Power Lung

[barbara]

I had the pleasure today to speak to the inventor of the Power Lung (I call mine my blue baby), Mike Jarvis. As my fellow Pioneers know, I am the nagging mother who urges everyone to use their Power Lung exercisor twice a day at least. It is one of the best things we can do for ourselves pre and post treatment and it doesn't require more meds or a boat load of instructions on how to use it. This man is very remarkable. I told him that I feel like I have had a great workout after using my blue baby and he said that's the way it should be. I even take mine in the car so as not to miss my 2 times a day minimum. Jeannine told me I was weird when I told her that and today I was exonerated by Mike who says that many people even buy two, one for the car and one for the house. So there!

[rosech44]

Barbara---

I must confess, I do not know what a power lung is---Could you please enlighten me???? also, I would love to have the information on the company and Dr's you and Jeannine went thru---I would like to do a little research, and check it out--I think I'm almost ready to go--- I know my lungs are worsening, and I don't want to live like this any longer than I have to--- maybe you could E-mail me the info on the treatment etc. I would appreciate it--and thanks again to you pioneers--Brave Brave Brave

thanks in advance---Rose

[barbara]

Thanks, Rose. I am hoping that we can have the Power Lung link on our forum soon. I am to check with someone at that company next week. She is out of town this week. This is a device that helps you build up your lung capacity. I was unable to use it when I bought it several years ago because I was in such poor shape due to COPD. Now, I can easily do the exercises. You can actually adjust it to make it more and more difficult as your lungs improve. The doctor at the company where I went recommends the use of one. I contacted Mr. Jarvis because I think it is something important to tell people about on this forum. It is going to help you immensely especially after your treatment. I will get the info you requested to you. Thanks for buying a book too. You will find a lot of good stuff in it, I promise you.

[rosech44]

thanks barbara---

I'll look it up on internet, or ask head of respertory therapy at hospital, she is a personal friend--If it will help--I want one---

Also, thanks for the info, I asked for, and for sending the book so fast---

hugs--Rose

[barbara]

Rose - I didn't realize that you were wanting to get one so quickly. Please call Power Lung at 1-800-903-3087 and maybe you will get lucky and get to talk to Mr. Jarvis himself. He has quite a story to tell. Yes, they have a website and we want to be able to have our forum members link up to it. If you call and you get Mr. Jarvis, will you tell him that the Stem Cell Pioneers forum is where you heard about the Power Lung. I think he would enjoy hearing that. There are some other lung exercisor devices out there, but I feel my blue baby is the best.

You can pull up the website at www.powerlung.com and read all about it. It will be nice if they agree to the link for our forum because this is one mighty good piece of equipment. I believe they have several dealers throughout the world.

[rosech44]

Thanks for the info Barbara----I will check in to it---I hope they aren't too expensive----must save my pennies for treatment----LOL

Thanks~~~~~~Rose

[barbara]

They aren't megabucks and one of the best things you can do for yourself to build your lungs up. Remember, even after stem cell treatment, those poor lungs need to be exercised a bit. They haven't been working properly for years if you have COPD or cardiac disease. I bought mine a couple of years ago and honestly don't remember what I paid for it. I got mine from a catalog. Mr. Jarvis says they have several distributors, so undoubtedly the catalog I got mine from was one of them.

[Jan]

Barb, I owe you big time for putting me onto my green POWER LUNG.
I have been bad and not exercised like I need to for many months, but I have been using my "green baby." For the last 3+ months, I have been doing 3 sets of 10 breaths 3 times a day. Today I had to go to the doctor to do my Pulmonary Function Test. My doctor and I were amazed that my FEV1 was up from 26% to 34%!!!! WOW!! I am so happy...just think if I had been exercising my other muscles also. This lung function improvement has given me the motivation to get back to my strenth training exercises in addition to my Power Lung exercise regimen.

THANK YOU so very much, Barb.
Hugs, Jan

[Bev12452]

hello everyone need more help which power lung did you order thank you Bev

[Jan]

I have the Power Lung Trainer (the green one) The Power Lung Sport (the blue one) is good too. It is the stronger of the two. Check prices, they vary online. Jan

[Jeannine]

I ordered the orange Power Lung which also seems to be effective.

