Deep Breathing

February 4, 2008

My name is Harold. I am 76 years old. I have been diagnosed by two board-certified pulmonologists to have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. I take 20 mg ofPrednisone daily, plus take oxygen while sleeping and when exercising. I'd like to share this story with you.Last week I had a routine colonoscopy. While the anesthesiologist was preparing to put me to sleep, he asked me if I was ever short of breath. I told him about my IPF. He said to me, "Take four deep breath an hour." Then told me to take a deep breath and I was fast asleep. I awoke in the recovery room area. Usually you don't see the anesthesiologist after the procedure, but he happened to walk into the room. I jokingly said to him, "Boy, that was the best sleep I had in a long time." He said, Remember, take four deep breaths every hour." I said, "I thought you were kidding." He said, "No. I mean

it. When you watch TV, for example, your breathing is shallow. You need to breathe deeply. It's important for all areas of your body, as well as your cardiovascular system. Remember, four deep breaths every hour. You'll remember me."Well, I tried it. I really don't count the number of breaths precisely, but take them when I remember to or when I think I need to. The difference in the I feel is startling. I am no longer out of breath when climbing stairs, and my body feels energized. I thought I'd pass this on. Thanks for listening.

Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.

February 4, 2008

Very good information. I know I had developed bad breathing habits.

I'd had some problems with my upper esophagus sphincter and a really

deep breath across it would make me cough up. Ultimately, I was put

on medication for the swallowing, but the habit was there. I was

taking nothing but shallow breaths. Its a great reminder. I do try to

use my spirometer and another breathing gadget I have regularly just

to force me to breathe as deeply as I can.

I went to only three sessions of respiratory rehab (insurance

approved 40) but my intent was to gain the knowledge of what to do. I

do two forms of exercise, although currently still banned from the

treadmill. First, I use the treadmill. Second I do breathing

exercises. While I didn't feel the need to spend 3 1/2 for all those

days with much of the time taken up by education which wasn't useful

to me and just general talking, I did learn techniques which I follow

religiously and all of which I can do right at home.

The other advantage of using something like a spirometer for your

deep breaths you refer to is that you get a measurement. If the

numbers start to slide it is an indication something is wrong. Your

lung may feel some pain and resist long before you do.

>

> My name is Harold. I am 76 years old. I have been diagnosed by

two board-certified pulmonologists to have idiopathic pulmonary

fibrosis. I take 20 mg of

> Prednisone daily, plus take oxygen while sleeping and when

exercising.

> I'd like to share this story with you.

>

> Last week I had a routine colonoscopy. While the anesthesiologist

was preparing to put me to sleep, he asked me if I was ever short of

breath. I told him about my IPF. He said to me, " Take four deep

breath an hour. " Then told me to take a deep breath and I was fast

asleep. I awoke in the recovery room area. Usually you don't see

the anesthesiologist after the procedure, but he happened to walk

into the room. I jokingly said to him, " Boy, that was the best sleep

I had in a long time. " He said, Remember, take four deep breaths

every hour. " I said, " I thought you were kidding. " He said, " No. I

mean it. When you watch TV, for example, your breathing is shallow.

You need to breathe deeply. It's important for all areas of your

body, as well as your cardiovascular system. Remember, four deep

breaths every hour. You'll remember me. "

>

> Well, I tried it. I really don't count the number of breaths

precisely, but take them when I remember to or when I think I need

to. The difference in the I feel is startling. I am no longer out

of breath when climbing stairs, and my body feels energized.

>

> I thought I'd pass this on. Thanks for listening.

>

> ---------------------------------

> Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.

