Exercise post lung transplant

Hi all ! I'm 5 years post single lung transplant. I only have one lung as other was completely removed. My question is how I exercise without getting extremely breathless. Over the past 2 years I have gained 3 stone in weight and with me being on steroids and handfuls of other medication I'm finding it extremely difficult to lose weight , I have tried every diet going and I struggle with exercise, does anyone have any suggestions as I am getting really self conscious and down about my weight.

[corriena]

Hi ask to be put on a pulmonary rehab corse. They will help you to build up your exercise tolarance safely. In the mean time maybe ask the blf helpline for some advice and idears to get you started.

[Carnival567]

Have you been referred to a dietitian, they can be very helpful?

[MELNEL]

Hiya ☺️ I actually would have a chat with your GP to refer you for pulmonary rehabilitation or can advise you otherwise what you are able to do and what would be useful for your health. Hope you getting better progress soon 🙂 😃🌞🍀🍀🍀

[Izb1]

Hi Ejbid and well done on getting to this stage, it must have been a tough journey for you. Ask your hospital team if you could try some light weights sitting in your chair, it may help with the breathlessness. You could try just using a can of beans in each hand and lift them slowly, do a couple each day and increase when you feel able. You could also do chair excerises for your legs, just lifting them up slowly will help. I do an exercise at the kitchen sink ( when I go to out the kettle on ha!) just bending my kness a little, holding onto the sink helps me with balance and its good for your legs and bottom. Do gentle exercises so that you dont get sob. I am sure your hospital team will be able to offer you advice and perhaps an excerise class that could help. Good luck x

[Bevvy in reply to Izb1]

One of the things pulmonary rehab teaches is that sob when exercising is not a problem and to be expected. It teaches you to grade sob to know when need to stop and rest. So how to keep safe whilst exercising.

[Izb1 in reply to Bevvy]

Well thats good to know and seems like the correct path to go down x

[Oshgosh]

I have to agree with the other posts about pulmonary rehab.It helps,it teaches you how to exercise safely for you,I’m just doing my second course2 years on.

At the end last time they gave me 12weeks free gym membership.

I’m still at the gym,even though lockdown and my back pain flaring.

I do what I can hopefully it keeps my muscles toned.

Takecare.

[simplesprout]

hi Ejbid, im 2 years nearly from my double lung transplant and like you i have gained 19 Kg or just a tad under 3 stone. It is common so don't take it personally. Now the good weather is here i have got myself a bike, but I do interact with my dietician from my TX hospital for advice and support. Give them a ring at your TX hospital and see what they suggest, Best wishes steve

[HollyBoyd]

Welcome Ejbid. Like other members have advised, the Pulmonary Rehab course would help and support you whilst guiding you through exercising and diet. Your Gp will refer you. I wonder, did you not do one after your recovery from transplant? Best of luck. Carol xxx

[Ergendl]

Some brilliant replies so far. I can't add a lot except to say each day try to do a little bit more and slowly build up your resistance. In your diet, bulk up on veggies and fruit half your plate, high fibre carbs on quarter of your plate and protein foods no more than a quarter of your plate; and use a smaller plate than you used to for your main meals. All the best getting a referral to a dietitian and to Pulmonary Rehab. Do phone the BLF helpline too.

[Alberta56]

Best wishes for success in getting thinner and fitter. Gentle seated exercise seems the way to start.