Looking for Pulmonary Rehabilitation

[Eco1]

Hi all.

I live in West Wales and have been told that there are no Pulmonary Rehabilitation courses running in my area. I am interested to find out where I can access one.

[stone-UK]

Hi

Enter you post code in box, see what comes up.

blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

Have you a local Gym you can ask, do they do any tailored courses.

[Eco1 in reply to stone-UK]

Thank you for your reply. I can see there is a Breath Easy group not too far away but I am not sure what these groups have to offer. I will do some more Reading into this.

I could access my local gym but I thought the exercise regime needed to be run by an experienced therapist. Again, more enquiries needed here.

Thank you for your time.

[Ergendl in reply to Eco1]

The Breathe Easy group usually holds regular meetings, say once a month, run by members who have lung problems, sometimes with help from local respiratory staff. Some meetings have specialist speakers, others may be socials going out for a meal, etc. I've been to a couple in my area, and both are great places to go to for fellowship and information about lung issues. I take my singing group Breathe Better Sing Together to the Crewe Breathe Easy group a couple of times a year - next one is November 29th.

So do try the Breathe Easy group near you. I'm sure you'll find it worthwhile, and you may learn local information about exercise classes for people with lung issues.

[Eco1 in reply to Ergendl]

I am not particularly good at joining new groups but I think it is something that I need to consider doing.

It appears that my nearest group is around 45 minutes away but it looks like it is my only option.

Thank you for the information though.

[Christabella153 in reply to Eco1]

There is one in the Picton Centre (by Pembrokeshire County Council Building) Next Tuesday I am going it is my 1st time if you want to go we can try it out together I live in Milford Haven so will arrive by bus let me know & we can walk in together if you want Christina

[mrsmummy]

Try YouTube to get you started until you can track a course down.

youtube.com/results?search_...

[Eco1 in reply to mrsmummy]

Thank you, I will, although any kind of exertion is currently difficult. I was hoping to take myself to the gym but realise that I need something more specialised to my own needs.

[mrsmummy in reply to Eco1]

I don't know where you are starting from but some of the YT ones are very basic and make a good place to start. Your GP may help with a gym referral.

[Eco1 in reply to mrsmummy]

I don't really know what I need. I have ready many posts saying how good Pulmonary Rehabilitation is and how people have benefited from it. I have spoken to my GP who has agreed that I would benefit from attending but courses have been stopped in my area due to cutbacks.

At the moment, I feel my stamina is decreasing following any exertion. I have Asthma and Emphysema and up until this year, I would say my breathlessness was due mostly to my Asthma. However, this year, my breathlessness has increased but I am no longer wheezing or having tightness in the chest. I just feel now that I do not have enough room in my lungs to take enough breath. I am sure other people recognise these symptoms.

I do appreciate any advice in this area and fully understand that I am a lot better off than many others.

[mrsmummy in reply to Eco1]

The thing about PR is that it is not only about exercise but includes some really good advice on other issues - benefits, diet, breathing exercises, etc. Do contact your local Breath Easy because they will likely be aware of what is available in your locality. They are all run slightly differently but most include talks from various professionals which can be really helpful. Good luck with it all.

[Eco1 in reply to mrsmummy]

I will and Thank You.

[stone-UK in reply to Eco1]

Hi

Here is list of home exercises given to me by my pulmonary rehabilitation class,

May help you to get motivated.

healthunlocked.com/blf/post...

[Eco1 in reply to stone-UK]

Thank you stone-UK.

It does give me some idea of how much I should do and they do appear to be relatively gentle to start with, although some of the exercises will certainly be difficult for me to do. The breathing table is a great addition too.

[Inamoment in reply to stone-UK]

That's a really useful list. I've not been doing much in the way of post PR exercises because I've not been well and have got distinctly less fit in just a few weeks. Feeling better now so am back on it

[PollyP in reply to Eco1]

Really hope you can get on a PR course somewhere !!! They are so helpful.

In the meantime yes Youtube and DVD's, local gym, Walking for Health.

Yes exercising may be a challenge for you at the moment but little by little it can really help.

Used pursed lip breathing to help you gain control over the breath.

Exercise, regular is the single most helpful thing you can do for yourself 🏃🏻‍♀️🤸🏼‍♀️🏋️‍♀️

Do check back here for support.

Pp.

[Eco1 in reply to PollyP]

Thank you PollyP.

I realise exercise is a necessity for me. Not only will it build my stamina but I have noticed that I am gaining weight as a result of a lack of exercise.

You mention pursed lip breathing. Incredibly, I have noticed that I am already doing this involuntarily, when I am breathless. However, I have never been shown this method of breathing.

[Hidden]

You can get an exercise dvd from the British Lung Foundation foc order it on line

[Grayjay]

Hi eco1,

I don't know how far away from Chester you are but I've been going to the one here. It could be worth travelling a reasonable distance as I found it very informative and useful. Also the other folks you meet there.

Cheers.

[Eco1 in reply to Grayjay]

Hi.

Unfortunately, Chester is too far to travel.

I am hoping that I may be able to access PR within a neighbouring County.

Thank you for your reply though.

[WestWalesPaul]

They run PR at Glangwili Hospital I think. There's a breathe easy group in Haverfordwest also [or was!?].

[Eco1 in reply to WestWalesPaul]

It would be great if Glangwili does offer it, although I am thinking that it stopped running a while back, as my GP is not aware of it running.

Thank you for your reply though.

[PollyP]

Meant to say do join the COPD UK Facebook page...there are thousands of us and it it so helpful and supportive- it is tremendous!

Pp

[Eco1 in reply to PollyP]

I will. Thank you.

[mel163]

Liverpool Rluh has definately got one

[mel163]

Liverpool RLUH has a pulmonary rehab class Mon an Friday twice weekly classes

Contact 0151 706 2000 reception at hospital main foyer then ask for

Pulmonary Rehab connection.

I hope u find info useful....

Mel163

[Eco1 in reply to mel163]

Hi mel163.

Unfortunately, I live approximately a 4 hours drive from Liverpool. It certainly is a post code lottery.

Thank you for your reply though.

[mel163 in reply to Eco1]

wasn't sure whether

[skischool]

Eco1 i think you are looking for what i am looking for.a proper funded and structured PR course,run by the Nhs and not charity and with the right balance of qualified and supervised staff to bring us back into the world of exercise.taking into account our different conditions and potentials and as they say here in Tameside there goes another flying pig or the expression Hens teeth comes to mind.a post code lottery indeed.Sorry absolutely useless info for your current situation but a good excuse to have a rant..............skis and unfit cat x

[Eco1 in reply to skischool]

Hi skischool and cat.

Feel free to rant, it is comforting to know I am not alone in my rants.

You are right. I am looking for something that is both exercised-based and educational and geared to your own individual needs. As we all know, as individuals we are all different, with differing conditions and abilities. What works for one person will not necessarily work for the next.

Not only is there an absence of such a service in this area, my Respiratory specialist has also left so I am now on a waiting list again.

Now that is my rant over.

[Christabella153]

My Oxygen Nurse i see once a year up Withybush (not on oxygen yet) she has put me down for a Pulmonary Rehab Course they are running from the Sports Centres at the moment I had been on one years ago went to Tenby caught 2 buses there & back but it was worth it. If you are going next Tuesday to the Picton Centre I will bring the book they gave me see if the Course would be any good for you Christina