Measuring Progress

Interesting, I just had this discussion this morning with my pain PT! I use how much I am able to do on any given day to measure my progress - sometimes I am limited by the lungs, other times by pain. When lungs are the limit, I try my rescue inhaler, and maybe a second saline neb, before I give in to a quiet day. With pain, I try extra stretching, maybe some essential oils, and just go slower, but try not to just quit.

Today will be a limited day, because the spinal adjustments during therapy "kick my butt" - so I'll concentrate on quieter pursuits, icing & stretching, and hopefully a decent walk later. Of course, my proposed to-do list for today originally included extensive weeding, and some digging of wayward plants in the garden - that will have to wait a day. Instead I will do some proposal-writing that I have been putting off, and maybe a little cooking or baking - not my usual summer activities at all.

When I first was diagnosed with MAC, and on antibiotics, I could manage 2 hours a day of activity, in 20 minute intervals interspersed with rest. Now I can go for several hours, with up to 2 hours at a stretch of really active/strenuous things like gardening, biking or chasing with my grandkids. A short rest rejuvenates me on good days. But I still "hit the wall" right around 4 pm - have tried sleeping later, resting, a snack, extra water, caffeine...but I'm pretty much done with anything requiring strength or brainpower at that point. My kids say "well...you're not so young any more"... but that can't be - any suggestions?

Sue

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Hi thumperguy!! I missed what you use to measure your progress when you’re between flareups ——-did you did you mean what you cough up with the saline and nebulizer or what did you mean interesting I just wanted to know I love to learn as much as I can about this illness since I have it myself and maybe others can learn also thank you!! Have a great day!! Judy H

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Interesting, I just had this discussion this morning with my pain PT! I use how much I am able to do on any given day to measure my progress - sometimes I am limited by the lungs, other times by pain. When lungs are the limit, I try my rescue inhaler, and maybe a second saline neb, before I give in to a quiet day. With pain, I try extra stretching, maybe some essential oils, and just go slower, but try not to just quit.

Today will be a limited day, because the spinal adjustments during therapy "kick my butt" - so I'll concentrate on quieter pursuits, icing & stretching, and hopefully a decent walk later. Of course, my proposed to-do list for today originally included extensive weeding, and some digging of wayward plants in the garden - that will have to wait a day. Instead I will do some proposal-writing that I have been putting off, and maybe a little cooking or baking - not my usual summer activities at all.

When I first was diagnosed with MAC, and on antibiotics, I could manage 2 hours a day of activity, in 20 minute intervals interspersed with rest. Now I can go for several hours, with up to 2 hours at a stretch of really active/strenuous things like gardening, biking or chasing with my grandkids. A short rest rejuvenates me on good days. But I still "hit the wall" right around 4 pm - have tried sleeping later, resting, a snack, extra water, caffeine...but I'm pretty much done with anything requiring strength or brainpower at that point. My kids say "well...you're not so young any more"... but that can't be - any suggestions?

Sue

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Sue, You might try adding light resistance training to your regimen. I use resistance bands called "bodylastics". Not expensive, portable and can get from Amazon. I have a regimen that targets upper and lower body on alternating days, takes me 10-15 minutes/day. I find I have more energy for the things I love to do, Tennis, Golf, Hiking etc. And as a bonus can't hurt in the fight against my lung issues. Bill

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Interesting, I just had this discussion this morning with my pain PT! I use how much I am able to do on any given day to measure my progress - sometimes I am limited by the lungs, other times by pain. When lungs are the limit, I try my rescue inhaler, and maybe a second saline neb, before I give in to a quiet day. With pain, I try extra stretching, maybe some essential oils, and just go slower, but try not to just quit.

Today will be a limited day, because the spinal adjustments during therapy "kick my butt" - so I'll concentrate on quieter pursuits, icing & stretching, and hopefully a decent walk later. Of course, my proposed to-do list for today originally included extensive weeding, and some digging of wayward plants in the garden - that will have to wait a day. Instead I will do some proposal-writing that I have been putting off, and maybe a little cooking or baking - not my usual summer activities at all.

When I first was diagnosed with MAC, and on antibiotics, I could manage 2 hours a day of activity, in 20 minute intervals interspersed with rest. Now I can go for several hours, with up to 2 hours at a stretch of really active/strenuous things like gardening, biking or chasing with my grandkids. A short rest rejuvenates me on good days. But I still "hit the wall" right around 4 pm - have tried sleeping later, resting, a snack, extra water, caffeine...but I'm pretty much done with anything requiring strength or brainpower at that point. My kids say "well...you're not so young any more"... but that can't be - any suggestions?

Sue

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