1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis

Measuring Progress

Posted by thumperguy @thumperguy, Aug 19, 2020

I use time between acute flare-ups requiring antibiotics to resolve as a handy “gross” measure. However I’m aware that many people active on this forum are copping with greater pathology than my “mild” case and likely have more sophisticated ways to assess status

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

fdixon63 | @fdixon63 | Aug 27, 2020
In reply to @windwalker "Hi Sue. Your back hook looks like an interesting gadget. I have a massager that I..." + (show)
@windwalker

Hi Sue. Your back hook looks like an interesting gadget. I have a massager that I bought many yrs ago. It has an adjustable 'elbow' to reach around to your back. It also has a heated option and interchangeable knobs for varying rubs. The vibration on it is phenominal and was great for loosening up phlegm in my lungs. I use it for sore muscles in my legs and tension headaches. It has been a real Godsend. I have been house/dog sitting in Florida the last two weeks on Amelia Island. The humidity here is about to kill me. I get to go home tomorrow, yay!!! I have been caring for three dogs and a cat, and I am quite worn out. Two of the dogs are large and very strong and have about pulled my arms off when walking them. Sheesh! Will you be heading up north to cooler weather any time soon?

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Terri, I'm interested in name, etc. of your massager. It would be great to be able to reach those areas of my back that were previously unreachable. Thanks. Blessings.
Faye

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woot | @woot | Aug 27, 2020
In reply to @sueinmn "Interesting, I just had this discussion this morning with my pain PT! I use how much..." + (show)
@sueinmn

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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Poodledoc, Sue, and others: thanks for giving us your personal examples that life can get better. Your Weight/resistance training, your going slowly from 20 minutes of doing to now two hours of biking, etc has encouraged me so much. One of you reported oxygenation increase to 97%. It never occurred to me that I could change that. After a neck injury in June, I had PT , all upper body weights and bands. I could only do 10 minutes walking. But much as I’ve hated it, I’ve continued all, 5-6 days a week (no new Mac) and now I can do 17 minutes walking and my oxygenation has gone from 90 to 94. You all inspire me. Thanks so much!

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migizii | @migizii | Aug 27, 2020
In reply to @sueinmn "@windwalker Hi Terri - We are "up North"! - near Minneapolis - but have been having..." + (show)
@sueinmn

@windwalker Hi Terri - We are "up North"! - near Minneapolis - but have been having temps around 90F with high humidity. But here we know it is a very temporary situation - September & cooler weather are just around the corner. We left South Texas at the end of April & don't know when we'll be going back - our county there is a "hotspot" with full hospitals & many deaths - not a good situation for a ll the Winter Texans with many medical needs. Until the numbers drop WAY down, there would be no communal activities to enjoy so we'll be here in Minnesota at least until January - have been talking to all of our friends who seem to be seeing it the same way...
It will be a challenge to stay active once colder weather sets in - the gym & mall-walking are definitely off the table.

I was just at my daughter's house & her husband already got her a MuscleHook - she was using it during her stressful staff meeting - in spite of high virus numbers and a high risk population, her school district is insistent upon trying in-person instruction beginning Sept 15.
I know I am better becuase I can play chase & tag with a 4 year-old!
Sue

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@migizii Sue, you really need to be “up north” to get some relief! Only in the upper 70’s here today!

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