>

February 4, 2008

Harold, I do deep belly breathing also. My numbers stayed pretty much the same for quite a while and I ask my Dr. if that could be the cause she said absolutely. deep breath as much as you can. Thanks for the post. Love and Prayers, Peggyipf 6/04Worry looks around.Sorry looks back,Faith looks up. My name is Harold. I am 76 years old. I have been diagnosed by two board-certified pulmonologists to have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. I take 20 mg ofPrednisone daily, plus take oxygen while sleeping and when exercising. I'd like to share this story with you.Last week I had a routine colonoscopy. While the anesthesiologist was preparing to put me to sleep, he asked me if I was ever short of breath. I told him about my IPF. He said to me, "Take four deep breath an hour." Then told me to take a deep breath and I was fast asleep. I awoke in the recovery room area. Usually you don't see the anesthesiologist after the procedure, but he happened to walk into the room. I jokingly said to him, "Boy, that was the best sleep I had in a long time." He said, Remember, take four deep breaths every hour." I said, "I thought you were kidding." He said, "No. I mean it. When you watch TV, for example, your breathing is shallow. You need to breathe deeply. It's important for all areas of your body, as well as your cardiovascular system. Remember, four deep breaths every hour. You'll remember me."Well, I tried it. I really don't count the number of breaths precisely, but take them when I remember to or when I think I need to. The difference in the I feel is startling. I am no longer out of breath when climbing stairs, and my body feels energized. I thought I'd pass this on. Thanks for listening.Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.

February 4, 2008

Hmmm...that's very interesting. Thanks for sharing, Harold.

I've also been meaning to ask....does it burn anyone else's chest when

they inhale? I mean, really burn...clear up to your throat? This was

one of the symptoms that I started experiencing 5 months ago when all

these other symptoms started. Another symptom I've had these last 5

months (and continue to have) are bronchial spasms. I have them about

once every 10 minutes, on average, (some days maybe not quite as

often) and don't know when one is coming. Sometimes they are so

severe it almost feels as if I'm going to swallow my tongue. Anyone else?

Thanks,

Dawn in N.B.

>

> My name is Harold. I am 76 years old. I have been diagnosed by two

board-certified pulmonologists to have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

I take 20 mg of

> Prednisone daily, plus take oxygen while sleeping and when exercising.

> I'd like to share this story with you.

>

> Last week I had a routine colonoscopy. While the anesthesiologist

was preparing to put me to sleep, he asked me if I was ever short of

breath. I told him about my IPF. He said to me, " Take four deep

breath an hour. " Then told me to take a deep breath and I was fast

asleep. I awoke in the recovery room area. Usually you don't see the

anesthesiologist after the procedure, but he happened to walk into the

room. I jokingly said to him, " Boy, that was the best sleep I had in

a long time. " He said, Remember, take four deep breaths every hour. "

I said, " I thought you were kidding. " He said, " No. I mean it.

When you watch TV, for example, your breathing is shallow. You need

to breathe deeply. It's important for all areas of your body, as well

as your cardiovascular system. Remember, four deep breaths every

hour. You'll remember me. "

>

> Well, I tried it. I really don't count the number of breaths

precisely, but take them when I remember to or when I think I need to.

The difference in the I feel is startling. I am no longer out of

breath when climbing stairs, and my body feels energized.

>

> I thought I'd pass this on. Thanks for listening.

>

> ---------------------------------

> Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.

>

February 5, 2008

Yes Dawn, I get the burning & the involuntary

spasms even though my IPF would be classed as 'mild' (no O2 yet &

my Diffusion rate is 49% Lung Volume 72%, O2 ranging from 91-97 based

on level of activity)....the burning is quite uncomfortable but it's

not present all the time. I'd describe the spasms as 'odd' rather than

paiful or causing great discomfort at this stage & they too

dissappear & then suddenly come on again. They do seem to go hand

in hand so I've wondered if they are a sign of 'Activity' in the

disease process. The nasty pain under my back shoulder blade is another

interloper that joins with the first 2 to remind me that I do indeed

have a nasty lurking in my lungs!

GIna in Oz

IPF:Fibrotic NSIP/UIP???

