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Physical Therapy with Pulmonary Fibrosis

Posted by grrranny @grrranny, Feb 12 3:37am

Have any of you done PT while being short of breath from Pulmonary Fibrosis, Interstitial Lung Disease, or other breathing problems?
My 83 year-old hubby's orthopedic/spine surgeon wants him to schedule physical therapy now that it's 2.5 months after his second Kyphoplasty for spinal compression fracture, but he's been reluctant to call the PT office, due to having increased difficulty breathing with even minimal exertion. He has recently needed to use his portable oxygen concentrator after things like showering or getting dressed. He's also still having to take a half cyclobenzaprine muscle relaxer and half a hydrocodone for back pain, so he can't even drive, yet -- due to possible drowsiness. Before the back surgery, he was driving to his part-time consulting every day. Now, he's okay as long as he's just sitting in his recliner, but does get up and slowly walk around the room a few times, several times a day. Also currently taking Azathioprine for Rheumatoid Arthritis, which we suspect has had some negative side effects after taking Methotrexate for 20 years -- and which we (and his doctors) believe has been the cause of both the osteoporosis fractures and the pulmonary fibrosis, as well as the MGUS which was discovered during his first Kyphoplasty 2 years ago. He's supposed to start an annual Reclast infusion for the osteoporosis in April, and we're dreading that -- as he seems to be susceptible to every possible side effect of everything he's ever taken.
We really don't know what to do. Would a Physical Therapist be able to deal with all this, and how???

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celineperkins | @celineperkins | Feb 13 10:55am

I have pulmonary fibrosis, on continuous oxygen and have had both regular PT and Pulmonary Rehab. Your husband's oxygen needs are a priority with any activity or exercise. And as hard as it seems, activity is what will help him increase his stamina and move forward with his recovery.
If you aren't familiar with Pulmonary Rehab, it's a supervised exercise program that includes cardiovascular exercise (treadmill or NuStep/seated elliptical type machines) and light free weights. The programs are customized for the patient's abilities. The therapists keep track of oxygen needs, heart rate and blood pressure. They have oxygen tanks there that patients can use while doing their programs. It might be worth asking his doctor if something like that would be beneficial. If he goes to PT, they should be set up to deal with oxygen needs.

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1 reply
19stine75j | @19stine75j | Mar 8 2:52am

Yes such good advice about rehab therapy. An I feel like if he doesn’t want to go to rehabilitation that maybe he can purchase like some 2-5 pound weights , an start some sitting exercises with the weights. An he can find videos on line about Chair an bed exercises. I do the barbell exercises a chair exercises a get up more often through the day , an jus walk inside , around your house, if u don’t go outside much… every little bit helps .. we’ll that’s what in my mind. Good luck to you ! I’m on that same journey unfortunately.

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grrranny | @grrranny | Mar 8 3:12am
In reply to @celineperkins "I have pulmonary fibrosis, on continuous oxygen and have had both regular PT and Pulmonary Rehab...." + (show)
@celineperkins

I have pulmonary fibrosis, on continuous oxygen and have had both regular PT and Pulmonary Rehab. Your husband's oxygen needs are a priority with any activity or exercise. And as hard as it seems, activity is what will help him increase his stamina and move forward with his recovery.
If you aren't familiar with Pulmonary Rehab, it's a supervised exercise program that includes cardiovascular exercise (treadmill or NuStep/seated elliptical type machines) and light free weights. The programs are customized for the patient's abilities. The therapists keep track of oxygen needs, heart rate and blood pressure. They have oxygen tanks there that patients can use while doing their programs. It might be worth asking his doctor if something like that would be beneficial. If he goes to PT, they should be set up to deal with oxygen needs.

Jump to this post

Celine, thanks so much for helping to get us going with making the appointments for the PT. This is currently to help with hubby's recovery from back surgery, but is a little complicated due to too much exertion causing him to be short of breath because of the Pulmonary Fibrosis. He's had 1 session per week for the last 3 weeks, and is also doing daily exercises at home. So far, it has helped him become a little more mobile -- although he still has to take the pain med and muscle relaxer in the mornings. Has an appointment with his Pulmonologist the end of this month, and I'm thinking that he should request Pulmonary Rehab at that time. I don't know why his Pulmonologist didn't suggest that when he saw him in January and June of last year.
Best wishes to you.....

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1 reply
grrranny | @grrranny | Mar 8 3:30am
In reply to @19stine75j "Yes such good advice about rehab therapy. An I feel like if he doesn’t want to..." + (show)
@19stine75j

Yes such good advice about rehab therapy. An I feel like if he doesn’t want to go to rehabilitation that maybe he can purchase like some 2-5 pound weights , an start some sitting exercises with the weights. An he can find videos on line about Chair an bed exercises. I do the barbell exercises a chair exercises a get up more often through the day , an jus walk inside , around your house, if u don’t go outside much… every little bit helps .. we’ll that’s what in my mind. Good luck to you ! I’m on that same journey unfortunately.

