How to start running again after a lung injury?

[froggiesmama575]

Hi,

A little over a year ago I was exposed to toxic glue fumes resulting in a pulmonary oedema/lung injury.  I couldn't exercise for a month and though it's improved it has now stopped improving and I'm VERY frustrated!! Before it happened I was running 3-5kms 4-5 times a week and now I can (after much trying) only just get to 2kms.  Then I have to stop as I cannot breath, get a crushing headache and get really dizzy.

I took the specialists advice and warmed up really well and slowed my pace right down but I still can't get past 2kms.

I don't know if it's related but since the exposure I've also had really high blood pressure (where it was always very low) and am on medication for it.

ANY advice greatly accepted!

[froggiesmama575]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply!

The fumes were from Botstik Contact Bond.  There is an MSDS sheet on Google, it's Toluene based and has Isohexan and Acetone in it.  (Lovely stuff really!)

Thanks

[caregiver222]

You have an extremely interesting presentation.

It is conceivable that the surface of the alveoli were permanent damaged. This would result in a compensatory high blood pressure to maintain normal O2 in the carotid sensors. In such a case reduction of the blood pressure is questionable. If there is such damage the left heart may have to work harder and end up enlarged.

The question is "can the lung be evaluated to determine such injury".

There are missing pieces to the story, to include the nature of the toxic agent.

What I would suggest is a 3T MRI of the lung. Not a 1.5 T. The newest 3T machines are touted to detect such abnormalities.

[Tammy2009]

It will take time to heal, try not to push too hard.  Try taking 1 step past 2km and then stopping, the next time take 2 steps and so on.  

Plus, remember you have lost fitness both through the lung injury and what your body has to go through to heal and the time not exercising.  

If it doesn't improve at all for the next couple of weeks, I would call your doctor back and make sure everything is healing properly and there isn't any complications.

It may take you 6-12 months to heal fully and work your fitness back up to where it is, keep working on it. Good luck!