I know it is helping me.

[barbara]

I just got notice of a new member and it is Mike Jarvis, the inventor of that wonderful device I am always harping about, the PowerLung. Welcome, Mike. We are please to have you with us.

[Jeannine]

Barb

That is wonderful news. Welcome Mike Jarvis. I love your product and use it twice a day. I am sure it has helped my breathing tremendously. Since I started using it 4 weeks ago, I have doubled my exhaling capability and my FEV1 has risen by a few points too.

[anney_uk]

Welcome to Mike Jarvis - I bought a Powerlung Exerciser in UK some time ago but regret I haven't used it - I found it quite hard but maybe it is the wrong
strength for me. Mine is made of black plastic and I see now that they are available in different strengths - the green sounds right for me.

Any advice if I buy another one?

Thanks
Anney

[rosech44]

I think I'm going to go with the yellow powerlung, it is a bit cheaper, and for weak lungs----I found it on amazon.com----

Rose

[barbara]

Rose - I think you will be impressed how well the PowerLung works. Jan ordered the model for weaker lungs and has had so much progress (documented by her latest tests with her pulmo) that she is now going to have to get the model for more athletic lungs. One thing you have to do is to use it faithfully. I have mentioned before that if I have a real hectic day, I take mine in the car so that I don't miss out on my daily workout with it.

[rosech44]

If I buy the one at amazon.com--I can review your book--- wouldn't let me because I hadn't bought anything there----

Rose

[barbara]

Rose - you are very special. I am glad they have one on Amazon so that you can kill two birds with one stone. Aghhhhhhhhh What am I saying? I run a bird refuge. Anyway, you know what I mean. The lung exercises can be started just as soon as you get the PowerLung. Don't worry about any advanced settings. Start at the setting that is the most comfortable for you and work up. Consistency is the answer. Twice a day, 3 sets of 10 each is what I do. I think Jeannine does 25 total - whatever you can do will help. At first it is a little tricky to work, but after a few days it gets easier. Just read the instructions on how to breathe in and out for the maximum effect. Amazon really has a deal going, don't they? I am glad you are willing to review it for us. Thank you again, Rose

[rosech44]

I ordered the yellow one----and I got an e-mail this am it has been shipped,--BUT they wouldn't let me review for 24 hrs. after purchase---

Will try again tonite----

[barbara]

Rose - are you trying to do a review on our book or do they want you to do one on your PowerLung? It seems strange they make you buy something before you can review our book, doesn't it? Happy lung exercising and as for your post on hunting - I agree with your husband, this is the year to go hunting for a new life for you.

[rosech44]

I've been trying to review your book every since Darin posted the thread---since I had never purchased anything from Amazon.com, I couldn't--so, I bought the powerlung last night, then tried to review again, said I have to wait for 24 hrs, after purchase---GO FIGURE!!!! Guess they want to make sure I didn't pay with Monopoly money!!! LOL
anyway--I shall try tonite-----

I have to apply for passport, even tho, I will get treatment before 2008--Dr. R. asked me too

[barbara]

Rose - I do not believe you can even receive a passport in time without paying the additional fee for rush service. I do not know where Dr. R got the information and I think you should do a little more digging before running out to pay for a passport unless you think you will be using it in the future. I was not asked for a driver's license or anything when I went, but you must have proof of citizenship when you go just in case. There are several forms of proof of citizenship that are acceptable such as a birth certificate with a raised seal. You would also need a government issued picture ID to go with that such as a driver's license. Check with the US Passport service unless you really want to add this cost to your trip because I don't believe Dr. R is correct. Border crossings by car or foot will not require passports until 2008 unless something has happened in the last month and only Dr. R. knows. It's up to you, but personally I wouldn't want to spend the extra money. Any of you that have been doing live cells care to chime in?

