“Doubting Thomas” is now a believer in pulmonary rehab

During the Covid-19 lockdown of 2020 Thomas Keane, like many people, discovered DoorDash and the convenience of food and margarita delivery, and promptly gained 38 pounds. “I was becoming more sedentary, and I knew it wasn’t good for me,” he said.

Thomas, then 70, received a wake up call, being diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). After surgery to remove the lump along with part of his right lung, Thomas was put on supplemental oxygen for several weeks.

Originally, Thomas had participated in a virtual rehab program -- equipment and an iPad were delivered to his home where he worked with a remote therapist for one hour a day, three days a week. After the 14-week course, the plan was for Thomas to keep doing the exercises by himself. “Not having a person there, it became easy to postpone or put off my exercises. And after I came back from a vacation in New England, I went back to a sedentary lifestyle,” he said.

Thomas’ pulmonologist then recommended Ascension Seton Williamson’s in-person pulmonary rehab program. “But it’s 40 minutes away and I don’t drive,” he told the therapist who had called him. The therapist offered to send a rideshare car to come get him.

“It was like divine intervention,” he said, jokingly. “They were holistic, covering diet, nutrition and exercise. My physical therapists Heather and Megan really believe in what they’re doing. They gave me a cookbook with simple recipes and got me started doing a mix of things including weight lifting on machines, stationary bike, stretching and yoga,” he said.

A friendly, nurturing environment
“I’ve made new friends with others at Ascension Seton Williamson’s pulmonary rehab program who are there for other respiratory issues,” he said. “It’s a friendly, nurturing environment. I really enjoy going and it has given me a positive feeling toward wellness in general. You could say I was a ‘Doubting Thomas’ before,” he added.

When asked how the program has improved his life, Thomas said his outlook has improved, his energy level has gotten better, as well as his oxygen levels and general endurance. “I learned I can live with COPD and make improvements,” he said. “Interacting with Heather and Megan has been a positive influence, and I’m grateful to them for being persistent. I can honestly say that their knowledge and healthy ways to live life convinced me to do the work and reap the benefits of a quality of life I had never imagined.”