Reynauds'

May 2007

> >> > My name is Harold. I am 76 years old. I have been diagnosed by two> board-certified pulmonologists to have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.> I take 20 mg of> > Prednisone daily, plus take oxygen while sleeping and when exercising. > > I'd like to share this story with you.> > > > Last week I had a routine colonoscopy. While the anesthesiologist> was preparing to put me to sleep, he asked me if I was ever short of> breath. I told him about my IPF. He said to me, "Take four deep> breath an hour." Then told me to take a deep breath and I was fast> asleep. I awoke in the recovery room area. Usually you don't see the> anesthesiologist after the procedure, but he happened to walk into the> room. I jokingly said to him, "Boy, that was the best sleep I had in> a long time." He said, Remember, take four deep breaths every hour."> I said, "I thought you were kidding." He said, "No. I mean it. > When you watch TV, for example, your breathing is shallow. You need> to breathe deeply. It's important for all areas of your body, as well> as your cardiovascular system. Remember, four deep breaths every> hour. You'll remember me."> > > > Well, I tried it. I really don't count the number of breaths> precisely, but take them when I remember to or when I think I need to.> The difference in the I feel is startling. I am no longer out of> breath when climbing stairs, and my body feels energized. > > > > I thought I'd pass this on. Thanks for listening.> > > > > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------> > Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.> >>

February 5, 2008

Thanks

for your input . And I’d agree

with your assessment of the bronchial spasms….just odd or annoying….not

painful (and possibly embarrassing…because you can’t control them,

any more than you could control a hiccup!)

The burning is there whenever I inhale and goes clear up to my throat

and is extremely uncomfortable. However,

where I’m so newly diagnosed and am not on any meds yet (except 40 mg. of

Pred.), this may be the reason and may calm down once

another med is introduced. I appreciate

your feedback. )

Dawn in N.B.

Re:

Deep Breathing

Yes Dawn, I get the burning & the

involuntary spasms even though my IPF would be classed as 'mild' (no O2 yet

& my Diffusion rate is 49% Lung Volume 72%, O2 ranging from 91-97 based on

level of activity)....the burning is quite uncomfortable but it's not present

all the time. I'd describe the spasms as 'odd' rather than paiful or causing

great discomfort at this stage & they too dissappear & then suddenly

come on again. They do seem to go hand in hand so I've wondered if they are a

sign of 'Activity' in the disease process. The nasty pain under my back

shoulder blade is another interloper that joins with the first 2 to remind me

that I do indeed have a nasty lurking in my lungs!

GIna in Oz

IPF:Fibrotic NSIP/UIP???

Reynauds'

May 2007

> >

> > My name is Harold. I am 76 years old I have been diagnosed by two

> board-certified pulmonologists to have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

> I take 20 mg of

> > Prednisone daily, plus take oxygen while sleeping and when exercising.

> > I'd like to share this story with you.

> >

> > Last week I had a routine colonoscopy. While the anesthesiologist

> was preparing to put me to sleep, he asked me if I was ever short of

> breath. I told him about my IPF. He said to me, " Take four deep

> breath an hour. " Then told me to take a deep breath and I was fast

> asleep. I awoke in the recovery room area. Usually you don't see the

> anesthesiologist after the procedure, but he happened to walk into the

> room. I jokingly said to him, " Boy, that was the best sleep I had in

> a long time. " He said, Remember, take four deep breaths every

hour. "

> I said, " I thought you were kidding. " He said, " No. I mean

it.

> When you watch TV, for exampl, your breathing is shallow. You need

> to breathe deeply. It's important for all areas of your body, as well

> as your cardiovascular system. Remember, four deep breaths every

> hour. You'll remember me. "

> >

> > Well, I tried it. I really don't count the number of breaths

> precisely, but take them when I remember to or when I think I need to.

> The difference in the I feel is startling. I am no longer out of

> breath when climbing stairs, and my body feels energized.

> >

> > I thought I'd pass this on. Thanks for listening.

> >

> > ---------------------------------

> > Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.

