60% FEV1 Emphysema 12 mile walk

[ggeorgiou]

Hi,

I am a 35 year old mate and I was diagnosed with moderate emphysema in October and my spirometry test showed I had 60% FEV1.

This weekend I participated in my first test by putting myself through a 12 mile walk in the fresh bedfordshire countryside with friends. I didn't feel breathless at all and walked non-stop for about 5 hours. I was really happy about this and it has given me a real confidence boost as I have been feeling quite depressed since diagnoses.

I don't want to curse it, but should I be feeling worse with a 60% FEV1? I don't get it.

Thanks,

George

[mrsmummy]

healthunlocked.com/blf/post...

healthunlocked.com/blf/post...

There are members on here who are just as fit. Some have always been so and others have raised their fitness level after diagnosis. The most important thing we can do for ourselves is to stop smoking. The second most important thing is taking exercise. So my take on it is that you are doing a good job and long may it continue.

[Caspiana]

Hello ggeorgiou

Hooray for you. I am glad you are keeping fit and walking. My FEV1 is at 35% and I walk as much as I can with my oxygen in tow. 😊 I think it's amazing what we can do even with our restricted lung function. I wish you continued success keep it up! So happy for you

Cas xx 🌻

[ggeorgiou in reply to Caspiana]

Thanks Cas. I think its also good for the mind too, not just the lungs. All the best, George

[2greys]

You need to push a little harder, maybe jogging next, to actually make yourself breathless. It is when you reach the state of moderate breathlessness (but still be able to talk a little) that improvement to lung function starts. Once you reach moderate breathlessness then keep going for as long as you can, maintaining that level of breathlessness. You may be lucky like me and gain a real improvement, on a par with mine you may get back up to 75% or maybe even 80%. The kicker is, that you have to keep up the exercising or you will loose all that you have gained within a few short weeks of inactivity.

[Bcclarke in reply to 2greys]

I have never heard this. But I have always been stage 3 to stage 4 with under 30%Fe V1 and I am a CO2 retainer

[ggeorgiou in reply to 2greys]

Thanks for your comment 2greys. I also do running on my treadmill at home pretty much every evening and aim to run at least 15 minutes at 7mph. I am breathless afterwards but I run as fast and as long as I can. I have been doing that for a good few months now since diagnoses.

I also have weights at home but must admit I have not really touched them. So I will aim to add some biceps curls into my daily routine too.

I totally agree with you though, the aim should be to push yourself as hard as you can to get the maximum amount of success back.

[Caspiana in reply to ggeorgiou]

I think that is brilliant, but please watch your oxygen levels while you are doing it. If they constantly are dropping below 90 then you may be starving your vital organs of oxygen. Also pushing your heart to make up for the lack of oxygen can wear it out . Fitness is always good with caution. xx 🌹

[ggeorgiou in reply to Caspiana]

My oxygen level is 99% always at the moment, never really goes up or down other than resting when it goes to 97% or 98%.

I have a oxomiter which I use reguarly.

[Caspiana in reply to ggeorgiou]

You've got it going then. 😊👍 Happy for you.

[zen800]

Well done. Keep going and yes start jogging. Also start doing weights. Start with low weight and 12 to 15 reps. Over time decrease reps( 8-12) and increase weight. We need to do both cardio and weights. To keep muscle mass and strong bones.

[2greys in reply to zen800]

A very good point, I had forgotten about that, as I do weight lifting as part of my working day.

[ggeorgiou in reply to zen800]

Thanks @zen800 - I do run and jog every evening on my treadmill. I aim to do about 15 minutes an evening at a fast jog and I get myself breathless at the end.

[Shaurene]

Good on you George well done and keep it up as long as you can. You are giving yourself the best treatment. There are a lot who do not have what you have and could not do that walk.

[ggeorgiou in reply to Shaurene]

Thanks Shaurene - Yes I know, I will aim to do this for as long as I can. I have 10 more 10 mile walks sheduled with friends every other week in the future. So I have something to aim for.

Wish you all the best.

George

[Pam1952]

Well done....what a great achievement. I'm really pleased for you. Keep up the good work. XXX

[sharpy611]

Good for you mate your doing good

[Hidden]

well done Georgiou r you of greeek heritage if u don't mind me asking?

[ggeorgiou in reply to Hidden]

Thanks reiver. Yes, I am Greek Cypriot.

[mbscbpmbscbp]

Hi ggeorgiou well done you are certainly fit and could probably make a living as a proffesional sportsman. But be warned the exercise and fitness lobby is a billion dollar institution and they promote exercise as to be the answer to everything when in fact the opposite is true. Moderate exercise is ok but when you push the body too far your heart beats much faster than normal and when you regurlaly push it to the limit you are literaly wearing your heart out.In other words you are using your heart beats up before they should be and thus shortening your life