. My blood pressure was good today, 124/71 and my sats ran around 95-96%.

If my chest still feels tight tomorrow, I will call my doctor and run in to have him listen to my lungs. Just to be safe. But I really think that it will be fine tomorrow.

See you Thursday!

~Eileen

Thursday, August 16

The week winds down with me feeling good about how things are progressing. I am seeing good results in my daily life that are directly the result of rehab. I am able to move more freely with less shortness of breath, showering is so much easier, and when I'm moving around, I can use less oxygen. When I got out of the hospital, I was using 5 - 6 liters of oxygen to move around, but now I usually just use 4 unless I'm exercising.

I started out on the Nu-step and pumped away for 20 minutes, completing 1,800 steps on Level 5. Then I went to the TM and did 15 minutes on 1.0. After another rest, I went to the UBE and worked my arms out for 20 minutes. My O2 sats were consistently around 95-96 and my pulse didn't go over 120. My blood pressure was still a little high, at 144/88. If it's still up next week, I'll have to call my doctor to see if he wants me to start lasix, a diuretic, again. But I really think it'll be okay.

Once again, after rehab I felt so energized. I worked for several hours in the afternoon and while I'm tired, I still feel better than if I didn't go!

~Eileen

Tuesday - August 14, 2007

Ahhh, the sweet smell of progress! Rehab has felt like it's been going at a snail's pace for the past few weeks; my recovery from pneumonia and this most recent exacerbation has been tortuously slow. But by the end of last week, and more so this week, I have felt better and more able to tolerate movement without disabling shortness of breath.


My friend Gail has been bringing me to rehab since I got out of the hospital and wheeling me from the entrance to the rehab room. Today I walked from the parking lot, into the hospital and to the rehab room by myself. I rested once about half way through. I also walked all of the way back to my car. How sweet it is!


I rested for a few minutes once I got to the rehab room and my BP was 155/87. This is pretty high for me, but I figured the effort of walking in might be the cause. I have a history of high blood pressure, but it's been down since I don't work full time anymore. It was a stressful job and my blood pressure has been good since leaving the job.


First I went to the UBE and worked my uppper arms for 20 minutes. I rested and headed over to the Nu-step. I worked my arms and legs for 20 minutes, and did 1,660 steps on Level 5. Up 5 minutes from last week!


Then on to the treadmill and I finally made it to 15 minutes at .9MPH. Sweet, sweet, sweet! 5 minutes on it had been torture for weeks and now at the slower speed, I am able to do better. This makes me feel so much better about how it's all going!


I can't say enough about being persistent and consistent with trying. I thought I might be in for a decline but it looks like I will be able to come back and even be better if I keep trying and be patient!


Progress, not perfection!


~Eileen

August 9, 2007

While rehab didn't happen on Tuesday because of continued oxygen problems, Thursday was great. There was progress and my oxygen issues have been resolved.

I went for 20 minutes on the UBE without experiencing any muscle burn. For some reason, the time just seems to fly by when I'm sitting there peddling my arms. I'm relaxed and I listen to conversations around me and let my mind just wander wherever it wants to go.

Next was the Nu-step and I did it for 15 minutes, doing 1,200 steps on Level 5. I would probably gone 20 minutes, but there were about 11 of us at rehab and someone was waiting for the machine. For the lot of us there are 4 treadmills, 2 UBE machines, 3 recumbent bikes and 2 Nu-steps. There is also a gazelle and a rower and multiple bikes that are rarely used, at least in our class.

When I went to the TM, I decided to try it slower to see if I could do better and sure enough, I was able to get to 10 minutes. For me this is a huge improvement. I really think that now that I've discovered my speed for now, (1.2 - .9)I will be able to get to 15 minutes next week and who knows from there.

My O2 sats ran around 95-96%, my pulse would get up into the 120's, but the best was my blood pressure which ran around 103/64! My pulse did come down during rest periods and maybe by next week it will be lower still.

I can't wait to see how I do next week!

~Eileen

August 2, 2007

This week has seen improvement! Maybe not much, but it all adds up.

I finally discovered at the beginning of this week that my marathon portable oxygen tank was malfunctioning. For almost a week, I thought it was me. I was short of breath much of the time and had some really terrible episodes of extreme sob when trying to do things. But much to my surprise, it was my tank, not me! It was delivering only a fraction of the O2 I need. I received another tank which is also malfunctioning. Hopefully, this will be reconciled so that I can continue my outside activities.

I didn't go to rehab on Tuesday because it was the last day of class for our current group. But on Thursday, I felt ready and was excited to be going. I only had the small portable Helios 300, but at rehab, I was able to use their oxygen. I walked in this time, rather than being wheeled in by Gail. I was short of breath, but my sats were around 94% when I checked.

First I did the UBE, and was able to do 18 minutes this time. I didn't even feel any burn in my upper arms or forearms, which was a happy surprise. My sats and blood pressure were good after this.

Then I went to the TM, but was only able to do 7 minutes before I pooped out. But it was better than 5 minutes!

The Nu-step was my next machine and I did 15 minutes, another improvement. At the end, my BP was 134/70 and my sats were 96%

It was hot and humid outside, so there weren't as many people there as there would normally be. I have discovered that there are a couple of other nurses in the group and we always have something to talk about. Libby was there with her great big laugh which I always enjoy and several others that are becoming such a big part of my life. Janet has broken a couple more ribs coughing, which is distressing to her. She's such a little bitty woman and I'm sure that has something to do with it. She also has osteoporosis which contributes to her fragile bones but she doesn't miss many rehab days and is an inspiration to me.

The foundation that I work for has obtained a grant to develop a program to bring free home visits to certain COPD patients and Rose, who runs the pulmonary program and I are very excited about getting it going. She will be a great referral source for us, knowing the rehab patients as well as she does.

I'm looking forward to next week and moving even more!

~Eileen

Week of July 22 - Tuesday and Thursday

With the help of my daughter's mother-in-law Gail, I went back to pulmonary rehab this week. I am so grateful for her time and effort to get me into the building so that I can begin to recover from this most recent exacerbation. The long walk surely would have discouraged me from going.

Just entering into the rehab room was wonderful! Seeing everyone after almost 2 months was so comforting to me. The welcome back was sincere, and I had such a feeling of belonging that is hard to describe. I sat at the table and just looked around for a few minutes. Then I checked my BP, 159/92. This isn't good. My pulse was 98 and my O2 sat was 92%. The numbers showed that I wasn't in good shape but I had expected that. I have to start somewhere.

