And Then There Was Exercise!

There aren't too many people who don't greet that word with a groan. But, as all us COPDrs know - and if we don't, we haven't been listening or reading - exercise is, after smoking cessation, the single most beneficial addition to obtaining and maintaining an improved quality of life. Exercise will not bring back any lost lung function, but it will certainly help you to use whatever you have to the best advantage. When you exercise you teach your body and your muscles to function at their optimum with the amount of oxygen you are able to supply. Exercise will strengthen your heart and your other organs and you will have increased breathing capacity and stamina. Many people have reported being very ill and being told by their Doctors that if they had not been in such good shape they probably would not have made it. Exercise will even help mental awareness because you are moving the blood and oxygen which flows to the brain also. For half an hour to an hour a day you receive untold benefits that last a lifetime. It's a worthwhile payoff.

The first suggestion is to attend a Pulmonary Rehab program if it is available. You will receive all sorts of advice, hints and shown how to monitor your exercise and your oxygen and heart stats will be recorded for use by your Physician Ideally your own Pulmonary Physician should be involved with this Rehab Group, which should also include Respiratory Therapists, Pharmacologists, Dietitians and perhaps even Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists. You will learn breathing techniques from your Respiratory Therapist, along with controlling those SOB episodes. The Pharmacologist will sort out your medications for you and be able to discuss side effects, etc. and the Dietitian will advise you on the best diet for you and the spacing of your meals. Physical and Occupational Therapists are bonuses and not in many Rehab programs, but wouldn't it be nice if we could get them to help us with our day to day physical therapy and how to fill those long hours now we can't be as active. If you can't find a group which includes all of the above, do the best you can, but try to attend some sort of Rehab, at least for the first few weeks. The companionship itself is worth a great deal to your emotional and mental health. Knowing you are not alone is always therapeutic, and who knows, you might make some new friends.
 

If Rehab is not possible, after checking with your doctor, there are all kinds of machines available on the Market. They have a wide price range and usually it is a good idea to shop for a "used machine" either at a store which specializes in them, or through the paper. "Used" sometimes means used once or twice and then stored and forgotten, so bargains are to be had on good machines. Those most often used by COPDrs are the treadmill and the exercise bike. There are proponents of both and they both can be used aerobically and for endurance training. When using alone, they are both boring in the extreme and we all try to combat that by watching TV, watching tapes or listening to the radio. Some of our creative members have even hooked up a reading stand and try doing that. Anything that keeps you going, besides snacking, is good. One suggestion is to select a tape you really want to watch and only watch it while you are exercising - a little motivational blackmail! Weights are also suggested for strength and these can be anything from weights you purchase to weights you make - cans - jugs filled with liquid, etc. - just be sure the tops are tight.

Then, there are a couple of fun ways to exercise. Walking of course is always acceptable and mall walking is even better because it is climate controlled and they do have all those fascinating things to look at. If you really wish to be a martyr, leave your money and credit cards at home. Or, live a little and plan to take a quick break and get yourself a treat for being so good. (Can be pretty expensive on a daily basis). Swimming is another exercise that a lot of people enjoy and there are those who swim along just fine with the "hose in the nose" so don't let that stop you. Just be sure the hose is long enough to keep anything electrical away from the water. You don't need that type of stimulus.

For those who have never exercised, it doesn't much matter what you do or how long you do it, just as long as you start. If you can only walk about 5 steps without running out of breath, that's what you start with. The first day, try walking those 5 steps at every TV Commercial (you won't be missing anything). Maybe after a couple of days of doing this you are able to walk 8 or 9 steps, then do that. Next, increase your time, maybe walk around your apartment or house for about 2 or 3 minutes. (This can be a long time if you are SOB or out of practice). Then, increase your time and the next thing you know you will be off and running on the good old dreadmill.

Many have started with 2 minutes on the treadmill and worked up. You will improve - that is a given - and you have lots of time, so don't be too hard on yourself. If you have been a couch potato for a long time your muscles might do a little "screaming" at first, but like everything else, "this too shall pass" and you are getting healthy, even as you hurt. Just pick something and do it and then increase and then add something else. After you get started on a program, you will come up with ideas of your own to get exercise. Nothing succeeds like success and I can promise you one thing. You will feel better both mentally and physically if you exercise. Whether it is those endorphins or whatever, a feeling of accomplishment is good. Keep a chart - show it to your Doctor, he/she will be impressed that you are trying to help yourself. The hardest thing about exercise is to start - after that everything is downhill!
 

July 2000 Write Nancy of Florida