@A MyCOPDTeam Member.....thanks for the info. That is kind of ridiculous that only 36 sessions are covered. The supplement I have to my medicare includes a benefit to exercise for free at Fitness 19...also at the Y. I've never taken advantage of it, but I think I will after my rehab sessions are done. The doctor did write me a script for the pulmonary rehab....he just wants me to have a couple of tests done first. Have a good night Jean!

Mentioned Users

A MyCOPDT...

I did 5 weeks of rehab. It does help because they monitor you while you exercise. It's real structured. It helped me some but I need a refresher course.

Pam....an hour of exercise is great. What were your oxygen levels before you started rehab.....how much have they improved?

I go to rehab and love it. I've lost 10 lbs and have about 19 more to go. I'm doing 1 hr of exercise now, could barely walk when I went in. I do laps instead of the treadmill. It's easier for me for some reason and my therapist told me it was acutally better for you. Not sure why. But, I'm up to 1 1/2 miles with the laps. I'm going to join once I finish the program.

Currently Medicare covers 36 sessions in your lifetime, which is ridiculous, but there it is. That's why most PR programs don't run any more than six to eight weeks and only meet twice a week. That still leaves you with sessions for later on when you may need it again to get jump started back into an exercise routine. My advice? Figure out how you're going to motivate yourself and get a membership in a local gym that you'll use every day once you're done with the program. Some PR programs allow you to come for maintenance sessions for a price. Unless it's totally out of line or unaffordable, it's probably worth it if you don't think you can do it on your own.

Jean