About a year ago, Gary Gregg made an unexpected trip to the Stewart Memorial Community Hospital (SMCH) Emergency Room, where he received life-changing news— a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) diagnosis. In the months leading up to his diagnosis, Gary faced increasing challenges in his daily life. Activities he once enjoyed, such as walking with friends or mowing the yard, became harder to keep up with, and he found himself frequently out of breath.
“I used to be able to mow the whole yard, but I had to stop and take breaks,” Gary shared. “I knew I had trouble (breathing), but I didn’t know what caused it.”
Although the signs were there, Gary hadn’t realized something more serious was going on. He assumed it was part of getting older, but after a series of tests and a hospital stay, it was identified that COPD was the underlying issue. During his hospital stay, Gary’s nurses encouraged him to begin pulmonary rehab when he returned home. Motivated by a desire to feel better and understand his condition, Gary decided to give it a try.
“I really wanted to learn more about my new condition and feel better. That was important because I didn’t know what to do,” Gary stated.
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Experience
Pulmonary rehab became a turning point for Gary. At first, the exercises were tough, especially on the NuStep machine. However, with determination and daily sessions, he soon began to enjoy the routine. Gary’s rehab included walking on the treadmill, biking on the NuStep, and lifting weights to build cardiovascular strength. Over time, what seemed hard at first became manageable. What made the experience even more positive was the support from the healthcare team at Stewart Memorial.
“I got to where I enjoyed all of it as we went along because I could do it all,” Gary said enthusiastically. “I liked that if I asked questions, they told me what to do. That’s what really helped because I didn’t know what to do.”
In addition to answering Gary’s questions, the staff also explained each step of his rehab, giving him the knowledge he needed to manage his COPD better. The team emphasized that consistent exercise was key to improving his lung function, and their encouragement helped Gary stay on track. The upbeat, happy atmosphere they created made the sessions feel less like work and more like progress. Gary said, “They are fun people to work with. I liked that they were always happy.”
Life After Pulmonary Rehab
Since completing rehab, Gary’s life has dramatically improved. Tasks that were once very tiring, like working around the house or helping his wife with her mobility, are now much easier to manage. He no longer feels anxious about overexerting himself because he has learned how to pace his activities, knowing when to rest and when to push forward. “I can do anything I put my mind to now since I know what to expect,” Gary added.
One of the highlights of his post-rehab life is getting back to social activities, particularly going to coffee and playing cards with his friends. Thanks to rehab, Gary’s regained the energy and stamina to enjoy these outings again.
“I love to play cards with the guys at the country club. That was one of my main goals,” Gary shared.
Encouragement for Others with COPD
For anyone with COPD who may be hesitant to start pulmonary rehabilitation, Gary offers this advice: “Go for it. You will learn so much from the program.” Pulmonary rehab, he says, isn’t just about exercising—it's about learning to manage COPD and gaining the support needed to live better with the condition. The team will answer questions, provide guidance, and help patients understand what to expect throughout the process.
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation program at SMCH consists of breathing education and exercises tailored to each patient’s needs. While COPD and COVID-19 are the most common diagnoses qualifying for pulmonary rehab, individuals experiencing shortness of breath due to various medical conditions may also be eligible. It’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if pulmonary rehab is appropriate for your situation. Individual programs are developed by a respiratory therapist at SMCH, based on patient input, and are overseen by a medical provider. Each rehab session is closely monitored by trained medical staff to ensure safe progression through the exercise program.
While the idea of exercise can seem daunting, Gary assures others that it’s worth the effort. “Everybody worries about how much work it is, but it’s not that bad.” Not only did he enjoy the program, but it also got him into the habit of exercising regularly. “I work out an hour every day to keep up with my progress. I rarely miss a day, but I can tell when I do,” Gary shared.
If you are experiencing challenges resulting from COPD or having trouble breathing, and it is affecting your daily activities, contact your medical provider for further evaluation and to see if pulmonary rehab could benefit you. For additional information about pulmonary rehab, please call (712) 464-4239.