COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
I know that a lot of you re in a Pulmonary rehab program. I have just completed a program similar to it and made a discovery that was very exciting for me. I have been trying to use the bike but would poop out after only 2 - 3 minutes. Normally when I am winded and need to get my breathing under control, I lean on my elbows usually resting on a counter or something. I decided to use the same position while riding the bike. I was so thrilled that I was able to ride for 6 minutes the first time and yesterday I did 10 minutes - a record for me!! My muscles are complaining today but am so happy. I just rode the bike like the racers do.
i figured even with my feet & neck i could do that.
wow! 5 minutes with barely any pressure & i could feel it in my legs and lungs!
i sit in kitchen chair to use it; so maybe if i lean forward and rest on the kitchen table it will help.
thanks for the tip!
My FIL (retired physical therapist) told me to do the pursed lip breathing while holding my scapulae (shoulder blades) still. He gave me a position kinda like the one you're talking about only standing up. Something to do with the muscles used for breathing and allowing the lungs to expand.
he said to do it "as i am comfortable and don't make myself sore" and just wear my oximeter and learn to "pace" myself to see what is best tension & speed to go.
yea-haw! i feel like i am doing something to help keep myself strong & i have found that i can read my new kindle the kids got me for christmas and peddle at the same time!!
see, i can do 2 things at once LOL
i got mine at a medical supply store.
here is a link with a picture of it if anyone is interested.
they run around $25.00---can't beat that!
it has a knob on top that you can adjust tension just like a bycicle.
http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Drive-Aluminum-Silver-Vein-Finish-Exercise-Peddler/5274623/product.html