Pulmonary Rehabilitation Service

[AR66]

Hi everyone. I've been referred to the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Service for an assessment with a respiratory physiotherapist. I've been waiting for 2 years for this and now find myself quite nervous to attend because I don't quite know what to expect. I would love to hear from anyone who has had this service and what it entails .... thanks guys

[jillygirl]

Once you have had your assessment , which is how far can you walk your weight and medical history , they will organise a day or in my case 2 days a week to go for exercises.

These certainly helped me , plus you learnt how other people coped. They also gave the odd talk about inhalers etc.

Well worth attending. 🙂✖

[AR66 in reply to jillygirl]

What a lovely upbeat name (jillygirl)..☺️. I've often wondered why they monitor your weight & height, What's the deal with this 🤔.... I'm full of questions at the moment, I'm almost in panic mode! I have yearly assessments which consists of weight check, blood pressure, waist measurement, oxygen check and then straight out the door for another year. Maybe I don't ask questions for fear of the answers 🤷 but now I've accepted my COPD, I feel like I really need to start and move on the best I can. Thank you jillygirl , I will definitely attend the treatment centre and take on board what you've said 🤗X

[jillygirl in reply to AR66]

I dont know the exact answer re- Weight and height , I presume its to see if you are losing or gaining weight which if your overwieght it would make a difference to how fit you are with walking etc. I will enquire when my repitory nurse visits. I hope all goes well for you . .

[AR66 in reply to jillygirl]

Thank you 🤗💐

[Trevor6 in reply to jillygirl]

Hi, am having my assessment next Monday morning.

[AR66 in reply to Trevor6]

Hope all goes well for you 🤗

[Trevor6 in reply to AR66]

Many thanks

[jillygirl in reply to Trevor6]

Hope all is ok for you Let us know how you get on 😊xx

[AR66 in reply to jillygirl]

🤗 will do 🌹

[Mons]

I’ve done this course and loved it. I went for an assessment and they then did a program to work to. Everyone was on different plans. For the last half hour it was discussion based. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. I recommend it and I also made a couple of friends from it. x

[AR66 in reply to Mons]

🙏🤗Thank you

[Shirazmataz]

Ive just completed one - it was very useful. You have no need to feel worried. They do all the checks at the beginning and at the end to see if the programme has helped you make improvements. Being seen every week and having your blood pressure and Oxygen sats measured means someone is keeping an eye on you and your health, which is very reassuring. The session is half exercises and half an education session. I feel much more confident about knowing what to do now - its important to keep exercising and its ok to get to feel out of breath. I found it helpful to be with other patients with lung problems as we shared tips and ideas and it is a good support. I hope you will get benefit and enjoy it too.

[AR66 in reply to Shirazmataz]

🌻Thank you 🙏

[PAP48]

I’ve done the rehab course a few times and in my view it’s brilliant. The exercise plan is tailored to you to your ability with just a communal warm up and cool down. You’re monitored at all times. The physios are so helpful and knowledgeable and I found the groups very friendly. Absolutely nothing to worry about at all and I hope you find it useful and enjoy it. Take care.

[AR66 in reply to PAP48]

Thank you so much 💝

[B0xermad]

Hi I found it very helpful in the regard that it has given me my life back learning about how and what to do with my lung conditions and have continued the exercise programme since which has been 8yrs and I can honestly say I don't think I would be as proactive now with out this course

[AR66 in reply to B0xermad]

💗Thank you. Gonna give it my best shot 🤗

[B0xermad in reply to AR66]

Do it ,nothing to lose everything to gain.best of luck

[PaulineHM]

Hi, does this help ? This is a video of our local service.

Hope you enjoy and benefit from your PR opportunity.

youtu.be/Ooa1bwBkMcU?si=kfT...(Not working as expected?)

Go well

Pauline

[AR66 in reply to PaulineHM]

Wow, feeling more positive after seeing this link.....Thank you 🌹

[PaulineHM in reply to AR66]

Hehe, that’s good to read. All PR courses vary slightly according to the culture of local respiratory team, though the basic aims are the same.

Am sure that once you get going on it then you will ‘enjoy’ it. : )

Once you have completed the course then an important aspect is to continue some physical activity as maintenance. It really works!

Let us know how you get on won’t you ?

