I’m headed to McLaren Pulmonary Rehab…
where everybody knows my name.

On any given day, you'll find 45 or more Pulmonary Rehabilitation patients at the McLaren Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center located inside McLaren's Medical Education Building off Beecher Rd. in Flint. And, they're all having a good time. Some have been coming for years...not just to exercise, but also to socialize with those who are walking the same health road. Here are a few of their stories: 

Jerry smoked for 40 years. He started in the military. When he became ill with lymphoma, he knew his years of lighting up were over. He quit "cold turkey." He went through surgery and radiation treatment. He lost 38 pounds and his tastebuds as well. Then pneumonia came calling, and it took forever to throw that infection off. He knew he needed to get himself built back up, and he’s been coming to Pulmonary Rehab for more than a year. He says: "I’m going to keep coming until I can’t walk." The people are great. We have little competitions, and we like to tease one another. We’re like family. Of course, the more you come and work out, the stronger your lungs are going to be."

Eleanor has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: "I loved every cigarette I had; but one day I couldn’t breathe, and I ended up in the hospital. I’d done a lot of damage to my lungs. Coming to Pulmonary Rehab has been one of the best things I’ve done for myself. You can just feel that everyone here, therapists and patients alike, really care about you. We’re all in the same boat. I’m never going to run a marathon, but the workout I get here helps me just deal with life. I’ve learned how to cope with the fact that my lungs can’t draw in as much air anymore. This program is what keeps most of us going."

Ann also was a smoker, and her cough and shortness of breath about did her in. "My doctor put me on steroids, and I was ravenous. Eating was a substitute for food. So, then I had to lose weight. My doctor suggested the pulmonary rehab education program. It’s a necessity for anyone dealing with lung disease. I lost the weight gradually. And I learned how to eat foods that would keep weight off. I’m a person that always wants to do things NOW. I had to learn to set mini-goals, because my lungs had long since allowed me to do things right away. They teach breathing techniques, and I no longer panic and feel like I’m not going to be able to get my breath. I was hesitant about how much physical exertion I could take. I found out it’s like everything else – you start slow, and build up your strength. I can’t say enough about how helpful this program has been to me."

Jack has chronic bronchitis. "I felt awful when I first came to Pulmonary Rehab. I was feeling pretty sorry for myself. But the staff and the folks you meet here got me focused on building my strength back up. Before you start, they do baseline testing, so they can see how much you’re improving. We have a lot of fun, but you know the staff is serious about each person improving to the best of their ability. They push you. I play golf, and I have to rest after two or three holes, and I’ve lost 5-10 yards off my drive. But there was a long dry spell when I couldn’t play golf at all…and this program got me back playing a game I love."

Lois has bronchiectasis, and has dealt with heart and respiratory issues most of her life. Her cardiologist suggested Pulmonary Rehab might help with improving her lung function. "This program has helped me a great deal. I’m in my third year coming here, two times a week. I’m walking better with less effort. I’m back to going to concerts, and I started playing golf late in life. I love to be outdoors and walk the nature trails. This program has made it possible for me to enjoy life at an age when lots of others are pretty limited in what they can do."

Ben and Betty have been coming to Pulmonary Rehab for six years. Ben came along initially to support Betty. "I had to help her get up and out of the bathtub, and, well, practically everything she did. We learned about the program through mutual friends, and I can tell you this is just a great program. It’s like a family. We all exercise together, and we all have something in common. I get as much out of the program as Betty does. She’s improved tremendously in her breathing, and her stamina to do many things on her own. And you know they care. They noticed Betty had a wound on her leg, and they referred her to McLaren’s Wound Care Center. The staff remembers little things, and you can tell their interest is genuine. I would recommend this program to anyone with respiratory problems. I know it’s turned Betty’s life around."

The photos here show Flint pulmonary rehab patients going through their therapy paces. The photos do not link with a specific individual whose testimonial is listed.