Earl was diagnosed with having COPD in the fall of 2017. After seeing his doctor, he choose to come to Loring Hospital for his pulmonary rehabilitation and therapy.
"It’s not a good feeling when you try to do something and can’t because you can’t breathe," Earl said. He thanked the great bunch of ladies from the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department at Loring Hospital for his success and ability to get back to doing the things he enjoys in life and daily activities.
"I’m exercising, getting my strength back and not having near the trouble breathing that I was before I started Rehab," he commented. "I feel like it’s going to be possible to do the things I enjoy that I thought I might not ever do again. So my thanks go out to Nikki, Cassie, and Tiffany for all your help and support you have given me while I’ve been in Rehab,” he said.
Pulmonary rehabilitation, also called pulmonary rehab is a program that helps improve the well-being of people who have chronic (ongoing) breathing problems. Pulmonary rehab may benefit people who have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), sarcoidosis (sar-koy-DOE-sis), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or cycstic fibrosis.
Pulmonary rehab doesn't replace medical therapy. Instead, it's used with medical therapy and may include:
- Exercise training
- Nutritional counseling
- Education on your lung disease or condition and how to manage it
- Energy-conserving techniques
- Breathing strategies
- Psychological counseling and/or group support
Pulmonary rehab involves a long-term commitment from the patient and a team of health care providers. The team may include doctors, nurses, and specialists such as respiratory therapists, physical and occupational therapists, and dietitians or nutritionists.
Pulmonary rehab often is an outpatient program at Loring Hospital. When you start rehabilitation, your rehab team will create a plan that's tailored to your abilities and needs. You'll likely attend your pulmonary rehabilitation program weekly. Your team also will expect you to follow your plan, including exercises and lifestyle changes, at home.
Pulmonary Rehab at Loring Hospital has many benefits. It can improve your ability to function and your quality of life. The program also may help relieve your breathing problems. Talk to your doctor today about pulmonary rehabilitation services at Loring Hospital.