Go well

Pauline

[AR66 in reply to PaulineHM]

I've just this minute booked in for end of march 😃 thanks again Pauline 🤞💐

[PaulineHM in reply to AR66]

Just Fabulous !! x

[Collie4]

Hi, i’ve been offered a rehabilitation course too and feel just like you do. I was offered one a few years ago but declined. Now i know i should go on this one. Everyone has said how beneficial it is,

I hope you feel more positive about it now. It really helps to talk to people who understand.

[AR66 in reply to Collie4]

Aw absolutely..... People with lung difficulties understand you more than the professionals because we have "lives experience". It's also good to have that feeling that you're not alone.Hope you jump onboard and go for it this time Collie4🙌🤗

[Rehab_research in reply to Collie4]

Hello Collie4, I'm a pulmonary rehab physio and researcher and am interested in speaking to people about why they decline a referral for pulmonary rehab and how doctors and nurses could support people to agree to be referred. I wonder if you'd be interested in speaking to me about your experiences? If so, my email address is [e-mail] Thank you!

[Collie4]

👍🙂

[Timberman]

Be not afraid - your are about to enjoy one of the best and most effective programmes to support your battle with COPD. And the physio-terrorist (they love that joke!) wwill I am sure prove to be the bewst thing since sliced bread - my last by name of Lisa in Essex was a dream and I miss her terribly. I had 12 courses of PRS, in Norfolk and now in Essex, and they were the best and most helpful; courses I have ever4 attended.

First, you will be among a dozen or so fellow sufferers - that alone is a boon to be enjoyed.

Second, the nurse and physio teams are terrific

Third the exercises are clever, achievable and variable to suit your physical condition.

The PRS in in two parts and the second is a learning experienced, usually with a visiting speaker. You will learn all about how you breath, what you breath, what your body does with it, why your system is shot and lots more.

Finally, when it end you will eagerly sign up for the next one and wait in anticipation.

And eventually, like me, they will decide you are no longer a good enough risk for their attention... boo hoo. Where are you now my lovelies (!) and Lisa, the angel who never bends the grass...

[AR66 in reply to Timberman]

Awwwww, loving all these positive replies.....thank you for sharing your experience and YES, the physio -terrorist tickled me 😂....needed an extra breath for laughter. Thanks for that 🙌

[Karenanne61]

I think, as do many here, that pr improved my understanding and management of copd hugely. I was dragged to pr kicking and screaming following respiratory failure. I was in an induced coma on life support. You can understand my shock and horror upon being told I was to go to the gym! I could barely walk! Following my course I continued in the gym and classes so saw the physio's regularly. I stopped the gym as I didn't like it but continued with classes. (Yoga and pilates mainly - with the physio's agreement) I WAS under Harefield being considered for a lung transplant but have just been discharged!!! My tests have been stable for two years, no hospital admissions and I've even managed to improve my lung function! Sorry to ramble but I truly believe that without pr my quality of life would not be as good as it is.

[AR66 in reply to Karenanne61]

Wow!!!.…... what an inspirational story. Thanks for sharing, it gives hope to all suffering from lung disease and I'm sure most will agree. Do stay strong and healthy.... keep doing what you're doing and thank you again 💪💐

[Karenanne61 in reply to AR66]

Thankyou. 😊 I just wish everyone who needs pr could be offered a place without waiting too long. I hope you find it beneficial too.

[AR66 in reply to Karenanne61]

♥️

[Lupino]

Hello to you, Please don’t worry as you’ll enjoy the course. I too felt apprehensive but the acceptance letter said it will be enjoyable. It lasted 13 weeks of 2 hourly sessions. First one assessed breathlessness; endurance 6 minute walk; COPD test; mood; lower limb strength. This was repeated on the 13th week and our small group had each improved.

The 2 hourly sessions included supported exercise and talks covering topics such as on how to manage breathlessness; inhalers; diet; anatomy & physiology etc. Always a cup of tea mid way. A relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

I felt more optimistic following especially feeling fitter and therefore more in control. Please let us know how you get on. X

[AR66 in reply to Lupino]

Thank you very much. After reading all the comments with you lovely people I feel at ease and if I'm honest I think I'm looking forward to attending the course. I will be posting when it's completed and thank you once again ☺️🤗X

[Mons]

well done for signing up! I wanted to do another course after the first one 😂. People were quite nervous when they came for the first session but everyone enjoyed it once they got into the routine. I felt healthier and refreshed after the course. Please let us all know how you get on. x

[AR66 in reply to Mons]

Awe thank you and I will let you all know for sure 🤗💗