I went to the Nu-step and worked for 10 minutes on Level 5. I was able to complete 870 steps. My sats didn't rise above 92%. I was disappointed but I know that this will improve and I have to be patient. Next I tried the treadmill. I was only able to walk 5 minutes at 1.0mph before I was gasping for air. My oxygen was up to 6L but I just couldn't continue. Another disappointment. Again, my sats didn't rise above 92%, but at least they didn't drop either. I finished the session on the UBE, and did 10 minutes. I went to sit again at the table and I was really tired. This little workout was tough. But I felt that it was a good start and I wasn't as bad as I could have been, given the pneumonia that accompanied this exacerbation. My ending sats were 92%, BP 141/84 and pulse 96.

Thursday came and I was quite breathless in the morning. My shower was difficult and hard to complete. I think that the shower will be my guage to determine my progress. I hated showers and they were the single hardest thing that I ever had to do with COPD. But eventually they became easier and I was really enjoying them again. Once the shower becomes pleasurable again, I'll feel that I'm making good progress. It is amazing to me how quickly we decompensate during an exacerbation! I've bounced back very quickly in the past 2 years, but I think that this time the pneumonia was what did the damage this time around. I need to remember that it will take time and patience to work back up to my "normal" again. But I'm willing to do the work!

Today, Thursday, I started out with a BP of 150/83, pulse 72, O2 sat of 96%. Aha! A sign of improvement! I went to the UBE first and did 10 minutes. My O2 sat ran 96%. Next I attempted the TM, and could only get to 6 minutes. I was ready for a nap after that! My O2 sats ran around 95% for the 5 minutes I walked. I am taking this as a big improvement because last week, my sats would drop when I got up and moved around the house. This week they are staying up. I finished up on the Nu-step and did 12 minutes at Level 5. My sats were 96% and my pulse ran 96.

I am optimistic that I will be able to see an improvement next week, and I am determined to have a good attitude no matter what I accomplish! I am motivated and I am very fortunate to be able to exercise at all!

I learned today that our little friend Audrey, who had a double lung transplant, just had a checkup and her fev1 is 100%!!!! Way to go, girl!

See you next week!

~Eileen

The storm is over

I haven't posted in a while, and as usual, when I let it go, there's lots of information to share. I've been sick with an exacerbation and pneumonia, but on the mend now.

I had been treated with an antibiotic (z-pack) and prednisone when I first starting feeling more short of breath, and started coughing up some green mucus. I was doing what I usually do, jumping right on an infection as soon as it started. I started feeling better within a couple of days, and figured the meds were working their magic. But after another week or so, I still didn't feel like I was bouncing back like I usually do. Instead of calling my doctor to let him know, I rode it out, thinking each day was going to be better. And sometimes they were. That was what was confusing me - some days I actually did feel good.

But by the time the 11th rolled around, I was feeling awful. I was so short of breath that even a step or two left me gasping for air. I couldn't cough hard enough to bring anything up and I was really getting scared. I spent the night before just praying to make it til morning and I promised myself that I would call someone to help me. I had been able to make it to work that week, but when I got home, I would just crash and burn. My chest hurt, my ribs hurt and I was barely moving due to the sob. I have no good reason why I didn't tell my doctor sooner. I guess I just didn't feel I was "bad" enough yet.

So on the 11th, I called my daughter and asked her to come take me to the ER. Even on the way to the ER, I was telling her that I felt guilty because I really didn't think I needed urgent care. Denial is a powerful thing and we can delude ourselves so easily. But I also think that in the back of my mind, I was remembering previous hospitalizations and being on the vent, and perhaps I was afraid of being so out of control of the whole breathing experience again. Not that I had any control at this point!

In the ER, the doc told me that he didn't hear much air movement. I had blood work, a chest x-ray, arterial blood gases and an immediate 1 hour treatment of albuterol and atrovent. When they do the 1 hour treatment, you have to be hooked up to a heart monitor to watch closely for heart problems. I also got a dose of IV steroids.

The next time the doctor checked my lungs, they weren't much better and I got the news that it would take many more treatments and steroids to break things up. I also had a pneumonia in my left upper lobe. The good news was that my blood gases weren't that bad, and at least I wasn't in respiratory failure. The doctor made it a point to tell me that while it was obvious that I have a problem with CO2 retention, my body was compensating pretty well. To that, I attribute the good breathing techniques that I've learned such as PLB and diaphragmic breathing. I thank God daily for showing me the way to Jane Martin's website and the education and support that I receive there daily.

I was admitted to the hospital and stayed there for 2 days, getting round the clock IV steroids and every 2 hour nebulized breathing treatments. By the second day, I was so loaded with these that my heart was pounding all of the time and I was so jittery! I also didn't sleep the whole time I was there. But I had promised my daughter that I wouldn't argue about going home too soon, and I endured.

I was released on Friday the 13th and settled in at home to recover. I was feeling better except for the pounding heart and of course I was still pretty short of breath with any movement. But I managed to overcome my aversion to asking for help, and allowed those around me to run errands and help me around the house. My daughter's mother in law is one who made it very clear to me that she "needed" to help and that it made her feel good to be doing something for me, and it got her out of the house for much needed breaks in her day. I gratefully accepted her help and she is going to be bringing me to pulmonary rehab until I'm strong enough to walk the distance from the parking lot to the rehab room.

I had a follow up appointment with my PCP this past Friday and it was very encouraging. My lungs are clear and heart rate is down. All of the labs taken in the hospital were good, like cholesterol. I am actually quite healthy except for my lungs. My fev1 dropped from 34 to 26%, but I'm hopeful that I can work my way back up a little. My doc took his time and we talked about so many things. We are convinced that my usual treatment plan is working well for me as I hadn't been hospitalized in almost 2 years. I know, too, that I need to be in touch with him sooner when I don't think things are right, in order to prevent a recurrence. I left the office with a big bag of free meds and a spring in my step.

I am starting back at pulmonary rehab on Tuesday, the 24th, and I am looking forward to seeing everyone and getting back to where I was pre-pneumonia and exacerbation. There's something about being in that room with others in the same or similar experiences and feeling all of their good energy that is so inspiring!

I hope if you have any questions or suggestions, that you will write in the comment section. I would love to hear from you.