Jump to this post

Thank you, Stine! Hubby is doing those exercises -- both at home and at his PT, currently. Is doing okay with them, and the therapist is taking it slow and not pushing him too much -- due to both his shortness of breath and post-surgery back pain, with which this particular PT is supposed to help. Using 3 pound dumbbells and also a stretch band. PT for the breathing may be next.....
Wishing you the best.

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1 reply
19stine75j | @19stine75j | Mar 8 4:07am
In reply to @grrranny "Thank you, Stine! Hubby is doing those exercises -- both at home and at his PT,..." + (show)
@grrranny

Thank you, Stine! Hubby is doing those exercises -- both at home and at his PT, currently. Is doing okay with them, and the therapist is taking it slow and not pushing him too much -- due to both his shortness of breath and post-surgery back pain, with which this particular PT is supposed to help. Using 3 pound dumbbells and also a stretch band. PT for the breathing may be next.....
Wishing you the best.

Jump to this post

That is so great ! A you welcome. Glad you are together , an dealing with this disease. I live by myself in a retirement community. I jus turned 67 a milestone because I was diagnosed with the PF in 2015 tryin to push through far as I can go by myself. Yes I do hav 2 kids but not trying to infringe on their lives yet. So I’m blessed! A you an your husband stay blessed and keep pushing on. Yep I have insomnia 🥱😊🙏👋

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celineperkins | @celineperkins | Mar 8 2:23pm
In reply to @grrranny "Celine, thanks so much for helping to get us going with making the appointments for the..." + (show)
@grrranny

Celine, thanks so much for helping to get us going with making the appointments for the PT. This is currently to help with hubby's recovery from back surgery, but is a little complicated due to too much exertion causing him to be short of breath because of the Pulmonary Fibrosis. He's had 1 session per week for the last 3 weeks, and is also doing daily exercises at home. So far, it has helped him become a little more mobile -- although he still has to take the pain med and muscle relaxer in the mornings. Has an appointment with his Pulmonologist the end of this month, and I'm thinking that he should request Pulmonary Rehab at that time. I don't know why his Pulmonologist didn't suggest that when he saw him in January and June of last year.
Best wishes to you.....

Jump to this post

I'm glad to hear things are moving forward - and you're very welcome!

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fields123 | @fields123 | Mar 8 3:16pm

I am 95 years old woman live at home with little help. Took a special class last June to help with my pulmonary fibrosis and recommend by my dr who helped get an appt for the therapy.No cost to you.I went twice a week for8 weeks and the class was most helpful

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19stine75j | @19stine75j | Mar 8 8:53pm

Hello fields, so good you are going to therapy.. an so great if it helps your fibrosis. How long , or when did they diagnose yours? I’m going on 9 years now on Oxgen thru the night an in the day if I do things like cleaning up, washing dishes . If I cook a lil something - dr. Said not to be near heat with the concentrator an cannula- so I take it off when I cook . But I’m doing the best I can, while I’m still able. Jus not sure about a lung transplant.,seem like my doctor said I’m not a candidate! I think 🤔

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1 reply
fields123 | @fields123 | Mar 9 12:31pm
In reply to @19stine75j "Hello fields, so good you are going to therapy.. an so great if it helps your..." + (show)
@19stine75j

Hello fields, so good you are going to therapy.. an so great if it helps your fibrosis. How long , or when did they diagnose yours? I’m going on 9 years now on Oxgen thru the night an in the day if I do things like cleaning up, washing dishes . If I cook a lil something - dr. Said not to be near heat with the concentrator an cannula- so I take it off when I cook . But I’m doing the best I can, while I’m still able. Jus not sure about a lung transplant.,seem like my doctor said I’m not a candidate! I think 🤔

Jump to this post

I was diagnose with pulmonary fibrosis year ago after hospitalization with pneumonia. I have asthma probably due to second hand smoke from husband indoor smoking.My pulmonary dr suggest I take medication for the fibrosis but know of side effects possible so not sure I want to take any medication for the condition.

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1 reply
19stine75j | @19stine75j | Mar 9 3:49pm

Hi there sorry I jus got back to you. Well I understand what you mean. I really didn’t want to take any either but my dr convinced me . So I jus told him I’ll give it a try!! An I did . He said to make sure I eat with it. So now I’ve gained some weight cause scare if I don’t eat enough I’ll get sick- nausea, diarrhea, who wants that!! So I don’t know, don’t know if I want a transplant, don’t know if I’m a candidate, but seem like my doc told me I wasn’t!! So I got a few questions my next visit , which is soon . I take 2 tablets / 3 times a day , they 267 mg. Not to mention 8 other needs I’m on for Rhuematoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes an I hav nodules on my esophagus. Jus trying to be here a lil longer so I can spend time with my 2 kids!! A sorry for writing so much . When u live alone you be glad for conversation … sometimes ok hav a good day I hope

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