Probably one of the biggest issues faced by people with COPD is loss; the loss of their former level of activity, the loss of the ability to do what they used to do, and perhaps the biggest concern of all, the loss of control over their breathing - and their lives. In another COPD blog, "Now What? Six Steps to Breathing Better with COPD," we talked briefly about Pulmonary Rehabilitation as one of the essential steps to regaining that strength and control and going on to live well with COPD. Today we're going to talk more about that, and it's the perfect time to do so because National Pulmonary Rehab Week is right around the corner - from March 16-22, 2008.

Who?

Should you consider participating in pulmonary rehab? Yes, you should discuss it with your doctor if you answer yes to any of the following questions.

• Do you have COPD or another chronic lung disease and are becoming less physically active?
• Have you had to give up or cut back on some activities because of changes brought on by your breathing?
• Are you feeling more tired and short of breath(SOB) more often?
• Do you find yourself having frequent bouts of bronchitis, pneumonia, or just being down with a bad cold for longer periods of time than other people your age?
• Are you confused about your breathing medications, not really knowing if they're working or not?
• Do you feel downhearted because of your decline in breathing and activity?
• Does your lung function test report less than 65% of normal predicted lung function on your FVC, FEV1, or Diffusion Capacity? If so, you may qualify for Medicaire coverage for the program. Coverage varies in each state, so check with your local hospital or pulmonary rehab facility. Some other health insurers, or payers, follow these guidelines.

What?

So, what is Pulmonary Rehab?

Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a program of exercise and education especially designed for people with COPD and other chronic lung diseases. In pulmonary rehab you'll gain strength, stamina, and flexibility, learn a lot about your lungs and how to stay as healthy as possible. You'll also find moral support and learn to cope with changes brought on by COPD.

At this point, we should talk a little about what Pulmonary Rehab cannot do. Pulmonary Rehab cannot cure your lung disease (there is currently no cure for COPD, Emphysema and Pulmonary Fibrosis), cannot improve your lung function, or make you feel like you're twenty again!

However, Pulmonary Rehab can improve your overall physical conditioning (better- conditioned muscles require less oxygen) and help you learn to breathe effectively so you can achieve your maximum potential in spite of your lung disease. It can also give you the control you need to get through episodes of shortness of breath and the confidence to face each day, knowing that you have the knowledge to take care of your health and remain as healthy as possible. In addition to physical conditioning and effective lung health management, you'll also find ways to cope with lung disease and live your life as fully and happily as possible. Participants in Pulmonary Rehab often learn the best lessons from each other. After all, they're traveling the same road. People participating in pulmonary rehab often say, "This is the only place I can come where everybody understands what this is like."