Until next time!

~Eileen

Thoughts

June was not a stellar month for me. While I tried to keep up exercising at home, I didn't make it many days to rehab. Oh, I had a million excuses not to go. All were legitimate, but you cannot imagine the guilt that I heaped on myself! Well, maybe you can. But I'm going to let the guilt go, and write about my feelings, Deep Thoughts, as Dee would call them.

I've been thinking a lot about the toll that COPD takes on us: emotionally, physically and financially. I feel that I am blessed and I feel that I am cursed. Most days more blessed than cursed. But it's a balancing act to maintain an equilibrium with illness and health.

I've always been a very active, healthy person. Even now, I am in good health , except for these lungs of mine. Oh, and my weight, but that's another story: I have terrible eating habits. Over the years, as my work life became more stressful, my exercising fell by the wayside. I was exhausted at the end of the day and I would want nothing more than to read a good book or watch TV to be distracted from what were becoming very draining days emotionally. I wish I knew then how important exercising is to both lung health and stress. But, I didn't, and I think that contributed to my lung decline. I certainly have to make exercise a major part of my life now, to be able to have a quality of life that I can live with. Exercise also helps me to beat depression, which is what I would surely be all the time if I didn't get my endorphins moving around that brain of mine.

So these are the kinds of things I've been thinking about. I miss going to rehab and plan to get back into the routine this month. Another balancing act is looming as I try to fit in the rehab program and my work schedule. I work part-time, and some months are busier than others. July brings a new class of nursing assistants for me to teach, and for them to teach me that I can still be a meaningful member of life, which is more blessed than cursed.

See you at the gym!

~Eileen

Week 18 - progress

I am finally feeling back in the swing of exercising again. It doesn't take much to get me off track and I really have to dig deep sometimes to make myself go to rehab. But I know that being able to have a life means that I have to work hard for it so that has been my motivation. It's a rare day anymore that I stay home and don't go out and do something, even if it's just to go for a ride and enjoy the air.

This week I had a problem with my back. I was in a lot of pain on the treadmill and on Tuesday I was only able to do 5 minutes! I got a burning pain in my lower back and cramps in both my calves so I had to stop. I tried today to get on the TM, but the same thing started so I again stopped. I have a history of herniated discs and surgery, so I am hoping that a little rest and some gentle stretching will help it improve in a few days.

However, on Tuesday I did 15 minutes on both the UBE and the Nu-step. And today, I did 20 minutes on each! That included 1,750 steps on the Nu-step. I am a happy camper today because despite the set back with my back, I was able to make progress overall with my endurance times.

My blood pressure was a little high this week but it did come down after exercising. My O2 sats were good, between 95 - 97% and my pulse ran around 116.

The rehab room was very quiet this week. Only 5 or 6 people showed up for our sessions, but we had some great conversations about oxygen providers and insurance/medicare coverage. Next month there is going to be an open house for home oxygen users at our local oxygen provider's site. If you have any questions, feel free to let me know and I'll try to get them answered. I know I have questions about Medicare and liquid oxygen systems.

See you next week!

~Eileen

Week 17

Here we are, another week gone by. I didn't go to rehab on Tuesday. For some reason, my breathing was awful, as I was trying to get ready to go. Throughout my shower, I was very short of breath, and couldn't seem to recover. It was getting late, and I was trying to hurry and that made me more short of breath and that made me more anxious and that made me more breathless - and on and on. I felt so guilty for not getting to rehab that day!

On Wednesday my breathing was much better and today I got to rehab okay. The hospital where the rehab is held is undergoing much construction and my main route in was not available. I trekked throughout the hospital corriders completely lost and it took me 15 minutes of walking just to find my way, and I used to work there!!

There were 11 of us today and it was a rowdy good time. Libby was back to her cheery self and I discovered that 2 of the ladies are also nurses. Janet is still having pain in her ribs and Cheryl still hasn't come back. The time flew by with all of the conversations going on and all of the joking and laughter that went with it.

I did 10 minutes on the TM at 1.2 and plan to be up to 15 minutes next week. I did 15 minutes and 1, 365 steps on the Nu-Step (still wishing I had one at home), and I did 18 minutes on the UBE. My goal is to get to 20 minutes on each.

There's a Better Breather's meeting next Tuesday after rehab and I think it's time for me to join. There are speakers each month and I hear that things are pretty lively there, too.

See you next week!

~Eileen

Week 16 - Thursday

Thursday was a good day at rehab. I did 10 minutes on the machines and 1000 steps on the nu-step. Next week I'll get back up to 15 minutes on each. I'm going to try to increase by 5 minutes the following week so that I will be doing 1 hour of exercises each time I go.

I read an update on Audrey's care page and her fev1 is up to 81%! She is really doing so great. She is an inspiration to everyone to do our best! She's walking a lot and going to rehab. There's a walk this weekend to benefit Cystic Fibrosis. Rose, our therapist, is one of the walkers in that.

This is short and brief today. I am off to pump some iron - hehe - I mean to work with my 3lb weights...

See you next week!

~Eileen

Week 16 Tuesday

I feel the effects of the inconsistencies of my workouts - more trouble breathing, inability to walk as far, lack of energy. So it is with renewed commitment that I went to my pulmonary rehab maintenance today.

After catching my breath, I took my BP and O2 sat. My blood pressure was up there at 178/91. Yikes! After the walk in, my O2 sat was 97% - confirming the theory that movement is GOOD.

I went to the UBE first, and did 10 minutes. My biceps and triceps burned! But it was good to get back into the swing of it all. As I was pedaling my arms along, I was checking out the room. It was filling up with new faces. My how things have changed in a week! We wound up with 9 people exercising today.

After a rest, I went to the treadmill and did 11 minutes at 1.2. I was struggling at 10 minutes, but I decided to push myself one more minute - sort of my salute to renewed motivation. After I was done on the TM, I sat at the table, had some water and visited for a while because I was waiting for the Nu-Step to be free. My BP was down to 125/74 and my O2 sats were 97%. Silently, I said way to go!

On to the Nu-Step and I did 10 minutes before I was completely wiped out. I was only able to do 880 steps. I just could not make my arms and legs go on any more. Back to the table for more rest and water and conversation.

