Guest guest Posted July 18, 2009 Report Share Posted July 18, 2009 Stef.... I've been told repeatedly that pursed lip breathing is helpful to COPD patients only. Of course breathing is breathing. But my pulmodude says the same thing. Rehab too. Heck, as long as we breathe in and breathe out it's 'helpful'. MamaSher; 70, IPF 3-06, OR. NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there! Breathing techniques Has anyone tried any variations on the pursed lip breathing and found techniques that work better? I have been experimenting to find the best way to get my oxygen sat level up when it drops. I have found one method that works well for me, but would be interested in hearing other members experiences. My best variation comes from my experiences swimming. I breathe in through my nose, hold my breath to a count of two and then exhale through pursed lips to a count of 3-6, 3-8 or 3-10 and then breathe in through my nose again to repeat. It is similar to what I do when I do a surface dive. It 'seems' to bring my sat level up and pulse rate down. I don't force anything and simply accept what I can do. Another variation comes from my experiences playing in band. I imagine myself as a trumpet / coronet player who is breathing in through the nose, but unlike Sachmo, I do not puff my cheeks as I blow out. I have also incorporated some stretches with the breathing (thinking I am giving my lungs more space to expand). On inhale I reach up or alternately off to the sides. I then exhale through pursed lips and bring my arms back in to my body. I have no group test results to back it up, but the best one for me is the surface diving variation. Has anyone else got any observations to share? I also notice that sitting up in a straight back chair is better than a sofa or lounge chair and having a fan blowing gently toward my face also helps.StefaniILD 2/2006, NSIP (cellular) 6/2009, Diabetes II 2/2006, Sleep Apnea 4/2009 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 18, 2009 Report Share Posted July 18, 2009 Peggy, You know how much I adore ...love the man to death. But honestly the next time he says something like that to you...when he knows you have less than 30% of one lung functioning....the next time he says it, you need to clobber him with a baseball bat or an oxygen tank or something. I mean really how exasperating is that? Good Lord denial is a powerful thing isn't it? Hug his neck for me and then give him a big old noogie! Love you both! Beth Moderator Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 Dermatomyositis 11/08 To: Breathe-Support Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2009 3:33:16 PMSubject: Re: Breathing techniquesStefani, The only thing I could add is Belly breathing. When you inhale through your nose make it really as deep as you can so it blows out. then pursed lip exhale slowly. I have always found this to bring my sats up quickly. As time goes by you will find you just have to slow down and let things go that you normally would do. It is odd how one day you are able to do laundry then the next you can't walk with a basket of clothes then you can't bend over enough to load the washer.. I am really having a hard time lately doing anything... no fun in this. I sometimes make a game out of what will say that is totally stupid like "you really should exercise so you can build your muscles back up" As long as he has dealt with this he still doesn't GET IT.. amazing... Anyhow I am glad you are keeping a close eye on your saturation. Love and Prayers, Peggy IPF 2004, Florida Worry looks around, Sorry looks back, Faith looks up. Has anyone tried any variations on the pursed lip breathing and found techniques that work better? I have been experimenting to find the best way to get my oxygen sat level up when it drops. I have found one method that works well for me, but would be interested in hearing other members experiences. My best variation comes from my experiences swimming. I breathe in through my nose, hold my breath to a count of two and then exhale through pursed lips to a count of 3-6, 3-8 or 3-10 and then breathe in through my nose again to repeat. It is similar to what I do when I do a surface dive. It 'seems' to bring my sat level up and pulse rate down. I don't force anything and simply accept what I can do. Another variation comes from my experiences playing in band. I imagine myself as a trumpet / coronet player who is breathing in through the nose, but unlike Sachmo, I do not puff my cheeks as I blow out. I have also incorporated some stretches with the breathing (thinking I am giving my lungs more space to expand). On inhale I reach up or alternately off to the sides. I then exhale through pursed lips and bring my arms back in to my body. I have no group test results to back it up, but the best one for me is the surface diving variation. Has anyone else got any observations to share? I also notice that sitting up in a straight back chair is better than a sofa or lounge chair and having a fan blowing gently toward my face also helps.StefaniILD 2/2006, NSIP (cellular) 6/2009, Diabetes II 2/2006, Sleep Apnea 4/2009 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.