ipf

[freddy2399]

hi just wanted to no what is best to do when you have ipf, i play cricket and the doctor told me to keep active ,so am still playing cricket well i was it was the last match last weekend, the only thing that worries me is am i doing more damage to my lungs ,after i bowl am short of breath ,

[Hidden]

Keep going as you doc suggests .asked to referred to a pulmonary rehabilitation class in your area this gives you exercises and educates you on breathing techniques for lung conditions. Walk exercise is the best thing but always within your capability. I started exercising after diagnosis in Jan this year i work out at the gym 2 hours daily I walk between 10 and 15kms also ...see your doc get advice and ask for referral to rehabilitation will do you the world of good ...ps I never exercised before January xxx

[freddy2399 in reply to Hidden]

many thanks for your reply, i live in derby so i will have to look see if i can see one around the area xx

[Hidden in reply to freddy2399]

I live down south in the new forest area Hampshire and we have an excellent service good luck but see your doc x

[freddy2399 in reply to Hidden]

ok will do many thanks again x

[Hidden]

Hi carry on playing cricket. It's good for you to breathe hard and to stay fit when you have copd. You are doing the reverse of damaging your lungs - you are making them stronger. If you feel too breathless take a breather and use your ventolin inhaler if you need to.

Or it can be a good idea to have a puff before you start playing. This might help instead.

[sibkev]

oioi no no no you are not the more you walk or get out of breath the better 2 mile a day at least plus it will help if you are up for transplant even thou i was down do a few weeks to live ie 6 i still did exercise help no end after tplant

[freddy2399 in reply to sibkev]

thanks for the info ,but u think am to old for transplant at 71, i think its better someone younger to get one than me as am 71 and there are younger people how need it more

[Salmo]

The advice to keep exercising is spot on but you must also check your O2 levels on exercise to make sure you are not doing any damage to yourself.

If your O2 levels fall below 90 on exercise (approx ball park figure) then you may be doing damage to your lungs and most other organs in your body (heart, muscles, kidney, brain etc). Nobody really knows for sure as its a complex issue but do not ignore it.

This is something you need to check with some real urgency if you want to give yourself the best chance of fighting this disease and extending your life expectancy so get an oximeter now, learn how to use it and measure your O2 levels when you exercise, especially when you feel at your most breathless. You may have to measure for a few minutes after exercise to make sure you dont miss anything (delayed desaturation) and also because most monitors do not work correctly when you are moving/exercising.

Chances are serious desaturation (falling below 90 on exercise) is not an issue yet but it is very common as the disease progresses and can even occur in mild forms of disease. Very often GPs/consultants miss it so you need to keep on top of this and let them know if this is happening. There are more tests they can do and also provide ambulatory oxygen to help.

Cannot stress how important it is you do this now rather than in a month or 6 months. I discovered I was desaturating to 80-85 when I felt breathless (and probably had been for months/years) and now have serious heart problems and my IPF has progressed rapidly.

[freddy2399 in reply to Salmo]

many thanks for your reply ,i will get a oximeter and keep a looking to see the results