Sure will. They teach you how to make the best of your breathing, how to exercise, how to eat. If you can get it, take advantage of it...

Take care,
Dennis

Denny is right, it sure will!

You will be amazed at how much better your breathing will be as well as your over all quality of life.

Exercise, a good diet and good attitude will take you far, it true.

You can do it,

Love
Holly

I've got 4 more sessions before my 12 weeks of rehab is finished. I've been going twice a week, 2 hours per session and the results are fantastic. I won't be getting official numbers until I see my Pulmonologist the middle of October, but my overall abilities have improved greatly. Until you actually get into it, it's hard to realize just how much help it is.
I will say that you only get out of it what you put into it. I've been pushing the envelope as much as my therapist will allow and I cheat when she's not watching by doing more reps on the weights and faster or longer on the treadmills and bikes than what she sets the timer for. She does make me sit when my pulse exceeds their standards, but that only lasts for a couple of minutes.
Best case - I get as healthy as I can get. Worst case - I collapse in a heap and don't have to worry about lung function anymore. Seems to be getting better. Haven't turned on my O2 concentrator in about 2 weeks and the SpO2 is holding between 96% and 98% most of the time. I'm not running any marathons, but I can get to the mailbox and back now without having to plug in and nap for an hour. If you have the option, I would definately suggest doing it.

Steven so glad to read you are having such good results.

Always consult your doctor before starting any exercise program.

I have been a member of Dailystrength since 2007.

I have severe COPD with an FEV1 that fluctuates between 22% and 28%.

I was formally diagnosed in 2000 with an FEV1 of 35% and in 2008 I was offered and began Pulmonary Rehab and learned proper breathing.

I learned that breathing hard and becoming breathless would not kill me but it was good for me, so I began walking and taking pictures along the way.

I work really heard at walking and it pays off in that it makes my daily quality of life so much better, and it makes me so happy to be outside in nature.

I walk at a regular pace and control my breathing as I walk.

On average I walk a mile at a fast pace, which takes me between 16 and 18 minutes.

Everyone is different in exercise ability and its important that you walk and exercise at your own pace.

If you are interested you can follow my nature walks, you are always welcome to come and walk along with me and if you are not up to walking just come along and enjoy the nature we see along the way.

My nature walks can be found here:

http://hollynd.typepad.com/blog/

I also have done a few videos of my walking, you can visit one of them here if you like.

My user name is hemlockholly, because we have hemlock trees that line the front of my property:)

Here is one of my video walks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-xJMDhlJ7U&feature=relmfu

I tell you, it is really the truth, exercise is the key to a far better quality of life.

Back in 2000 I would not have dreamed I would even be alive in 2012 and I never dreamed I would be able to go on nature walks.

Please remember, we are all different, it has taken me four years going at my own pace to work up to the walks I do today, and I have good days and bad days just like very one else.

I posted my pictures for my family and friends who live out of state, and I made the videos for my family too, but I thought maybe they might help someone here.

Easy breathing to all of you,

Love
Holly

What wonderful comments!! I can not walk 4 minutes without being sob, and heart rate way up there, but I can walk forever on the treadmill??? Why is that?

Anyway, I hope he gets me in pulmonary rehab soon, I am so proud Steve has had great results, so to you Bun 113, from all reports, walking is on of the best thing you can do to help your breathing, and pulmonary rehab will help you get it right. Have your doctor schedule you, and I hope you don.t have to wait like I am!!! :)

Its the same with me bjrapp2020.

People with COPD are usually hyper inflated with air trapped in our lungs, when we exercise or walk our lungs work harder then when we just move a little, so we are breathing more out than in while we walk we are able to empty our lungs of the bad air and our muscles too and fill our lungs and organs with clean oxygen, I think that is why we can walk better,

I know for me once I begin walking at a pace regulating my breathing, I can go and go, but it took years to get to this point for me.

That's my opinion, I am sure others will have an opinions to add too.

Love
Holly

Holly thank you for sharing your photos and videos. Very nice.

BJrapp someone told me that the treadmill does most of the work for us so it is easier than walking a trail but I think I walk faster on the treadmill then I would on a trail.

THat makes sense Katesgirl , I know i time my walk, with 02, from my bedroom to the kitchen, and within 4 minutes I am sob and my heart is racing up to 115-120

But I can get on the treadmill and go 12-15 minutes and my hr will be 117 or so, I guess it is like going to Walmart and getting a cart, I can walk all over that store s long as I have that cart to hang on to....lol

when I was in pulm rehab-it's been a few years ago--it really helped a lot. I was able to breathe so much better and my endurance was greatly improved. Unfortunately I am needing it again but I have no transportation right now.

I encourage you to do this as you will feel overall so much better! Good luck and God bless!

Bun,

I am going into my 2nd week of pulmonary rehab, and I do believe it is helping me. Thru the exercise program, and instructions on breathing properly, I believe I will see some improvement. I have many many more sessions to go, and will be talking about them. I truly believe if you can get into such a program it will benefit you greatly. -- Bill

Hi Bun. Something that hasn't been mentioned is the fact that pulm rehab has done wonders for my self-esteem. I feel stronger and more able to do things, which in turn gives me more confidence. I love it and wish it never had to end.

And yes, I CAN get around better and breathe easier.

I just want to thank all of you for your comments. You can't know how much you have done just for my attitude. My doctor said he could get me in, and from what you all are saying it is definitely worth my while. Again thanks and I love you all!!!

Hi Bun you have had some great recommendations and Holly you are an inspiration to us all. Love your videos and nature walks.

From my own experience Bun, I was diagnosed around 10 years ago, I did PR the following year, hardly able to walk or breathe I completed rehab did a continuation course immediately after and have never stopped exercising since, as the years pass I have become fitter and fitter and more able to walk longer distances, achieve more activities and breathe easier. Sure I still get out of breathe and I still get very tired and still have to have rest days, I still have to pause and recover when negotiating slopes and hills (initially I couldn't do slopes and hills at all, now I can) Have to pace myself of course when trying the more challenging situations.

I highly recommend P/r and ongoing exercise (gotta keep it going if you want to keep improving), it is a sure way to help keep ourselves enjoying life, living well with copd doing the best we can to keep as healthy as we can. Taking our medication as prescribed eating a good diet all these things help keep us strong and mobile. One tip is to take reliever med 15-20 mins before exercise to help you achieve more and last longer. Pause when you need to, recover breath, then continue, but don't ever let sob and tiredness stop you exercising, if you do you will become more breathless and more tired. Enjoy your PR, Enjoy your exercise, Enjoy living with COPD.

Keep on moving all, everyone is doing great.

Hugs 2 All
Peta