Emphysema patient
I recently completed 3 months of pulmonary rehab and my shortness of breath has gotten much worse. The exercising was very difficult but I forged through it. I was able to do the 6 minute walk test but was short of breath and had to stop every few feet. My dr. only paid attention to me having walked for the 6 minutes but not how I had to keep stopping to catch my breath and kept feeling like I was going to pass out. Very dismissive! Has anyone experienced increased shortness of breath after undergoing pulmonary rehab?
Hi
, and welcome! I see you are a new member here, having joined today, in the late morning. We are glad to see you already engaging with the community through this, your first post.
While I am hopeful others in the community will see your inquiry and respond by sharing their own personal experiences with pulmonary rehabilitation, I have something to add too!
I am somewhat surprised by the way the doctor reacted to you during the 6-minute walk test. The test is actually supposed to determine if you will need supplemental oxygen therapy so, for him to be dismissive, is completely contrary to what would be expected in an analysis of the results. Are you able to speak with another physician or, possibly repeat the test with another, more conscientious physician?
What do you think?
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)Hi Leon. Thanks for responding. I actually had the test done at a pulmonary rehab facility where I went for three months and not at the dr’s office . Maybe they didn’t include what happened during the 6 minute walk or the dr just ignored it. I do want to find another pulmonologist but my condition is pretty severe so it may not even help. I’ve been evaluated for the Zephyr valve procedure but have a lot of other health issues which preclude me from being a candidate. I am also being evaluated for lung transplants but also due to my other health issues and my age most likely will not qualify. It’s so hard to be living with emphysema and so many other health issues knowing there is no help out there for me. I even tried to find clinical trials but didn’t find any for emphysema. Also tried to research stem cell therapy but can’t find where to go . Not sure if it even works. Any advice would be greatly welcomed! Thanks!
Pssss between you and me, I think Leon is a angel in disguise.X😁 Hi again, Kitt - you are very welcome! I also appreciate you sharing these thoughts, medical history, and plans with the community. We value your candor! You are certainly in the right place, here at COPD.net! Our entire community understands how you feel and also knows just what you are going through! Just because interventions like the endobronchial valve procedure (Zephyr valves), and even lung transplantation, may not be available for your particular level of disease, it does NOT mean you are not deserving of therapy and treatment that will help you to feel more comfortable. In fact, this should be what comes next for you.
I say that because, the 6-minute walk test can help determine (along with a full medical assessment), if you will benefit from supplemental oxygen therapy. Rather than relying on the rehab center physician and staff, I like your idea of seeking out another, more capable, knowledgeable, and compassionate physician (pulmonologist), to orchestrate your COPD care. That may be the direction for you to go in.
Remember, having other diseases, in addition to COPD, just means your treatments may be more extensive and complex. It's nothing you can't handle!! With the proper medical team, you could be well on your way to be more comfortable and living life to the extent that you are able to.
Warm regards,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