I really enjoy sharing conversations with fellow COPDers and others who attend. I've said before, some have cancer and a multitude of additional illnesses, and their spirit always humbles me. I felt particularly bad for Libby today. She usually comes in with a big smile and lots of laughter but she was subdued today. I asked her if she was ok and she told me that she had been up all night with knee pain. (If that was me, I'd still be in bed whining!) She also told me that her brother, her last sibling, died on Saturday and she looked so sad that I could have cried. But she was there today. If I hadn't been motivated before, I was most certainly motivated now.

There was a sweet bouquet of flowers on the table today. Some lilacs, tulips and a couple others that I can't recall their names. But there were also some white bleeding hearts. They were so delicate and beautiful! Can you believe that I've never seen them in person? What a day!

Week 15 ~ Thursday

Another good day at rehab! I consider them all good days, even when I don't perform as well as others, like today. I don't know why, but I just couldn't do as well as Tuesday.

I did 15 minutes on the NuStep and 1,330 steps at level 5. Not bad. Then I did the upper body ergometer and did 10 minutes with my upper arms at a burn when I finished. Hmm, not sure why, but maybe I overdid home exercises yesterday. Then I went onto the treadmill and set it a bit faster than Tuesday and had to stop at 10 minutes because my calves were cramping. I should have known better than to increase the speed until I had the distance back up to what it was. Lesson learned (yet again).

It is beautiful out today. It's a pleasant 65 degrees with a slight breeze and lots of sunshine - a wonderful day to be outside. Pansies are my favorite flowers and I saw lots of them.

Libby made me laugh so much today and Janet is still perservering despite her broken ribs. Cheryl, the lady with cancer, was supposed to come back a couple of weeks ago but we haven't heard from her lately. Audrey, the 13 year old with CF who got the double lung transplant is doing great. She exercises alone, later in the day, because of the potential of catching an infection. One of her favorite exercises is the hoola hoop! I used to be a master but that was long ago and far away! I don't even have a waist anymore to swing it on! LOL

See you next week!

~Eileen

Week 15 - Tuesday

I skipped a week due to an intestinal virus and I'm so pleased that at rehab I did better than I had expected. I cannot stress enough how much consistent exercise, even just twice a week, has helped me. When I get sick, I don't get as sick as I used to and I don't decomensate as quickly so that when I feel better, it is not such an effort to get back in the swing of exercising.

I did 15 minutes on all of the machines. My O2 sats remained 96% throughout and my blood pressure was pretty stable at 130/70. When I walked to the rehab room, I was able to get there without stopping to rest somewhere along the way. If you'll remember, in the beginning, it took a stop or two to catch my breath as I walked from my car to the rehab room.

On the NuStep, I did 1,250 steps. This is fewer than I had been able to do but I am satisfied that I was able to accomplish an average of 80 steps per minute.

Janet, one of my exercise partners, broke 3 ribs last week coughing! She said she was just eating toast and inhaled a tiny piece of bread, which sent her into a huge coughing fit. Ouch, ouch, ouch!! But her doctor told her she should continue to exercise, (kudos to the doc), and God bless her, Janet did her best. Remember when we used to be put on bedrest for back injuries and other injuries like broken ribs? They've found out that staying active is a much healthier alternative.

I am looking forward to Thursday! See you then!

~Eileen

Week 14 - Thursday

My little friend Audrey went to Boston this week for a follow up visit post double lung transplant. A couple of weeks ago her fev1 was 40%; this time it is 78%!!! Last weekend she went sliding in the snow, something she hasn't done in a couple of years. Her 13th birthday is next Sunday. What a great birthday present - the ability to breathe again. I am so proud to be one of her supporters!

It was tough going to rehab today because it was so nice out. The rains have stopped, the sun came out and the temp was in the low 60's. But I went and did 15 minutes on each of the machines. My O2 sats remained in the 97% range and my blood pressure is back down again.

I'm a little disappointed that I couldn't get to 20 minutes on the machines. It's been a struggle to get to 15 minutes and I guess my body just isn't ready yet for more. I hope by next week that it will happen.

A couple of the regulars weren't there for various reasons, but we still have quite a group. We have great personalities and they are fun to be around. That helps to make the exercise time go by when the machines become boring.

See you next week!

~Eileen

Week 14 ~ Reflections

Well, it's been about three and a half months since I started back at pulmonary rehab maintenance. This has been such a positive experience that I have to share with you how much it has meant to me.

At the end of last year, I was staying home way too much. I didn't have the energy to go anywhere or do much of anything. I did what was absolutely necessary to get by and nothing more. I needed money and went to my part time job but wasn't really getting into it like I wanted to. I cancelled on a couple of classes because I didn't feel well. I was very depressed and thought I was quite the failure and thought alot about my life and how disappointed I was that it ended up with a chronic disease and nothing to do about it. I didn't stay in touch very well with family and friends and I even didn't attend a family wedding. I knew that if I could just get motivated, maybe there was hope for me to have a better life, but didn't persue it. I made half-hearted attempts to exercise at home but never followed through. I lived in my mind and that was a horrible mistake because I always saw the cup as half empty rather than half full.

When I was at my wit's end, I contacted the pulmonary rehab that I had attended in the past and asked if I could come back in the maintenance program. I didn't think it would be a problem but I was told that all vacancies were filled and that it would be quite a while before any spots would be open. I accepted this and it fed into my defeated attitude that I couldn't get better.

BUT, I got a call at the end of December that a new program was being added for the folks who were on the wait list to get pulmonary rehab maintenance. It was to start January 9. The news hit me like a ton of bricks - a second chance! I savored it. I looked forward to it. I saw it as a new beginning and a way to be accountable to someone or something like I couldn't be to myself.

The past 3 months have been slow going but with phenomenal results for me. I feel better, I want to do more, I CAN do more. The more I accomplish, the more I want to go forward. As I feel better, I get out more, and that has been instrumental in lifting the veil of depression that has clouded my mind for so long. I see family and friends again and I haven't cancelled out of one session in the last class of CNA's. I am more involved in life around me and want to do more to give back.

I cannot say enough for pulmonary rehab and an exercise program. For me, it was life altering. I look forward to each Tuesday and Thursday when I can join other people like me who need exercise to live. My comrades, mes amies, my lifeline to hope. I cherish the hope that I can be better, live better and be a better person.

I found all of this at pulmonary rehab!

