exercise

[sstitanic2]

Does anyone know what exercises besides walking can a person with copd can do? I have always been a very active person and this non activity is a problem for me. I want to exercise my lung walls with cardio but I don't want to over do either. Thanks for any help I can get.

[allmymarbles]

There is no specific rule. Do whatever you want, but stop when you get tired or breathy. You can probably endure longer with stretching and yoga. And don't forget breathing exercises.

[sstitanic2]

Thank you so much for your response. I will try that. What type of breathing exercises do you recommend? None of my doctors have told me anything about this, nurses talked about exercises, but never explained what ones to do. I did quit smoking, but was told it probably won't matter that much now. Do you have any thoughts on that? Thank you again for your help.

[genty192]

Well I cant say that I agree with the continuing smoking at the same level theory, i have copd emhysema and I went on a Pulmanary rehab course which is all about breathing, you dont give your age so its not wise to say what else I do in comparison to yourself.

kind regards.

[sstitanic2]

It has been a little over a month since I was diagnosed. I have went to 2 sleep clinics. I have sleep apnea. My Doctor has not said anything about a rehab course yet. I will be calling his office to find out about it. I am still trying to digest all of this. I am already tons better than I was and I think quiting helped a lot. I am 64 by the way and I have always been so very active. I have a hard time accepting the new slower normal for me. They say I am medium to severe. I was on oxygen 24-7. Now it is just at night. I plan on getting rid of it all together. That is my goal anyway.
Thank you for taking out the time to talk to me.
God Bless

[sstitanic2]

I just wanted to say hi. I hope you are doing well. I hope we can chat again sometime. Take care and God Bless.

[frogman1387]

I don't know who told you that stop smoking would make no difference now.  THEY ARE TOTALLY WRONG.  I smoked for over 60 years and have not smoked now for 3 years and I can feel the difference believe me.  Unfortunately I waited to long before I realized the damage I was doing to my lungs.  I now suffer from COPD and with the medication I have been on (Advair, Symbicort) I still have trouble breathing but I do exercise.  I ride a stationary bike and use the treadmill each evening and it has helped with my breathing.  Good luck.

[sstitanic2]

Thank you so much for your post. I did quit and like you I think it is a tad too late. I also feel a difference in just the short time I have been totally off them. When I was rushed to the hospital my oxygen level was 63. When I left the hospital it was 84 so I was sent home with oxygen. I have now been able to maintain a 91 and I have high hopes of being able to make that better. I use oxygen at night or after a lot of activity. I have had trouble finding a support group and a rehab in my area. I do have a treadmill. I will try that. I do go to walmart or the grocery stores just to walk around. I will walk around the block weather permitting. I take my small tank with me just in case but so far I have gotten tired, but all in all I do okay. I take spireva, symbicort and albuterol. They say I am in between moderate and severe. If you can think of any other helpful advice please feel free to contact me. I am new at this and I am still trying to get used to my new normal.  Thank you so much and good luck to you as well.