Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 18, 1990 TAG: 9004170039
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: BARBARA HOLCOMB SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Long
"I didn't think I was going to suffer, because for so long, I felt and seemed OK," Jones said.
Three years ago, Jones began catching pneumonia a couple of times a year. He started gasping for breath when walking uphill. Cold weather would make it even harder for him to catch his breath. Emphysema started building the prison that would entrap Jones' life.
Jones knows he is reaping the rewards of the choice he made to begin smoking so long ago. Now he is taking charge of his life, as much as he can, by participating in a Lifestyle Solution program offered by the Montgomery Regional Hospital's cardiopulmonary rehabilitation department.
The program helps those with lung problems understand their condition and improve their physical and emotional well-being. It is aimed at those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma or other breathing problems.
Dr. John White, who is board certified in pulmonology and internal medicine, is the medical director of the program. Cam McLaughlin, director of the cardiopulmonary unit, is a registered respiratory therapist and is certified in cardiopulmonary therapy. Nancy Schuessler, who also holds both certificates, coordinates the class activities for participants.
The program is designed to slow the progression of the diseases as well as ease the severity of symptoms. Admittance to the program requires a doctor's referral and testing. The class meets three times a week for 12 weeks for exercise sessions and educational discussions. Topics include understanding your condition, home therapy, nutrition and chronic lung disease and smoking cessation.
Ruth Owen, who walks with a cane, faced some skepticism from her doctor when she first showed interest in attending the program.
"He didn't think I would be able to do most of it. I was able to do everything except riding the bicycles," Owen said. "Each time I went to class, I was able to do a minute or two more. I had more stamina at home. I could run a sweeper and make a bed without feeling so tired."
Owen was in a car accident that has prevented her from finishing her classes, but as soon as she is able, she plans to return.
"I'm not ready to give up yet. I've got too much to do," she said. "I enjoyed the program so much. We had such a good time in our class. There wasn't any pressure, either. We all got so much out of it, that's why we went."
The class has helped Jones learn how to pace his physical activity so he does not overdo it. He knows when to relax, and more about when to exert himself.
"I can now walk farther and longer without getting so tired and out of breath," he said, "I will never totally get better, but what I'm doing will help slow down the disease process I've been experiencing."
Three months ago, Jones did the warmup exercises for his upper body and arms without weights. He had little strength. Now he is using five-pound weights in each hand. If he had tried doing something like this on his own, he said, he probably would have done it too quickly and harmed himself.
"Nancy [Schuessler] is our drill sergeant. She keeps on top of us even without a whip," Jones added. "Seriously, Nancy does a great job encouraging us and seeing that we're doing everything right."
The exercises are done in stages, or stations. Class members use a treadmill, a rowing machine, an exercise bicycle, arm weights, and stretching and breathing exercises. A fourth station is optional for the attendees. Each session lasts an hour.
Schuessler said they have had only two participants who did not show improvement. One continued smoking and the other had an infection. She has seen some participants' endurance improve 25 percent or more.
"Everyone loses air volume capacity in their lungs as they age," Schuessler said, "and any exercise program slows down the rate of this decline."
John Martin has completed the program but he has made it ongoing by buying the equipment he needs to continue exercising at home.
"I smoked for 50 years. Three years ago, I had a stroke [after having quit smoking for three months] and my health went downhill. My breath was short. I couldn't walk well because my balance was bad. I was afraid to walk on pavement," Martin said.
"Now I've seen a 100 percent improvement. After the first month even, I saw such improvement. I think Nancy does a great job. It's a terrific program. I feel back to normal again."
Schuessler said about 50 percent of the participants have continued their recovery work at home after the program ends. People who get the greatest good from the program are those who are ready to make lasting changes in their lifestyles, she said.
"Until you've been there and had to gasp for air to breathe, you can't really understand how great this program is," Jones said. "It builds up your confidence because you learn . . . what to do to help yourself."
For information call 953-1544 or 953-5335.
***CORRECTION***
Published correction ran on April 19, 1990 in Current\ Correction
Because of a photographer's error, the pulmonary patient on the cover of Wednesday's New River Current was misidentified in a photo caption. The patient is retired Judge J.C. Snidow Jr.
***CORRECTION***
published correction ran on April 25, 1990 in Current\ correction> Because of a writer's error, a story in the April 18 Current failed to state that a pseudonym was used to identify a patient in the Montgomery Regional Hospital's pulmonary rehabilitation program. Although the patient's story was accurate, he had requested that he remain anonymous.
Memo: correction