[Bev12452]

Rose when I called the office ana told me I needed to apply for the passport but didn't need to have the actual passport when I get there all I need to bring is the applicaton that says I applied for it plus a form of ID with a picture on it so don't worry about paying th eextra feees for a rush job save your money for the party you will have when your new buddies start kicking in Bev in FL

[barbara]

I have never heard such nonsense. I am wondering if there is a new security issue or something. I would certainly check with the U.S. Passport Office nearest you or one of the post offices that accept them to ask the current status of this. I hate to see people spending extra money for something they do not need. The passport itself is expensive without the expedited shipping if you are never going to use it again. If you think you will, then it will come in handy. If you think you won't, take the time to get the proper info from the horse's mouth and save yourself some dough. Getting passport advice from anyone other than passport officials doesn't make sense to me. Sorry, but that's my opinion.

[rosech44]

That's what I was told, to apply and then just bring along the letter saying we had applied--I have the forms here, so, it's not a big deal, just more paperwork--LOL

I usually take copies of our birth certificates, Marriage license, and of course the drivers license----

The closer we get to 2008, the more chance they will start asking for it---

At anyrate, I will apply--who knows, I might want to go visit Mexico as a tourist, not a patient---LOL

Rose

[barbara]

Rose for the sake of others on the forum - Is this what the US Passport office advised you? Because if not, it is the silliest thing I have ever heard of. Anyone could fill out an application and never send it in. What kind of security system is that? I will try to take the time and contact U.S. Passport officials if this is not where you got your information. If this information is coming from someone at the company where you are going to get treatment and it is in error, I would like to let them know. Others, may not want to visit a foreign country and therefore do not need to shell out the money. I do need to caution everyone, that the best advice I can give is to do your own research. I am not a passport official and neither is Dr. R or Ana to whom you refer, so the best advice is to check the information out on your own so that you can be personally satisfied that this is correct. Passports are an excellent form of identification and will be needed in 2008, but if you are going in 2007 and don't need one, then why even bother to fill out more paperwork. It simply does not make sense what you are saying.

[rosech44]

Now I'm not sure if it was Ana, or Dr. R, but I was told yesterday by the company to apply for the passport and bring the letter stating I had applied, plus the other ID just in case it would be needed---

I have not talked to the Passport people, except, we picked up the applications some time ago, since we have been making yearly trips to Los Algodonous---

I know that this is the last year we will be allowed to cross border, back into States on foot or car, without a passport---maybe the company knows something we don't.

I do know that I have saved a bundle on some of my prescriptions, buying them in Mexico---and if I have to continue taking many of them, will probably continue to purchase there----My Advair, costs $37.00--in Mexico. it is the exact same thing, only written in spanish---

Rose

[rosech44]

My power lung arrived in the mail today--I got the yellow one---I forgot to order the wash, but, it came with a sample, so I have time to order some--

I have watched the CD, and am ready to go--

Rose

[Bev12452]

with all the confusion about the passports I called the US passport office and was told all we needed was a birth certificate with a raised seal and a photo ID than I called my State Congressman office his representative said basically the same thing as long as we are going in and coming back out the same day we do not need to apply for a passport I am going to call Ed on Monday and ask him to get in touch with someone in the office and get a final decision on this mess I have had no luck getting anyone on th phone so I will let Ed do it we don't need the added expense but I don't want to get out there and they not take me will relay and msg Ed has Bev in FL

[barbara]

Bev - The final decision on what documents are needed to enter and exit Mexico is not made by any company. It is made by government officials. I don't care if the people at the office where you are going tell you that you need to wear an artichoke on your head. The information is incorrect and wrong and is causing people an added expense they don't need. I do hope you get in touch with Ed and tell him to let whoever is giving out this misinformation know that they need to contact the U.S. Passport office and get the right advice. This is not the first time that incorrect advice has been given by a company and just because this one is offering you terrific treatment, it does not mean that every bit of information is the gospel. I have cautioned people before to check things out for themselves and you have done that admirably well by checking with two reliable sources. It does not make sense to then check again with the source that gave you the wrong information in the first place because unless they have learned the correct information since last week, the answer will be the same and it is wrong. In this instance 2 rights definitely cancel out the wrong. Go with what you learned from the passport office and your legislator. I was not even asked what my citizenship was nor did I need to show anything. You need to be prepared with proper identification just in case, but you do not need a passport until 2008.

