The Benefits of Cycling

[makbike]

I had an appointment with my asthma doctor today to check my lung function and update him on any problems that may have developed since my last appointment six months ago. My lung function is outstanding - I blew 500 on the peak flow meter today and they consider 350 to be normal for a person my height and age. It appears my inhalers are working (I knew that) and all the time on my bike is paying off in a big way. I've seen this guy for over 15 years now and this is the first time he has felt it was safe to go longer than 6 months between check ups. Unless I develop any problems I do not need to return for a check up until this time next year. I'm just a little bit happy at the moment.

I also climbed on the scale this morning and was pleased to see that since I started back on my Weight Watcher's diet the first of June I've dropped 9.5 pounds. I felt like I was dropping weight given how my clothes fit and the comments some friends have made recently but the number on the scale really made me feel like all my hard work was paying off.

Today was one of those days when you simply can't stop smiling, life is really good at the moment and I feel GREAT!

[Veronica]

That's outstanding!

V.

[maillotpois]

That is VERY cool and very encouraging. (I just saw a pulmonologist for the first time today and apparently, I have a pretty significant impairment - surprisingly to me, not related to my pulmonary emboli. I only blew 350 on that thingy and he said that was very low for someone of my age, size, fitness, etc. So I hope we figure out what the issue is and that I turn out like you!!!)

Congrats to you!!!!

[Denise223]

:D That's awesome news!!
I'm very happy for you!

Have a peaceful evening :).

Denise

[DDH]

That is so wonderful. Enjoy your happiness, you worked for it and earned every bit of it.

[light_sabe_r]

well done on your RFT. That's so awesome! it's great that you're breathing easier now.

Fantastic news on your progress with your weight loss too! Just remember that you're body will be building muscle for a while now so don't be too surprised if it tapers off for a while.

[emily_in_nc]

That's fabulous makbike. Congratulations!

I blow ~350 on my peak flow meter (I'm 45 and 5'2" and know that's low). I have mild asthma that rarely bothers me, but I guess I should discuss my low reading with my doc. I had no idea I might be able to raise it much as it's always right about the same even if I am really fit. I'm not at peak fitness right now, but I have been working out regularly: walking, jogging, weights, hiking, and more recently, mountain biking.

It's good to read these kinds of post so I know that I could be doing better. How I would love to have better lung function so I wouldn't struggle so much on the hills and trails!

Emily

[makbike]

Emily:

I still struggle up hills but not because I'm not moving oxygen to my muscle, simply because my muscles are tired from all the riding I've been doing during my summer break. I can tell you that my BF has noticed a big difference in my breathing when we ride together (he unfortunately has seen me during one of my nasty asthma attacks while attempting to get up a hill or two). I can tell you that I'm amazed at what a difference the new inhaler has made in my lung function. My asthma doctor has me using QVar and Albuterol together and it does seem to be the magic combination for me and my lungs. Good luck in pursuit of better breathing.

[emily_in_nc]

makbike ~ Thanks for the info. My legs never even get sore on hills - it's just my huffing and puffing (loudly) all the way up that kills me. And some of these hills are very low-grade (but longish). When I am riding with others, I get self-conscious about my breathing because I never hear or notice them breathing hard, while I am panting away. I have a yearly physical coming up next month and will talk to my doc about my situation and ask about QVAR in particular. I am already using albuterol but don't find that it makes a lot of difference if I use it before a ride or not. I forget about half the time and do about the same as when I use it.

Thanks!
Emily

[Kano]

makbike ~ Thanks for the info. My legs never even get sore on hills - it's just my huffing and puffing (loudly) all the way up that kills me. And some of these hills are very low-grade (but longish). When I am riding with others, I get self-conscious about my breathing because I never hear or notice them breathing hard, while I am panting away. Thanks!
Emily

Emily: me too! I'm noisy as all get out on the way up the hills -- recover amazingly fast when I get to the top of the hill, so no, it's not asthma, it's just me! But yes, I get self conscious too -- and I've ALWAYS, even in the old days of being small, been a person who turns beat red during exertion too, so I probably look and sound mighty scary to someone who doesn't know better!

I have this feeling that we don't hear the other folks panting because we're so doggone noisy!

Karen in Boise

[Bikingmomof3]

Congratulations and keep up the good work. :)