~Eileen

Week 13 - Thursday

I argued with myself for a long time before going to rehab today. It was sleeting and raining out and I wanted to go but was thinking maybe I shouldn't go out. But in the end, I knew I'd feel worse and be kicking myself for the rest of the day if I didn't go. So off I went and I'm glad I did!

Usually I have a hard time breathing when it's raining out but today wasn't too bad. I think it's because of the prednisone I'm on. But I was quite short of breath when I arrived and after a short rest, went to the UBE.

I did 20 minutes on the UBE!! Wow! What started out as a torture machine for me has turned out to be one of my favorites. It helped that Libby sat next to me. She is the most pleasant person I have ever met and she loves to talk! I love to listen to her and we wind up laughing and having a great time. So she can work by my side any old time!!

After a rest, I went to the Nu-step. I did 15 minutes and 1,380 steps. Just a little improvement on the steps but I just wasn't feeling the love enough to extend the time today. Next I went to the TM and did 15 minutes at 1.2 mph.

By the time I was done, I was exhausted! My calves were killing me and I was so tired. But my blood pressure came down from 170/90 to 147/70 during my time at rehab today. And my O2 sats stayed up at 97% throughout.

Between machines, I was talking with someone who didn't know about alldaychemist.com and I was happy to share information about it with her. She also didn't know about WalMart's $4 perscription program. Speaking of alldaychemist.com, I finally got my order yesterday and not a minute too soon! My order had been delayed in customs, but not stopped.

Keep moving and see you all next week!
~Eileen

Week 13 - Tuesday

I am always amazed at how quickly a bug will hit me and make me feel so lousy but I am so happy that my body responds so quickly to meds. I am feeling much better this week and back at it!

Walking into the rehab room is always such a pleasure. It's funny, but I never felt this way before when I attended. It was always a chore to get over with as quickly as possible. This time around, I look forward to going, taking my time and really do enjoy it. I "get" the connection between exercise and breathing.

My O2 sats were low, around 91%, when I first got to rehab. But they gradually came up to 94-95% after working out. I imagine that they'll get better as the week goes on and I feel even better.

I tried really hard to progress a little this week, but just couldn't. Maybe Thursday I'll get to 20 minutes on the machines but for today, I stayed at 15 minutes on each. On the TM I continued at 1.2mph, on the UBE I did 16 minutes, and on the Nu-Step I did 15 minutes and got to 1,365 steps, which was a bit of an improvement over last week.

Audrey, our 12 year old double transplant friend, has been coming to rehab twice a week and is doing great. It's hard to believe that only 3 weeks ago she had such a major surgery! Let's all keep her in our prayers for continued recovery.

Cheryl, the lady who has COPD on top of cancer, has been out for a while. She started on a new chemo regime that left her pretty wiped out but she will be coming back this week. I am so humbled by her courage and determination. She is pure dignity in the face of her challenges.

See you Thursday!
~Eileen

Week 12 ~ Tuesday/Thursday

This week I went to rehab both days and have maintained 15 minutes on each machine. I've increased the speed of the TM from 1 to 1.2. Considering how I felt this week, I have to give myself a pat on the back for making the effort.

I felt feverish and starting coughing alot as soon as I started moving around this week. By Thursday I called my doctor and got started on an antibiotic and prednisone and within 24 hours started feeling better.

This week was hard for me and I'm happy that I perservered and made the extra effort to do more than I thought I could. But it took all that I had to do it and left me feeling tired, depressed and frustrated. I hate that my mind says I can do things but my body just doesn't cooperate. I was so angry at my COPD this week when I couldn't walk without getting short of breath and it was so awkward dragging my tank around because I was so clumsy with it for some reason.

But I calmed myself down, cut myself some slack, asked for help with chores around my house, and now that I'm feeling better, I'm feeling better about everything around me. A few good cries and a few temper tantrums didn't really hurt any and probably helped some, things got done, and I'll be ready for a new week. And definitely ready for a new attitude. I hate feeling so down and defeated! That's really not my nature and it takes so much more effort to support that than it does a positive attitude.

~Eileen

Week 11 ~ Thursday

I am red-faced as I report that I didn't go to rehab on Thursday either. A whole week. I really had to weigh my options this week and it was very hard to balance what I needed to do. But I did what I did and next week won't be as hectic and I won't have to make such hard choices. Right now I can honestly say that at least I know how important exercise is in my life. I guess I wouldn't agonize over missing it, if I didn't know that it is allowing me the ability to do more with each passing week.

We just finished writing a grant to get some funding to develop a pilot program to provide free home visits for patients with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and CHF (Congestive Heart Failure) who fall between the cracks of Medicare, Medicaid and private insurances. I am so excited about it and hopeful that with this program, we will be able to provide important education and support to allow patients to be more proactive in the management of their illness and increase the quality of their lives.

Audrey has returned home from her double transplant and is doing very well. She is just 12 years old and a hero to all of us who know her. She and her family have been through so much and to now be on the other side of the transplant after waiting for 4 long years is so heartwarming! Go Audrey!

I'd like to mention here that your comments are welcome here. I would appreciate any comments, suggestions, support, questions etc that you would like to make! The more the merrier!

See you next week!

~Eileen

Week 11 ~ Tuesday

OOPS! I did it again. I overextended my day with work and appointments and didn't make it to pulmonary rehab. Again. The last couple of weeks have been hectic and since I need money, I'm torn about this. But work just cannot remain an obstacle to getting my exercises in.

It's a viscious circle for me. It's due to the renewed commitment to my health that allows me the ability to do more work. Now, due to the increased work and related researching, meetings and classes, I am having trouble fitting in the thing that I feel is so important. But work and purpose are important to me too.

I didn't sleep a wink last night worrying about this and how to handle it. I can't rest today because I have a class to get ready for, I have a doctor's appt, and class tonight. Tomorrow I WILL go to rehab. Period. I've had this conversation with myself before.

Geesh. I wish the oxygen guy would get here so I can take a shower. If he doesn't get here soon, I'll be rushing to take it and we all know what happens then.

I never had these problems when I just sat around on the couch with the remote in my hand...

See you Thursday!

~Eileen

Week 10 ~ Thursday

I finished off the week doing 15 minutes on each machine. Next week I will work up to 20 minutes. My blood pressure has been good and O2 sats as well. I'm looking forward to 'kicking it up a notch'. I've also started working with therabands at home and they are really fun!

