Pulmonary Rehabilitation Course

[Homely2]

I got asked to come in to see my gp asthma nurse.

On the asthma nurses door she had a large poster advertising my local hospitals pulmonary rehabilitation course, and the poster suggested that I ask my local gp practice to refer me.

I asked the nurse if she could refer me, she said that only a consultant could refer me, and I should instead take up yoga.

Is is worth the effort to follow up and get referred for a pulmonary Rehabilitation course?

Yoga is a bit of a non starter as it seems to trigger my asthma, as the local hall is dusty.

[Troilus]

Not sure about only a consultant being able to refer you. The records of my last two reviews at my GP practice says “offered pulmonary rehabilitation but declined.” I have never been offered pulmonary rehab. but this would indicate GPs and asthma nurses can refer.

[Bevvy]

Both times I was referred it was by gp, so asthma nurse is incorrect with her information. However this maybe the situation within your health authority. Suggest you follow up with your gp.

[Tugun]

Hi,

If there is a phone number, ring the rehabilitation course and they can tell you who can refer you. If it's the GP, then organize it directly with your GP. Wishing you the best ☺️

[emmmzy73]

I’m starting tomorrow! Was referred by consultant at my local hospital.

[Poobah]

My local Hospital Trust is taking referrals from GPs, practice nurses, consultants, physios and just about anyone involved in a patient's treatment. It could be your asthma nurse wouldn't refer you while you're under a consultant. Mine wouldn't change my inhaler until I was signed off from the hospital respiratory clinic, but once I was, she tackled all sorts of things I had been struggling with.

I would consider contacting your hospital team and ask for a referral to the pulmonary rehab course. Details of what's on offer by the pulmonary rehab team may be published on your Hospital Trust website.

[Bingo88]

Yes it is worth doing the Pulmonary rehabilitation course. But you could also go onto YouTube and search for Pulmonary rehabilitation exercises and you can do them at home if you prefer. Good luck and have a good day. Brian

[Birthday60]

try an on line yoga class in the comfort of your own home - no need to drive to a cold and dusty village hall or if funds allow try a personal class at your home or outdoors- you can do yoga anywhere at any time and Pilates is also very similar

[Spikedog66]

Been referred again for pulmonary rehabilitation. Each time by a consultant. The first time was at home because of a balance issues and they wouldn't let me go to the meeting I was a risk. It was relaxation music and some exercises at home. The lady slept through the tapes. I still laugh! The second time was a hospital gym. Tread mills bars and chair exercise. Physio talking discussion and 3 hours for 6 weeks if you miss one you out. Its a social too many people with different issues. A guy pushed himself too far and collapsed. 3rd time covid and couldn't attend. Spoke to consultant a few weeks ago have never seen this guy and Im off again. Waiting. I do some of the exercises still and have looked online at various breathing techniques. Give it a go you may find it helpful. Sorry for long post just thought I'd share my adventures. Good luck.

[suzy-lou]

I do hope things get better for you and that you get your referral through soon. I 'm told that pulmonary rehabilitation courses are excellent but in my part of the country it seems almost impossible . Last June it was suggested by the Respiratory Nurse at my GP practice that I attend one ( COPD and Asthma) and I'm still waiting for a place. Consultant also recommended I attend. In September I was 70th on the list! Still waiting !Ah well, back to You-tube !

[MMBJI]

Hi Homely 2,

My allergies to dust/dander/perfumes mean that I avoid any indoor activities- I find YouTube to be a great resource- since January I have been doing “Yoga with Adrienne” via YouTube- she does 30 day programmes which I like because everyday is different.

It has improved my flexibility and strength and I feel physically fitter. I tend to ignore the breathing instructions and stick to my Resp physio advised pattern.

I can’t say that it’s helped my asthma but it’s nice to feel a little more alive.

Good luck.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

I don't know who can refer, but in some places they limit them to COPD. I was sceptical it would be any use for me, as I thought it was going to be all advice on how to stop smoking (useful if you do, not so much if you never have) and learning how not to be anxious about exercising (I'm definitely not that!!)

Advice on pacing can be useful though - I think if you get one that understands asthma as well as COPD then it can be really helpful. I have a friend with severe asthma who's done the course twice with the severe asthma clinic and found it helpful. But then she had to change hospital to the one I go to and they don't seem to think it's especially helpful for asthma - my friend even got told by the physio it shouldn't have been useful to go more than once, even though she found both times useful! I asked once about it and was told if I wasn't afraid of exercising it wouldn't be very helpful (I think what I need is more like someone to tell me when I should rest).

[Tigerpaws]

I went on one of these courses, it was absolutely brilliant!