[rosech44]

Well, now I have a problem, just dug out both hubby's and my birth certificates--neither one of them has a raised seal on them---guess I better contact oregon state vitalstatistics, pronto----

We have never been asked for more than a drivers license at Algadonous--Altho once one of the guards decided to search the trunk of our car since it was a rental--he was a jerk---but, that is out of the norm--all the rest were really nice guys--

Personally, I am not too worried--if we are on the Company bus, I seriously doubt they will bother us---

Rose

[barbara]

Rose - I really think you are going to be okay with the birth certificate you have and a government issued photo ID (driver's license). The raised seal is required to apply for the passport I believe, but again, when in doubt, check with the passport office. When Jeannine and I went the only check they did was run some wand around the van and it went off when it went by the owner of the company. The customs officer laughed and said the owner must have gotten a lot of radiation while getting his treatment in Mexico. We all laughed because other than the driver, he was the only one in the van who didn't get any treatment and none of us got anything with radiation. It was pretty funny at the time. I don't think anyone needs to get in a sweat with all of this. I have traveled to 62 countries and never had a problem. I was only questioned once as to why my passport name and name on my airline ticket didn't match (I did have it updated, but the new name was inside the passport and the official wasn't looking there). This was in the country of Yap of all places. It would be a positive sign if the borders were more secure, but it is business as usual and I am with you Rose, I doubt you will even be asked. Again, I say just in case - have that picture ID and the birth certificate. Technically women have to have marriage certificates also because the names rarely match if they have been married at some time in their lives. The whole thing can get complicated especially if you have been divorced. They really need to use the new technology that is available and that is a device you look into and it can identify you from your eye.

[barbara]

Someone mentioned to me that they were exhaling okay, but couldn't do the inhaling part very well. The beauty about the PowerLung is that you can set it for a different difficulty level for breathing in and another one for breathing out. Maybe, someone has more difficulty inhaling (I heard that was true for people with asthma which I have and it seems to be the case) than they do exhaling. So don't think that both settings have to be the same. I have been using it for months and each setting is slightly different for me. Sometimes, if I am super tired, I even decrease a notch. If I feeling really windy then I might increase it. No one said it has to stay the same all the time. I didn't get a video with mine because I bought it in the dark ages, but I finally figured it out on my own. I tell people it is a fancy kazoo and that I practice on silent mode so as to not disturb others.

[Bev12452]

I received my power lung and have been trying , I think unsuccessfully, to use I am getting a little noise from it and it is at it's lowest setting my question is should I increase the dials or is my lungs doing all they can I know it is hard to determine this via email but I want to try and get this thing going before I leave so maybe the trip won't be so tiresome any help would be greatly appreciated I did note that Barbara is doing ten three times a day do you do I and than remove the power lung or is it all at once I tried to do it all at once and after about two minutes I start coughing help me please hope all are well getting excited about the trip Bev in FL

[Jeannine]

Bev

When I first started using my Power Lung I could only do 2 or 3 at a time at the lowest setting. I would do 2 or 3 stop for a minute and do a few more.

After about 6 or 7 days I was able to do 5 at a time. After about 2 weeks I could do 10 at a time so I increased the difficulty.

I still can't do more than 10 at a time so I do 10, wait a minute, and then do 10 more. I am now doing 30 twice a day.


Just keep going - don't give up.

[Bev12452]

I don't know what I would have done without you and Barbara you both are the greatest thanks Bev in FL

[barbara]

Bev - This is exactly why you are going to get stem cell therapy. You can't even blow in or out of the easy PowerLung model. This is where we all were at! Now, I have the athletic model and am on a medium setting and do 3 sets of 10 each (short pause after each ten) 3-4 times per day. In other words, I am doing 90 inhales and exhales at 3 times a day and 120 at 4 times a day and this is from someone who couldn't even do one puff when I got the thing. I admit I bought the wrong model, but not even one puff at the lowest setting was pretty pathetic. Just pick it up every so often and try and leave it on the lowest setting for a month if you have to. Also, the coughing reaction is totally normal. I never cough at all with mine anymore so this in itself gives me an indication of how much I have improved. You can try it in the car. Just don't get frustrated and don't try to increase the setting until you are good and ready. Put this in your journal too and you will see how bad you really were before therapy.