We had some rain and my breathing was worse before and during it. It is so frustrating to know I can do something and the weather dictates whether or not I can do it on any given day. We are expecting some snow tonight and I just can't do anything without getting excessively short of breath. Tomorrow will be better.

Audrey is managing well without oxygen and they are working on discharge planning with her and her family. She takes all of her meds by mouth now and hopefully will have the last of her chest tubes removed soon. Go Audrey!!

See you next week!

~Eileen

Week 10 ~ Tuesday

Today I had a meeting to work on program development for our CNA class, and although I said that I had to leave early for rehab, the time ran on and before I knew it, it was too late to get in exercise. I am very disappointed in myself. As I've said before, work was always my excuse for not attending in the past and I didn't want it to ever be a reason for not going again. I plan to work twice as hard this evening to make up for it. I have weights and I have now got therabands so I have no excuse not to work out at home.

Our little friend Audrey is doing well and they think she might go up to a regular floor this week. I was doing a little research because I really don't know alot about cystic fibrosis, and the sad part is that she will still have the disease and these new lungs will last only about 4 years. The image at the top of the page is cystic fibrosis. I know she will be enjoying her new breath but my heart hurts that this will become something that she will have to endure again. What a brave child!

Week 9 - Thursday

I am a walking list of excuses. I can find an excuses to never do anything good for myself and I'm not afraid to use them. BUT, lately I am fighting back. This morning, I thought that I needed to spend my rehab time working on a project for work but realized that work had been my excuse for not attending pulmonary rehab so many times in the past. Time for a change! I overrode my own decision and went to rehab and I'm so glad that I did.

I finished out the week by continuing my progress. I'm doing 15 minutes on each of the pieces of equipment that I use. My oxygen sats remained at 97% and my pulse ran around 116 during exercise. My blood pressure is VERY good at 110/70.

I am going to go for 20 minutes on each next week. I feel really good and the more I do, the more I want to do. I have never felt such a sense of well being before. It took emphysema and a fight for my life to do it. I have been consistent and motivated and it has rewarded me greatly with a renewed lease on life. People around me see it and comment about it. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have another chance on making my life better!

See you next week!

~Eileen

Week 9 ~ Tuesday

It was back to rehab again today for me. I thought I did very well even though I had to squeeze in the session during a very busy work day.

I added another 5 minutes to the treadmill, so my time is 15 minutes now at 1.0 mph. When I get to 20 minutes I am going to start adding some speed to that walk!

I also went up 5 minutes on the Nu-step to a total of 15 minutes. Today I was able to get to 1,200 steps. When I get to 20 minutes on this, I plan to increase the work load.

I remained at 10 minutes on the UBE.

Throughout the exercising, my pulse ran in the 120's. My blood pressure remained pretty constant around 144/70 and my O2 sats ran 97%. After the exercising, my O2 sats remained at 97%. I am pleased with my progress and look forward to more.

Little Audrey is doing well. She has been getting up to a chair, her vent is out and one of her chest tubes is also out. They are keeping an eye on a small pneumothorax, but she is stable and her pain is being managed very well. Please keep Audrey and her family in your prayers.

~Eileen

Week 8 ~ Thursday

I got some wonderful news today at rehab. Audrey, the 12 year old who had been waiting over 4 years for a transplant, got 2 new lungs this week!!! (see day 2 post) Way to go Audrey! So far she is stable but right after the surgery, which lasted about 12 hours, they had to put in a temporary pacemaker for an irregular heartbeat. Please keep her in your prayers for a speedy recovery. Audrey had just been 70 pounds when she had the surgery, and she had become quite debilitated. I am so happy that her long wait has ended and I pray that she will finally be able to laugh and dance and breathe well with this wonderful gift.

My workout was the same as Tuesday. I had hoped to increase the time, but my body wasn't ready yet. My pulse ran around 110-120, my BP from 144/82 to 126/67, my O2 sats stayed at 97%. I look forward to attempting more next week!

~Eileen

Week Eight

Today was my first day back to rehab after 2 weeks of being away. I have to say, just sitting at the table when I got there, felt so good! It was where I was supposed to be. I got a rousing welcome back from everyone, which felt awesome, too.

I might suffer tomorrow from today's workout, but it doesn't seem that I lost a whole lot of ground in my 2 week absence. I was able to do almost what I was at when I left. My pulse ran much higher during the exercise, but not dangerously so.

My BP was 125/76 when I got there, and my pulse was 126. The walk in had been tough. I stopped 2 times on the way in to catch my breath. My O2 sat was 97%. (Oxygen at 4L continuous for exercise). I rested about 10 minutes before starting.

First I did the UBE, and was able to do 10 minutes, which was where I left off. My pulse ran around 122 and my O2 sat 95%. I have always detested this piece of equipment, but today the time went by in a snap and I didn't dislike it so much. I hope I can like it someday!

Next was the TM. I did 10 minutes at 1.0 MPH. My pulse ran in the upper 120's to a high of 132. My O2 sat was 96%. I had been up to 15 minutes previously so maybe Thursday I will try for that again.

The last one I did was the Nu-Step, which I love. I worked 10 minutes at Level 5; the last time I did it I did 15 minutes. Again, perhaps Thurs I will work up to that again. I only was able to do 665 steps, a far cry from the 1500 I was previously able to do. But it's progress, not perfection, that counts. My pulse ran in the 120's; O2 sat 96%.

By the time I was done, and resting for the last time before leaving, my O2 sat was 96%, Pulse 110 and BP 109/68.

Of course, during all this there was constant conversation. Cheryl, who has cancer as well as COPD, hasn't been attending because she just started another round of chemotherapy. Her wonderfully positive attitude had been such a blessing for all of us and we hope she comes back soon.

I love the conversation that goes back and forth among all of us. It helps the time go by and making new friends is always a good thing for me. I feel so comfortable there and I'm so happy that I didn't have as much of a setback as I had thought.

~Eileen

Week Seven

Unfortunately I didn't make it to rehab for a second week. I was feeling better but coughing like crazy and that left me breathless and exhausted.

I have been keeping up with sitting exercises and upper body exercises using my weights but I really feel the difference from not attending rehab. So even if I have to go and just sit, I will still go to pulmonary rehab on Tuesday! It is very disappointing to see the decline and I hope it doesn't take long to build back up.

