The Opportunity I Didn't Really Take
My pulmonologist, Dr. Orit, told me every time: "Miri, you must try pulmonary rehabilitation." And every time I put her off. "It's not for me." "I'm too old." "It's too late."
The truth? I was afraid. Afraid to go to a place full of people. Afraid they would see I can't. Afraid I'd collapse on the treadmill. And I was deep in grief — my husband wasn't there, nobody pushed me, and it was much easier to just sit at home.
Then one day, my friend Terry came to my house. "Miri, I'm coming with you to your next appointment with Orit. And then I'm taking you to Carmel Hospital to sign you up for rehabilitation." And that's what she did.
"Three years ago I couldn't climb 10 stairs without stopping. I was sure my life was over. Then one good woman sent me to pulmonary rehabilitation — and there, gradually, my life came back."
12 Weeks Changed Me
Pulmonary rehabilitation at Carmel isn't two or three exercises — it's a 12-week program, three times a week, an hour and a half each time. Stationary bike, treadmill, light weights, breathing exercises, and classes on the disease and treatment.
On the first day I couldn't do even 5 minutes on the bike. I cried. The physical therapist, Ilana, came to me and said: "Miri, everyone here starts at 5 minutes. Give me eight weeks."
By week three I did 10 minutes. By week six — 20. By the end of week 12, I walked on the treadmill 30 minutes without stopping. And when I stood there, sweaty and proud, I understood it wasn't just about the lungs. It was about believing I can.
My Life Today
After rehabilitation I continue exercising at home. Half an hour every morning. A 40-minute walk every day. Breathing exercises before bed.
I got back things I lost: going to the supermarket with the dog. Going to the Carmel market before Shabbat and choosing vegetables. Cooking Friday dinner for the whole family — 7 grandchildren and two children. This year I even flew with my daughter to Prague for 5 days. I was sure I'd never travel.
I'm not healthy — I still have COPD, still 40% function, still carry inhalers, still careful with dusty places. But I'm alive. Not just alive — living fully.
My Message
Pulmonary rehabilitation is the most important thing a COPD patient can do. More than medications, more than inhalers, more than any treatment you'd prefer to try on your own.
If your doctor suggested pulmonary rehabilitation — go. Even if you're afraid. Even if you're ashamed. Even if you're sure you 'can't'. You can. I know — because I was just like you.
And ask for help. Ask a friend. Ask a son or daughter. Ask a mentor from the Linshom Association. Don't be alone. Help is not weakness — it's the first step to independence.
"I thought my life was over. I discovered it was just waiting for me to take one step forward."
— Miri Shemesh
