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Exercise after exacerbation/exercise general

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maryterese
maryterese

Once again looking for some advice as I try to recover from my pneumonia exacerbation and surgery.  I have not exercised for a while due to the surgery issue.  My pft numbers are way down after exacerbation.  I took a 2 mile walk just now.  I became sob but not too bad.  However, I also felt lightheaded, headache and ears  seem to hurt.   Is this normal?  I want to keep plugging before I see my Pulmo in two weeks.   I am hoping the PFT's will,rise a bit after recovery from pneumonia and surgery bronchospasm.  Dr said healing from bronchospasm should increase pft and oxygen somewhat.  Oxygen is down a point or two from pre-exacerbation.  I am pretty freaked out.

i would love to hear any related comments but especially related to exercise. Bless you all.

i

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • sandy58386
    sandy58386 maryterese

    Posted

    Maryterese, my heart goes out to you.  Every thing we go through with COPD is quite frightening.  I have not experienced some of the things you have; however, I HAVE had one flare up about 5 months ago.  When I was first diagnosed:  light headed, very tired, oxy level was 72, my GP immediately put me on oxygen to use ONLY during the night - that has helped me tremendously.  Also, my pulmonary specialist put me on Spiriva and Advair daily.  I am feeling great (knock on wood) and my oxy level is consistently between 90 and 95.  You might want to talk to your pulmonary specialist about night time oxygen - I truly feel that has helped me feel better.  Also, I walk at least 2 miles daily and if for some reason I don't get a chance to walk, I don't feel as well.  Bless you, I hope you get some of your questions answered.
    • maryterese
      maryterese sandy58386

      Posted

      Sandy, thank you so much.  I am so appreciative of any feedback here since I am feeling very scared.  I think the lightheaded, etc seems from oxygen.  My normal oxygen is 96-98, now drops to 95-84 after exercise.  Sometimes before. Then back to 96-7.  So not sure about oxygen at night.  We will see.  I am 57 so hope not there yet.  Still the exacerabations have taken a toll.  I am pretty tired now after the walk.

      I am on Advair and now Combivent Inhaler. They seem to help.

      I had pneumonia shot 6 yrs ago.  Some say booster. I want to get the booster but doc thinks wait until body calms down.

      The pneumonia was very mild.  Still did a lot of damage.

      Thanks again.

    • maryterese
      maryterese

      Posted

      Oops !  Oxygen 95-94, not 84.
    • ladyjack51
      ladyjack51 sandy58386

      Posted

      Hi Sandy58386...just wanted to say that I'm 54 and on Oxygen 24/7 (sometimes I take it off while sitting still). My Dr's put me on Spiriva and Advair and Albuteral if sob. This is all so new for me and was very depressing but the medicine really is the key. It helps keep your lungs open so you can maintain at at a lower level of air without plummeting without it...which I will do without it. With Oxygen MY blood/Oxygen Is Around 93 OR 94. Without oxygen, it goes down to 87 or so and will stay there as long as I don't exert. If I move around without it it goes down to 81...or so. So I don't exert without my oxygen.  I went a week without meds and it went in the 70's without oxygen bc it came off one night so the meds really help keep you stay open. They say mine is severe. I guess it is. But I did quit smoking...even tho it might be too late. 
  • sandy58386
    sandy58386 maryterese

    Posted

    Also, Maryterese.....how old are you and have you had the pneumonia immunization?  I don't know where you live; however, here in the U.S. it is recommended that one receives the pneumonia immunization at age 65.  It is not necessary to have a booster; however, some people do get a booster after about 8 years.
  • sandy58386
    sandy58386 maryterese

    Posted

    Hi Ladyjack and Maryterese!

    I agree, the meds are VERY helpful.  At this point I am on oxygen only during the night.  Another thing that I find helpful, especially if I am walking my daily 2 miles, is to do "pursed lip breathing".  I practice this method ALL the time when I am walking or exercising.  Breathe in through your nose and hold your breath for the count of 3..Breathe out through your pursed lips to the count of 6. Just keep repeating this exercise.  I found that afterwhile, it just becomes second nature!  smile

    This seems to really keep my oxy level up.  Bless you, Ladyjack....I am still only on Spiriva and Advair but I feel they benefit me greatly!!  XOX

  • richard89308
    richard89308 maryterese

    Posted

    hi mary terese,

    you probably did too much by doing a 2 mile walk so the oxygen levels are down a bit.  Try doing a lesser distance and see how you are then.  Your lungs are struggling to reoxygenate the body and can't do it quickly enough.  Thats the reason for the other symptoms.  But keep trying just don't go mad!  The pulmonary rehab should see you right though.

    Richard

    • maryterese
      maryterese richard89308

      Posted

      Bless you, Richard.  I think you are right.  I was pushing too much.  Yesterday I did about a mile and it was fine. I do not know the rules here about pulmonary rehab.  Will have to see.  The more I sit and fret the worse it is.  I felt quite good after the walk yesterday.

      Still can't believe my pfts are so low. Seems to me I should be breathless but I am not at all.  I pray that the bronchospasm heals.  Taking prednisone reluctantly but if it gets the numbers up 20 points I would be thrilled.  So far only 10.   It was 40 points higher before pneumonia and brinchospasm.  Do you use a spirometer at home?

    • maryterese
      maryterese

      Posted

      Does anyone use an incentive spirometer or is that not helpful?
  • richard89308
    richard89308 maryterese

    Posted

    I don't have copd but I studied it at OUniversity last year so know about the symptoms and causes.  At least you know your exercise limits a bit better now.

    Richard

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