~Eileen

Week Six a Bust

Unfortunately, week six didn't happen for me at pulmonary rehab. I came down with a chest infection. As soon as I started coughing up funky stuff, I started antibiotics so within a couple of days I was feeling much better.

Additionally I took a nasty spill on the ice on Tuesday. Ouch! It hurt my pride, of course, more than my body, but I was quite sore for several days. I'm getting back to normal (well, what passes for normal!) and plan to jump back in on Tuesday!

~Eileen

Week Five ~ Thursday

See Maxine. Maxine doesn't like to exercise. I hope that's not a cigarette in her hand! Poor Maxine would have to change her whole lifestyle if she developed COPD. And you think she's cranky now!

Yes, that was me just a couple of years ago. Exercise has really never been in my vocabulary. I would join a club or gym but never made it past a month at any time. I thought, well I work hard and that should be enough. Even when I was first diagnosed with COPD, I went through Pulmonary Rehab, twice, as a matter of fact. After each 6 week session, I would join the maintenance program and gradually I would slow down and eventually not go at all.

I have finally gotten the exercise/lung connection. After 8 years of huffing and puffing first without oxygen and even with oxygen, I am trying to make the best of the body I have. And it takes work to do it, hard work and commitment. I have finally made the commitment to be better and this is exciting for me. I am now waiting for a spot to open up in the class that is 3 times a week.

Today, an old habit reared its head: I didn't want to go out in frigid weather and go to rehab. I almost talked myself out of it but somehow reason won out and I thought of what I could be losing if I didn't go. I went.

I was very short of breath walking to the rehab room. I've been pretty short of breath for the past couple of days and I'm not sure why, but I was able to do all the exercises.

On the TM, the Nu-Step, the UBE and the recumbent bike, my pulse ran around 110 and my O2 sats were 94-95%. That's funny, because at home I have been having trouble maintaining sats over 90 with my usual liter flow. At rehab, though, I keep my O2 on 4L continuously. At home I usually use the demand settings so maybe it's time to go continuous with it at home too. I plan to call my pulmonologist before my sessions next week.

I would say that overall, this week I maintained. I'm looking forward to making some more progress next week.

~Eileen

Week Five ~ Tuesday

Today I had to make one stop to catch my breath on my way to the gym. I was disappointed in myself but there is a change in the weather coming and I think that is to blame for the increased shortness of breath.

I arrived at a very deserted rehab room. There were only 3 of us and a therapist. So many of the regulars were not there and I wonder where they are. I think alot about Cheryl, who is fighting cancer as well as COPD. She has such a fighting spirit and I hope she is not sick. Maybe everyone is getting ready for the 12 inches of snow that we are expecting tomorrow.

I ended last week feeling overwhelmed. My kitchen was being done over and I had packed and hauled everything out. I am thrilled with the results and now look forward to putting everything back now. I will take my time and do it when I feel spurts of energy. I have finally learned that Rome wasn't built in a day...hehehe.

When I arrived today my BP was 167/80, Pulse 93, O2 sat 95%. I maintained the 4L continuously that I used to walk in. At rest I turn it down to 1.5L.

I walked 15 minutes on the treadmill at an even level. My sats and pulse ran a good 95% and my pulse ran around 100. I checked them every 5 minutes on my pulse oximeter. I am so pleased that I was able to maintain a constant level with the activity.

I did 15 minutes on the Nu-Step, and my total steps were 1,555 at Level 5. My pulse ran around 101 and my O2 sats were 96%.

I did 12 minutes on the UBE, 6 minutes forward and 6 minutes backward. I increased the time from 10 to 12 minutes and although my upper arms were burning, I didn't mind the time. Finally. This machine was a torture for me at first, and now I can tolerate it. Yeahhhhh!

By the time I was finished, my BP was down to 124/74 and my O2 sats were 96%.

While these are baby steps, they are monumental for me. This is the first time that I have commited to a plan and I really look forward to besting myself each time that I go. Now, that's progress.

~Eileen

Week Four ~ Tues and Thurs

Hello everyone, and welcome to week 4 of pulmonary rehab maintenance! Overall this has been a good week, although I'm ending on a slow note. Things were great on Tuesday but by Thursday my resources were pretty much depleted. But I did attend and get exercise which is a great new insight for me into my fortitude!

On Tuesday I did all of the machines and my blood pressure was down. When I left it was 120/73. I did well on all of the machines and my sats ran 95-96% with my pulse running from 101-113. My resting pulse was in the 80's and while I felt this was an improvement, the therapist said that it still needed to be lower.

At home I have been packing and moving my whole kitchen in anticipation of a new kitchen. I did it all by myself and am sure that what I've gained in pulmonary rehab helped me to accomplish this! I was packing and lifting and hauling to beat the band!

But by Thursday, today, I was wiped out! I almost didn't go to rehab but decided that it would be a very poor decision and went. Although I didn't do as well as I have been, I was proud of myself for trying. In an hour and a half, I got 45 minutes of steady exercise in and felt better for that.

Tonight I am thoughtful and pondering the fate of one of my exerciser buddies, Cheryl. She has COPD but in addition, she has terminal multiple myeloma which is a cancer that affects the bone marrow. She had a bone marrow transplant about 5 years ago which allowed her a better quality of life until recently. From what she told me, the cancerous cells attack areas of her body which causes her much pain. Right now, they are producing tumors on her left shoulder. But she comes every Tues and Thurs and has a wonderful fighting attitude and great sense of humor. I am so inspired by her. She deals with so much more than I do and continues to plod on and hope for the future. She says she will not go out without kicking and fighting. I really think that she will beat the odds. What a fighter!.

See you next week!
~Eileen

Week Three - Thursday

Today was the first day that I walked all the way to the rehab room without stopping and without much shortness of breath. What a victory ! I also added some time to some of the exercises and did all 4 machines. I cannot believe that I forgot to do the recumbent bike on Tuesday! I mixed it up today for a change and to keep it from getting boring, a dangerous state for anyone exercising because that leads to disinterest.

Before I started, my BP was 169/90, Pulse 100, O2 97%. By the time I was finished, my BP was 140/76, P99, O2 96%. I use my O2 at 4L anytime I'm moving around.

First I went to the UBE, upper body ergometer, and finally got up to 10 minutes! It isn't the torture it used to be either and that makes me so happy!

Next was the recumbent bike and I cycled for 8 minutes, up from 6 the last time. It's starting to become more natural. The first few times I felt like I was really jerking my legs.

