Excersise for pulmonary fibrosis

[Lily1894]

I need some excercises to make my lungs stronger, anyone have some ?

[Katinka46]

Pulmonary Rehabilitation should be appropriate, but I think there are some areas that limit the courses to those with COPD. There was at least one man with PF on the PR course that I attended. The breathing exercises will be lightly different. People with COPD often have difficulty exhaling whereas I think those with PF have difficulty inhaling. Your GP should be able to refer you to PR and/or respiratory physiotherapy.

All the best

K

[Lizzy1898 in reply to Katinka46]

Thanks

[SquirrelsHolt]

Hi there Lily1894 ,you may want to look on U Tube for breathing techniques for Pul Fib- its a matter of trying them one by one and seeing which type work for you.

Otherwise, it may be worth ringing the BLF helpline and speak to a qualified nurse,who could possibly help you.

Good luck and don't forget to come back and tell us what ones worked best etc.

[Lizzy1898 in reply to SquirrelsHolt]

Thanks for the tip

[TOMMYBOY1]

THERE IS A DEVICE YOU CAN GET AT THE PHARMACY THAT IS CLEAR PLASTIC WITH A SMALL BALL INSIDE CHAMBERS WITH A HOSE ATTACHED THAT YOU BLOW IN THAT MAKES THE BALL GO TO CERTAIN LEVELS. THE HOSPITAL I WAS IN GAVE ME THE ONE I HAVE BUT I DON'T THINK THE COST SHOULD BE TOO HIGH. OR, IT MAY SOUND CRAZY, BUT YOU CAN BUY AN ASSORTMENT OF BALLOONS AND PRACTICE BLOWING THEM UP. BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVERDO IT. GOOD LUCK.

[Lizzy1898 in reply to TOMMYBOY1]

Thanks for the reply

[Hidden in reply to TOMMYBOY1]

I live in the US,I use mines dailyIt's call a spirometer and I asl so Blow in ballons,Really makes a difference

[Badbessie]

My advice would be to discuss it with your GP and get a physiotherapy referal. There are some devices that could help but before buying always check that they are suitable for you as some may not be. There are many exercises on YouTube and other sites. Of course just walking can help you. There are many free fitness apps which could help you but remember build up your exercise programme slowly.

[Lizzy1898 in reply to Badbessie]

Thank you

[PteW43]

Hi - In my area (Lancashire) I got a referral by my Dr to the local Sports Centre (at a reduced fee for 12 weeks) for a heart and lung class. On the first visit the Coach assesses your fitness level taking note of weight, height etc. The class is once a wk with gentle excersises that you can continue to do at home. It's fun and done to the fabulous music sound of the 50s and 60s. Not only are you keeping fit but the social aspect is there too for meeting like minded 'new' friends. Perhaps there might be something similar in your area.

[Lizzy1898 in reply to PteW43]

Thanks

[onamission]

When I did my PR course they recommended swimming. I started swimming and joined in some aqua fit sessions I find both help, I have also met some very nice people and we meet up for socials going out to eat and theatre shows

[tarja1961]

try Nordic Walking With bungu pumps

[Lizzy1898 in reply to tarja1961]

What the dickens is a bungu pump ?

[sarcoid1234]

A few weeks ago someone on Healthunlocked (I think it was Mrs Mummy, one of the overseers of the site) recommended a booklet and video by BLF to help with exercises, and I sent off to the British Lung Foundation for their Exercise Handbook cost £5

shop.blf.org.uk/collections... and their Stay Active Stay Well DVD shop.blf.org.uk/products/ex... I bought them both and find them excellent.

[mrsmummy in reply to sarcoid1234]

It is a good handbook and the DVD is FREE!

[sarcoid1234]

I'm sorry in my earlier reply I forgot to say how impressed I am with the handbook and the DVD. The DVD is just like having your own physiotherapist exercise teacher in your home with people with lung conditions doing the exercises. I thoroughly recommend both. Thank you Mrs Mummy for letting us know about them.

[Hidden in reply to sarcoid1234]

I have it to and use it daily brilliant DVD xx