What I Have Learned in Rehab

I thought it might help to understand the specifics of what was taught in the rehab classes. This list is what I learned during the first 8-weeks of classes and exercising which I still follow today.

I learned in rehab:
• to feel what it is to be low of oxygen. I can tell when it gets down to or below 89% and used to try and work through it but now realize what harm it does to my heart and other organs.
• that I just can’t try to ignore the disease as it must be a priority.
• about the disease and the physiology of it.
• the necessity of flu and pneumonia shots – my first.
• relaxation classes taught me techniques to stop, meditate and relax my body so the saturation rate increases.
• all about energy conservation. This is key to keep doing daily activities. I can do them all just not on the same days but must plan ahead.
• must fight to maintain current activities. Continue gardening until I can't anymore.
• short trips are fine but must be plan for it. Oxygen must be ordered ahead to be at the destination. Try to take naps during traveling. It is important to stop and move at least every two hours. Try to relax and breathe. Try not to over-do.
• pursed-lipped breathing and diaphragm breathing – use this while walking on flats, food shopping. This technique can slightly raise saturation rates enough to help.
• how to make the bed without being out of breath. We bought the tallest bed we could find. I don't have to lean over to make it so I don't get out of breath. Proof is in the photo!
• to take cooler showers because hot showers make me short of breath.
• to wear slip on shoes so I don’t lean over and get out of breath.
• to cook dinner one night and use leftovers for the next 2 or 3 nights.
• to use paper plates – more energy conservation.
• how to shop for groceries using energy conservation.
• about germs – worry about colds, flu and pneumonia. Wash hand constantly. Wipe down shopping carts with bleach wipes and keep Purel in car and use whenever returning to car. Wash my hands the moment I return home.
• grew muscles so I can stand longer.
• from other people – one taught me how to continue to be able to do my light yard work by rolling the large oxygen tank into the yard and to connect a long hose.
• not to panic and to breathe through bad situations like having to do a small set of stairs.
• to slow down – probably the hardest thing for me to learn.
• to take rest periods.

And I am still learning.

Next: Workman’s Comp Lawsuit – Part 1