[barbara]

One of the forum members private messaged me asking if after he used the PowerLung (he just got one) his lungs should hurt and if it could make him tired. Yes, on both counts as it is equal to a good workout if done properly. If it is too difficult at first, however, you must not overdo it. Your lungs should not be aching for more than a few minutes after the exercises nor should your tiredness last too long. Just start slowly on the easiest setting and do as many inhales and exhales as you can. Make sure you are inhaling and exhaling according to the directions. You should not be sucking in so bad that your cheeks are puckering. The breathing needs to be done right for the PowerLung to work properly.If you can only do the inhale/exhale one time, don't worry. Pick it up and do one time whenever you think about it. Sit with it as you watch TV and try to do more of it. It takes a little getting used to and if you can't do 3 sets of 10, don't. Do whatever you can because bit by bit you are going to gradually see your lungs get stronger and you can then do more sets and at an increased difficulty setting. I didn't realize how really bad I was until I found out I couldn't even do one inhale/exhale on the model I have. Now, it is a piece of cake.

[Joy]

Hi Barbara,
I think what I have is called the Breather, but I think it is the same thing as the 'Power Lung' you are talking about. I have two of them. It's also used for anxiety attacks; to breathe through slowly. Sometimes I don't do the breathing exercises, but if I keep it on my coffee table in front of me while I watch TV, I use it more. It's very good. I'm sure [blue] it's the same thing as the Power Lung, and an inexpensive investment.
Regards,
Joy

[barbara]

Does yours adjust separately for inhaling and exhaling? It's good you are already doing lung exercises! There are a lot of models out there, some are better than others, but I am no expert on them at all! If you feel like you have had a good workout after using it, then it is probably doing you good. If you don't notice much or can't keep adjusting it as you progress, it is probably not going to do you as much good as another kind. I got mine out of a catalog, had no clue what I was doing and ended up with the advanced model for training athletes. What a joke! I couldn't even do a puff. Being a person that can't throw things like this away (just in case), I stuck it in the closet. Unbelievably, here I am a few years later using it like I was playing a trumpet and on the medium setting no less. I may try to form a band if I can figure out how to get some music to come out.

[anney_uk]

I started keeping a journal in readiness for my stem cell therapy treatment which will probably be in January next year.

On 27th September, the best I could blow on the Peak Flow manual meter was 138. I did the lung exercises every day - two times a day, started with two lots of five breaths. Lowest setting. Little by little the peak flow measurements increased and today was the biggest jump of all, from 150 to 162.

I am still on the lowest setting but am now able to do twice a day, seven puffs at a time. My lung exerciser is the yellow one. This is so encouraging, quite the best thing to have happened since I was diagnosed with copd. I still have sob quite badly but think I recover quicker now.

Anney

[Jan]

Anney,

This is wonderful news. You actually see now how much doing the power lung exercises for your breathing muscles regularly can reward you.
Good job!! Keep on keeping on and your breathing muscles will be in really good condition you get your stem cell treatment. I am really excited for you.

Jan/TX

[barbara]

I talked to one of the very helpful people today at the PowerLung headquarters. She had a couple of helpful hints for those of us that use the PowerLung. On the exhale, you should pretend your abdominals are a tube of toothpaste and you are compressing the tube to push the toothpaste (in this case the air) out. You may cough afterwards and this is perfectly normal. It's a good way to expel mucous for one thing. She also said it might help to use it while in a prone position, but for some people with COPD this may not be possible. Also, if you use an inhaler, if you do 2-3 inhale/exhales prior to using your inhaler, the medication will penetrate deeper doing you the most good. She also repeated what I have said and that is if you are unable to do several sets, do what you can. Use the setting that allows you to do the most. You will gradually see improvement and can then add more sets or increase the resistance. The key is to strive for both endurance and strength for your lungs. I currently do 3 sets of 10, twice a day. The sets take 3-4 minutes maximum. I take my PowerLung in the car and work in some extra sets if I have time. The exercisor really does work and it is something a person should start prior to stem cell therapy. There is no need to wait. This device is a winner. We will be having a link to their site and tips on what models to buy. The device should be used by anyone wanting to keep fit. It is not limited to pulmonary patient use. The PowerLung company is in the process of getting FDA approval which means your doctor can prescribe this device for you if cost is a consideration for you and you need your insurance to cover it. They truly are not that expensive for what you are going to gain from using one. She also said they decline participating in some, not all, clinicals that are funded by drug companies because the outcome can be predictable since the drug companies do not want a device to replace their drugs. I thought this was interesting because some people see clinicals as being independent research when in fact they may very well be funded by a company with a personal interest in the outcome. The doctor where I got my stem cell treatment recommends the use of a lung exercisor. After using mine for several months it has become part of my routine. I would feel like I hadn't brushed my teeth or something if I missed my lung exercises. I always feel like I have had a mini workout after using it.

