Sandy & Marge,
I find that shortness of breath is a function of "on-ness." Some PWP get
dystonia in the chest muscles, and of course that limits chest expansion /
effective lung capacity. This reduced capacity is made much worse if the
PWP also is stooped.
I just finished working with two physical therapy masters' level students
at the University of Maryland [Eastern Shore Campus] in Princess Anne.
They worked with a small group of PWPs who were volunteer guinea pigs for
upper body flexibility exercises. The results are not in yet, but it is
expected that exercise designed to improve upper torso and extremities will
result in some improvement in breathing capacity.
Couch potato PWPs who sit and watch TV can improve breathing capacity by
having the TV placed where one needs to look up to see it. There are
several available devices for holding TVs on the wall near ceiling level.
One word of caution / suggestion. Be sure the hanger is secure by attaching
the frame to wall studs with fairly long screws rather than just driving
screws into wall board / dry wall. The placement of the TV near the ceiling
also gives a room more available floor space.
The diaphragm used for breathing also will usually work better when one's
head / shoulders are raised over the rest of the body. Internal organs
lower in the torso will press against the lungs if one is lying down. Many
PWPs sleep in recliner chairs for that reason.
Another trick is the use of heart medications such as nitroglycerine or
three nitrates to expand one's capillaries. The usual intent of "nitrostat"
is to expand the capillaries in the heart, but "nitro" will also expand the
capillaries in th lungs somewhat. This makes small b reaths more
effective.
Will Johnnston
A.P.D.A. DelMarVA Chapter Pres.
4049 Oakland School Road
Salisbury MD 21804 USA 410-543-0110
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From: Sandra Norris <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Question for Sandy re: rigidity in diaphram
Date: Friday, September 08, 2000 1:34 AM
Margie,
Although I have never been tested I do get short of breath when I go "off"
and when I am dyskinetic. I attribute it to the rigidity. How I describe
it is it is like cement drying very slowly. I am going to see my neuro
this
month and plan on questioning him on this. The only thing that relieves me
is to get flat on my back and do relaxation. I invision fresh breath air
going into my lungs. If that doesn't work I do a whole lot of praying.
+++[ Suggest you do this on your knees with the head raised. Will
J.]++++++. We may be pioneers on this subject because everyone's rigidity
is different and takes on different meaning. Some days I move like a 20 yr
old others I move
like I am 80. Also physical therapy and speech therapy could help Dick
because of breathing exercises. Much luck and prayers are with you and
Dick.
Sandy Norris 40/28/20
"Faith is the daring of the soul to go farther than it can see."
