Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - North Mississippi - (Page 7)

Pulmonary rehabilitation improves COPD patients’ quality of life A Sigh of W hen Lee Vera Terrell of Hamilton, Ala., was able to change two light bulbs in her home by herself without having to stop to rest, she knew the 12 weeks she spent in the pulmonary rehabilitation program at North Mississippi Medical Center-Hamilton had been a success. Terrell, 76, has suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma for several years. “It’s hard to explain to someone who hasn’t been through it,” Terrell says. “All these years, things that most people Relief take for granted have been incredibly difficult. I love singing at church, but I could barely do it anymore because it took my breath away. Going through this program has given me back the ability to sing more, to change light bulbs more easily, and to carry more of my groceries. Little things like that have made the biggest difference for me.” A New ProgrAm, Better results Pulmonary rehabilitation made its debut at NMMCHamilton in February. Amy Butler, registered respiratory therapist and respiratory supervisor at NMMC-Hamilton, says the main goal of the outpatient program is to simply improve the quality of life for the patients. “We were noticing an incredibly high number of readmissions for local COPD patients,” Butler says. “They come to the hospital and we can get them better and send them home, but they inevitably come back. We needed to be able to help them make lifestyle improvements.” In the months that the program has been open in Hamilton, the hospital has seen a drastic decrease in readmissions—so far only one patient has come back one time. The program starts with a physician referral and a thorough assessment. “In addition to a basic physical and history, we also do a nutritional assessment and psychosocial evaluation,” Butler says. “COPD is a vicious cycle. You can’t undo the damage to the lungs, and when the patients get sick, they have to lie down and be inactive, which makes them weaker, which makes them sicker. The weaker your muscles are, the more oxygen it takes to use them, so even basic tasks like bathing, talking and eating become exhausting. If we can strengthen your muscles, then more oxygen is saved for your lungs, making it easier to breathe.” In addition to the benefit of fewer hospital admissions, the patients at NMMC-Hamilton experience other measureable improvements. Several patients no longer Vim & Vigor • Wi nter 2012 Amy Butler, right, helps Lee Vera Terrell improve her breathing. 7

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - North Mississippi

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - North Mississippi
Contents
Opening Thoughts
Bundles of Joy
A Sigh of Relief
Because I Said So!
What’s Wrong with This Picture?
The Future Is Now
Everyday Hero
What Does 200 Calories Look Like?
Johnny Be Good
In the Driver’s Seat
We’ve Got Your Back
Bank on Your Health
Virtual Health
Contact Us!
Take Control of Your Diabetes
Life After a Loss
Taking Flight
Catch the Spirit

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2012 - North Mississippi