I did want to mention that I saw Anney's post on another forum asking if anyone had seen an actual measurable increase in lung function by using this device. Jan, who is a Pioneer founding member, did have a measurable increase in her lung function when she last visited her pulmo. She attributes it to her faithful use of the PowerLung. This is a very popular thread on our forum and was surprised that Anney's comments didn't generate much interest on the COPD Intl. forum. This is something so simple that anyone can do it. I can't imagine any resistance to this idea.

[Jan]

Hey there, Barb,
Thanks for the tip regarding the Exhale techniqe. I use my Power Lung (my green baby) everywhere too and I also use it in the prone position in bed, but with my head elevated due to my COPD.

I should have mentioned in my post to Anney that My FEV1% went from 26% to 34% on my recent pulmonary function test. I just assumed she had read that in my earlier post. The Power Lung is a wonderful invention and I hope the FDA does approve it so more people will be able to have the opportunity to improve their lung function by using it as directed and regularly. My doctor and I were both amazed at my improvement. He wanted information about the Power Lung so he could tell patients about it.

The Power Lung is not all that expensive, but so many people are on limited income and it would be better for many if it were available through Medicare.
I wish everyone had one.

Jan

[anney_uk]

Jan - I did not see your earlier post but I am very very encouraged by the increase in your FEV1 figure. I felt sure this should benefit and three kind souls responded positively on COPD Int. but could not confirm this. I sometimes get the feeling everyone takes to the hills when I post there - "Quick, run, she's here again...." LOL.

Thanks for your hints Barbara, I will pass them on to two of my friends who are going to buy Power Lungs. I am so exhilarated by this improvement, it has made a big difference to my outlook as well. Not least, the fact that we can have a definite measure of control over this condition. I hope to have stem cell therapy in January so this will be a good preparation for it.

Anney

[Everett]

Okay Barbara and Jeannine--
Being male and dense I haven't a clue what a power lung looks like. Can you give me a discription as to the size and shape of the power lung-round square oblong tapered inches foot metal plastic who what? Color isn't one of the main detractors but guessing what you have named yours they probably come in an assortment--polkadot stripes flowers?
I have an apperatus that is called an acapella. It has a variable setting that varies the resistance when you blow into it. It creates a baffling effect against your lungs. This tends to jar loose the phlegm and you cough it up. I have worn one out and I'm working on the second one. If there is anything else available then I want it. Sorry to learn of one of the pioneers going Home. Take care of yourselves,
Everett

[barbara]

Everett - You can check out a picture of the PowerLung at www.seachangeforlife.com That's our webstore and how we finance this forum and www.COPDliving.com We also have a direct link to SeaChange on the Home Page of this forum. Just click on the pretty wave and ride the surf to the SeaChange site. You will need the AireStream if you decide to purchase it. This is the model for those with COPD. The PowerLung is really the Lexus of lung exercisors. You can adjust it so that there is different resistance on the inhale as well as the exhale. I use mine twice per day and do 3 sets of 10 each time. It is not a huge device and I take mine in the car when pressed for time. This model only comes in bright orange, but you could probably decorate it with stickers or draw on it yourself if you want a designer PowerLung.

One word of caution: It does not help to exercise your lungs if you keep it in the closet.