Exercise changed my life with COPD

By poppopron

1 min read

Last year at this time, I finished radiation treatment for prostate cancer. I also have severe COPD. Both of those conditions really affected my physical health. I really couldn't do anything and kept spiraling downward.

My pulmonologist recommended I go to physical therapy. I was desperate, so I went. I have always been active, but the COPD really limited my physical activities. Anyway, what a difference.

My experience with exercise

The first day I went, I felt so good after getting my body, muscles and bones moving again. With COVID, the rehab section was closed down. So I bought a treadmill and moved my oxygen machine to the basement and set up my own gym. I work out for 2 hours every other day. I don't know what it is, but I get fewer exacerbations and feel so much better. If you haven't tried exercise, ask your doctor what might work for you.

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi poppopron, and thanks so much for sharing your medical story (COPD and post-treatment of prostate cancer) with the community. We appreciate your candor here. What a story it is, too! So many in our community have provided positive feedback regarding the success of pulmonary rehabilitation programs and exercise in general. Still others have shared they are apprehensive, or wonder what exercise / pulmonary rehabilitation can do (for them). We value the sharing of your own personal experience using rehab (when it was open), but also, in taking the initiative and setting up a program in your basement. Those are extremely impressive results too! Keep up the good work! I am hopeful your story will help to inspire others who are hesitant or doubtful of getting started with exercise in their own lives. Once, again, thanks for your contribution here in our online community. Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
poppopron Member
I hope my experience helps others too, Dr. Lebowitz.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi again, poppopron, and thanks for your comment. That is our hope as well - that we all can learn from one another's shared experiences. I appreciate your kind words - however, I am not a physician. I am a nationally credentialed, state licensed respiratory therapist. We're so glad to have you as a participating member of our online community. Please know you are always welcome here! Warmly, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi Poppopron - I was just thinking of you today. How are you doing? I liked your ideas of setting up an exercise program for yourself at home. Have you been able to keep at it? Has it continued to help you? We would all very much appreciate hearing back from you when you are able to and have the time. Warm regards, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
luther Member
I’ve had 3 lung exacerbation in 2 months. I start physical therapy tomorrow. Sure hope it works
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi luther, and thanks for joining in the conversation here. Wow - that must've been quite challenging- to have had 3 exacerbations in only 2 months! How were you able to manage? How did you get through those flare-ups? Is there anything you are able to share with the community at this time. So glad to hear you are starting (physical) therapy tomorrow. These type or pulmonary rehabilitation programs seem to be very helpful for a lot of folks with COPD. I will wish you 'good luck!', and ask that you check back and let us know how it all turns out for you. Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)