If you could join a program that was designed to help you manage your COPD symptoms and improve your breathing, would you want to try it? Many people living with COPD may not realize that programs like these are available in communities all around the country! Pulmonary rehabilitation (also called “pulmonary rehab”) is a health program that combines education, exercise, and other support to help people manage their COPD symptoms and improve their breathing. These programs can be found in hospitals, clinics, and even online!
Pulmonary rehab programs often last several weeks, with sessions taking place up to a few times a week. Here, you’ll meet with a health care team, including respiratory therapists, nurses, dietitians, and other specialists who will teach you tips and techniques to improve your breathing. You’ll also work on increasing your activity and exercise to improve your stamina. You may be thinking, “But I can’t even walk around without feeling short of breath. How can they expect me to exercise?” Don’t worry! Pulmonary rehab is all about slow, steady progress. No one expects you to run a mile or do a 15-minute exercise video. This isn’t your neighborhood gym! Here, you’ll work with your health care team to slowly increase your activity day by day so that soon, you could be doing more than ever before!
Pulmonary rehab participants often say that one of the best parts of these programs is connecting with people just like them who are living with COPD every day. In pulmonary rehab, you can learn from each other—not just from the health care team. Everyone who participates in pulmonary rehab is living with chronic lung conditions, and many face the same challenges every day. Participants talk about the emotional support they received from others in pulmonary rehab who have “walked in their shoes.”
It's important to know that in pulmonary rehab, you’re part of the decision-making care team. Your goals are important, and your team should focus on them during the program. Goals can be big or small. Think about something you wish you could do right now. If I told you that pulmonary rehab could get you closer to that goal, would you want to try it? It’s never too late! Ask your health care provider if pulmonary rehab is right for you. And if you’d like a sneak peek of what pulmonary rehab includes, check out our CIRCLES program workbook. This book covers many of the same topics that will be explored in a pulmonary rehab program. And if you’re looking for a pulmonary rehab program near you, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation offers a list of programs online.
Have you tried pulmonary rehab before? What is one thing you learned in pulmonary rehab that you use every day? Share your experiences below. I can’t wait to hear from you!