Then the treadmill for 15 minutes at 1.0. Again, I've added some minutes to this one also. Maybe next week I'll a little more spead to it. But for today, it felt really good to get to 15 minutes.

Finally I went to the Nu-step. I just love this piece of equipment! I've got a pretty good rhythm going on this. I did 15 minutes at Level 5 and was able to do 1,525 steps. Maybe next week I can go for 20 minutes.

I should mention here that everyday at home I do breathing exercises for about 15 minutes about 2 or 3 times a day. I do diaphramatic breathing and sometimes use a P-Flex, an inspirational muscle trainer. I know I should use that everyday and I have no good excuse for not using it, so I am going to have to work on that! I also work with 3lb weights every other day for arm strengthening.

So my endurance is better and my blood pressure is better and I am so excited for what more I can do! See you next week!

~Eileen

Week Three

Today was a really good day at pulmonary rehab maintenance. I was able to walk quite a distance to the rehab room and was only a little short of breath when I got there. This shows me how much the exercise is helping and motivates me to keep trying.

The picture to the left is an upper body ergometer. This strengthens the upper arms and is the piece of equipment that I am still only able to achieve 8 minutes on. Next week I'm pretty sure I will be able to increase to 10 minutes since I am working with 3LB weights at home on the days I'm not at rehab.

I walked for 12 minutes on the treadmill at 1 MPH and by the end of this week I will increase to 15 minutes. When I am comfortable at 15 minutes, I will increase the speed.

I used the Nu-Step for 15 minutes and did 1550 steps at Level 5. I try to stay steady at about 100 steps per minute and by next week I will try to do it for 20 minutes.

When I started today, my BP was 156/91, O2 sats were 93% and pulse was 115. By the time I left, my BP was 143/79, O2 sats 97% and my pulse was 100.

~Eileen

Thursday Rehab

I had to park quite far from the entrance for rehab so I got some walking in first thing today. There's a lot of construction going on. Once in the hospital, I did my usual stop to check out pictures on the wall or whatever was available to look at so I wouldn't be conspicuous while catching my breath. The way that I usually enter has the gift shop with a wonderful array of things to look at.

When I got to the rehab room my BP was 138/76, Pulse 95, O2 sat 95%. I went to the treadmill first and did 11 minutes at 1.0. I remember someone saying that the first 5 minutes is always the worst and everything after that gets better. I have to agree.

After a rest I did the Nu-step. I increased to level 5 and did 15 minutes, managing to do 1540 steps. Thank goodness I wore a short sleeved shirt because I worked up a sweat this time. When I was done, my BP was 132/75, P101, O2 96%.

On to the UBE (ergometer) for 8 minutes at level 2. This remains a torture for me and my arms but I know it will help me to build up those muscles so things like lifting and carrying things such as groceries will be easier.

Today I added the recumbent bike. I have been watching other people do it and frankly thought to myself "this is a piece of cake". HA! I was only able to do 5 minutes on it because my upper legs were crying like babies for relief! That is the LAST time I underestimate a piece of exercise equipment.

At the end of my workout, my BP was 138/76, P95, O2 95%. We had a new lady join us today and by next week we'll have a couple more. It's nice to sit between exercises and chat about things. There's always a pile of internet jokes that someone brings in for us to read and Rose always provides us with never-ending ice water. I don't know what made me think that I wanted to exercise alone...this is infinitely better.

~Eileen

Week Two

Well here we are, a new week and another new start. I was afraid I had lost ground because of missing pulmonary rehab last week but fortunately, that wasn't the case. I was able to keep up with where I left off, and even add a tiny bit. Besides the 3 machines that I use now, on Thursday I plan to add another to strengthen my legs even more. My calves were burning today after walking around a store for 15 - 20 minutes after rehab today, so I want to do more to get them in shape.

I didn't struggle as hard as I did in the past walking to the rehab dept today. On arrival, my numbers were: O2=96%, Pulse=101, BP=147/81. I wasn't as short of breath as previously.

I did the treadmill first; 11 minutes at 1.0 and 0 gradient. While on the TM my sats ran between 92-93% and my pulse ran 115-118. I believe my pulse was higher the last time I did the TM. And this time I added one minute - doesn't seem like much, but felt like a small triumph. When I was done, my O2 was 94%, P106 and BP 136/79.

On to the Nu-step for 15 minutes at work level 4. Last week I was on level 2 or 3, I think. However, today I spent a few minutes really positioning myself and the machine to get maximum workout with a level of comfort. It worked out really well and I did 1500 steps, meaning I did 100 steps a minute. When finished, I was at 94% O2, P110 and BP 116/73.

Next was the UBE. I increased it to Level 4 and again did 8 minutes total. After that my BP was 130/74, P118 and O2 95%.

I felt pretty charged up after the session. There are only 6 of us in this session and there's a good camaraderie among us. I am very fortunate to live in this community where I can do this for only $30/month. I've been reading on EFFORTS that some people are paying between $80 - $100 per SESSION! And sometimes more, which is just outrageous.

Already I'm feeling better and stronger. I feel really committed to doing this on a long term basis and with feeling better so soon after starting, that's just frosting on the cake!

~Eileen

Just a little hiccup

I think I have the curse of the blog...last week I was fine and this week I'm sick. But I'll post anyway.

Last week, as I said, I felt really good. I had seen my pulmonary doc that week and we were happy with the way things were going for me. But on Friday in class, I started with a really bad headache and my blood pressure was very high. After class I went to my PCP for reasurrances that I wasn't going to stroke out. My blood pressure had come down a little and we decided that I'd go back on a diuretic for a while although there was no swelling in my feet or ankles. And I did get my reassurance that I wasn't stroking out.

Then on Monday, I woke up severely short of breath, my feet were like footballs and I felt awful. I talked again with my PCP and I doubled up on the diuretic, and he added prednisone and albuterol by nebulizer. No fever and no discolored mucus, so no antibiotic.

I started feeling better today and tried to do some things around the house. That just left me coughing so hard that I was drenched with sweat from the effort and crying in frustration. I was going to try to go to rehab tomorrorw but now I think I'll just take it easy until next week.

I am breathing better and know by next week I'll be able to continue where I left off at pulmonary rehab. This just firms up my resolve to be a better me! I'll leave another post in a day or so just to update on how I'm feeling.

~Eileen