Started two session per week rehab at Temple last week. They started me on the treadmill and when I asked for O2 they told me to try it without O2. To my surprise, I didn't need the O2. They started me at 1.2 MPH for 10 minutes and I didn't experience the severe pre-surgery SOB I had in the past even while on O2. I could have done more than 10 minutes but they didn't want me to over do it on the first day. In addition to the TM, they use the stationary bike, the arm exerciser and a "Nu-Step" which exercises your arms and legs simultaneously and all without O2.
After the first 3 sessions, I'm now allowed to determine how long I want to go with each exercise. Yesterday, I went for 25 minutes at 1.2 MPH on the TM without O2. They increased the arm and leg tension on the other equipment, which are all more strenuous than the TM, and I'm doing 15 minutes on each one.
Today, I did a non-stop 40 minutes at 1.5 MPH on my home TM without O2 and did not experience anything more than very mild SOB. I was amazed. It's now tougher on the legs than on my lungs. Also do the bike and weights at home. I did learn that walking on the TM doesn't yet compare to normal outdoor walking. Went to a shopping center with my wife and had to do some walking which resulted in mild SOB. Nothing severe but enough to tell me I still have a fair amount of recovery in front of me before walking any distance outdoors.
In the past, simply walking around the house could bring on SOB episodes. No longer. I haven't had any of these for the past 3 weeks. Going up a flight of steps now leaves me somewhat "winded" but nothing compared to the gasping for breath experienced in the past which required 2 to 3 minutes for recovery.
It's been 8 weeks since the surgery and there's no doubt it has helped me. Hard to believe that removing 50% of my lungs could improve my breathing.
Penny, I can speak only for myself but I recommend the procedure to anyone who qualifies. The improved QOL is worth the initial discomfort.
