Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week: Patients Experience ‘Life Changing’ Progress

Rebecca Nielsen was an active person in great health. Then she moved into a rural Montana farmhouse that was (unbeknownst to her) infested with black mold. Rebecca developed asthma, and a 15-year-long health struggle began.

Rebecca moved out of that house, but the damage was done. She struggled through everyday activities. Driving was impossible for her. Though she managed to work, that’s all she was doing — managing.

“It was absolutely debilitating,” she said.

Then Rebecca’s pulmonologist made a life-changing suggestion about a year ago: pulmonary rehabilitation. Rebecca was referred to the program at Benefis West Campus.

She needed her inhaler after walking from the car to the facility for her first session. Now, she completes the circuit of equipment with strength and stamina. Rebecca improved so much that she recently took a South American cruise. She hiked an active volcano, she tried ziplining, and she climbed the cruise ship stairs multiple times each day.

“There’s no way I could have done any of that before rehab,” she said. “It’s been life-changing.”

The referral-based program helps patients with chronic conditions that affect their lungs build strength and endurance, especially after hospitalization. Goals include managing symptoms, reducing readmission to the hospital, and improving quality of life by making daily activities easier to perform.

“It can be overwhelming for patients to hear that they need to exercise to improve their condition,” says Melissa Dubois, a registered nurse who runs the program. “They think, ‘How am I going to do that?’ This program offers a safer and less intimidating option for them than a traditional gym or fitness center.”

Melissa enjoys watching participants improve their physical and mental well-being over the course of the program.

“Many people are surprised by the camaraderie they find, working out alongside other people in similar situations,” she adds. “You can see the energy they bring. It’s not dull.”

Despite the adventures Rebecca has enjoyed so far, she wants to progress further.

“I’ve gotten 80% of my function back,” she says. “My goal is to start running again.”

Hiking a volcano isn’t the end goal for all participants, but most are able to do more than they thought possible after a 12-week stint in Pulmonary Rehab.

“If you are interested in the program, just ask your provider about a referral,” Melissa says. “It can offer many people a great benefit.”