Pulmonary rehab evaluation

[Guest guest]

This morning I was evaluated for pulmonary rehab at the Duke Center for Living-Fitness Center. I met with a respiratory therapist who explained the program and then I had my 6 minute walk. First time ever I did a 6 minute walk on an indoor track instead of a treadmill. I started out at 6 liters and after two laps, the RT upped my flow to 8 liters. I walked a total of 1320 feet in 6 minutes, roughly a 1/4 mile. My sats stayed in the low to mid 90's.

Then I did an exercise tolerence test which seemed to be very similar to a cardiac stress test but with the added attraction of ABG's both before and after. The fun just never ends huh? LOL

I passed everything with flying colors and the next round of rehab that has spaces available starts 9/9/09.

The program at Duke runs for 4 weeks, 5 days a week from 12:30 to 4:30. Intense...as a matter of fact it's actually called "Intensive Pulmonary Rehabilitation". (The RT's at my old pulmonary rehab program referred to Duke's as the 'boot camp of pulmonary rehab'.) It involves walking, stationary bike, weight training, pool walking and educational lectures. I am actually looking forward to it. I need a kick start in the exercise dept. I expect it to be both tough and challenging but nothing ventured, nothing gained right?

We'll see...by the end they'll probably be mopping me up with a dishtowel. lol

Beth

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