> >

>

February 5, 2008

Dawn, Hide the sugar bowl..lol Prednisone does thing to your cravings. I had silent migraines for years, I saw STARS and bright lights. That would go on for three or four days then BAM.Can't stand to think about that part.Caro, Feel Better soon. Love and Prayers, Peggyipf 6/04Worry looks around.Sorry looks back,Faith looks up. Thanks for your input . And I’d agree with your assessment of the bronchial spasms….just odd or annoying….not painful (and possibly embarrassing…because you can’t control them, any more than you could control a hiccup!) The burning is there whenever I inhale and goes clear up to my throat and is extremely uncomfortable. However, where I’m so newly diagnosed and am not on any meds yet (except 40 mg. of Pred.), this may be the reason and may calm down once another med is introduced. I appreciate your feedback. ) Dawn in N.B. Re: Deep Breathing Yes Dawn, I get the burning & the involuntary spasms even though my IPF would be classed as 'mild' (no O2 yet & my Diffusion rate is 49% Lung Volume 72%, O2 ranging from 91-97 based on level of activity)....the burning is quite uncomfortable but it's not present all the time. I'd describe the spasms as 'odd' rather than paiful or causing great discomfort at this stage & they too dissappear & then suddenly come on again. They do seem to go hand in hand so I've wondered if they are a sign of 'Activity' in the disease process. The nasty pain under my back shoulder blade is another interloper that joins with the first 2 to remind me that I do indeed have a nasty lurking in my lungs!GIna in OzIPF:Fibrotic NSIP/UIP???Reynauds'May 2007> >> > My name is Harold. I am 76 years old I have been diagnosed by two> board-certified pulmonologists to have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.> I take 20 mg of> > Prednisone daily, plus take oxygen while sleeping and when exercising. > > I'd like to share this story with you.> > > > Last week I had a routine colonoscopy. While the anesthesiologist> was preparing to put me to sleep, he asked me if I was ever short of> breath. I told him about my IPF. He said to me, "Take four deep> breath an hour." Then told me to take a deep breath and I was fast> asleep. I awoke in the recovery room area. Usually you don't see the> anesthesiologist after the procedure, but he happened to walk into the> room. I jokingly said to him, "Boy, that was the best sleep I had in> a long time." He said, Remember, take four deep breaths every hour."> I said, "I thought you were kidding." He said, "No. I mean it. > When you watch TV, for exampl, your breathing is shallow. You need> to breathe deeply. It's important for all areas of your body, as well> as your cardiovascular system. Remember, four deep breaths every> hour. You'll remember me."> > > > Well, I tried it. I really don't count the number of breaths> precisely, but take them when I remember to or when I think I need to.> The difference in the I feel is startling. I am no longer out of> breath when climbing stairs, and my body feels energized. > > > > I thought I'd pass this on. Thanks for listening.> > > > > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------> > Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.> >>

February 5, 2008

LOL! Oh, you don’t have to tell me, Peggy. I’ve been on as much as 60 mg. before (for 1 ½ years!!!!)

for my Polymyositis and boy, did I look it!!! *sigh*

I actually haven’t been OFF the Pred. since 2001. Oh

what fun!!! ) I actually met with 2 of my Aunts today for

lunch and one of my Aunts didn’t realize that I had increased my Pred. again and when I told her, she said, “oh, well that

explains why you’ve gained so much weight!!”

Sheesh!

LOL!

Dawn

Re: Deep Breathing

Yes Dawn, I get the burning & the

involuntary spasms even though my IPF would be classed as 'mild' (no O2 yet

& my Diffusion rate is 49% Lung Volume 72%, O2 ranging from 91-97 based on

level of activity)....the burning is quite uncomfortable but it's not

present all the time. I'd describe the spasms as 'odd' rather than paiful or

causing great discomfort at this stage & they too dissappear & then

suddenly come on again. They do seem to go hand in hand so I've wondered if

they are a sign of 'Activity' in the disease process. The nasty pain under my

back shoulder blade is another interloper that joins with the first 2 to remind

me that I do indeed have a nasty lurking in my lungs!

GIna in Oz

IPF:Fibrotic NSIP/UIP???

Reynauds'

May 2007

> >

> > My name is Harold. I am 76 years old I have been diagnosed by two

> board-certified pulmonologists to have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

> I take 20 mg of

> > Prednisone daily, plus take oxygen while sleeping and when