A lifelong resident of Licking County, Melinda Scott grew up on a farm.  She raised her two daughters and two step-children in and around Newark.  For 40 years, Melinda smoked cigarettes.  As a result, she was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) approximately eight years ago.  COPD is an ongoing lung condition caused by damage to the lungs that results in swelling and irritation, also called inflammation, inside the airways that obstructs airflow into and out of the lungs.  Symptoms include trouble breathing, a daily cough that brings up mucus, and a tight, whistling sound in the lungs called wheezing.  COPD is most often caused by long-term exposure to irritating smoke, fumes, dust, chemicals, and most commonly cigarette smoke.

Although COPD is a condition that can worsen over time, COPD is treatable.  With proper management, most people with COPD can control symptoms and improve quality of life.  Proper management also lowers the risk of other conditions linked to COPD, such as heart disease and lung cancer.  Melinda did quit smoking and was trying her best to control her symptoms.  However, she felt the disease was progressively getting worse and needed supplemental oxygen or to use an inhaler when walking even short distances.

“I was struggling to walk from the parking lot into work every day,” Melinda shared.  “I could not walk up and down the stairs without oxygen.  I was so frustrated.  I wanted to manage the condition better, so I visited Mohammad K. Islam, M.D., at Licking Memorial Pulmonology to discuss a treatment plan.  Dr. Islam was very knowledgeable and in addition to medication therapy, he suggested Pulmonary Rehabilitation.”

Licking Memorial Hospital’s Respiratory Therapy Department provides Pulmonary Rehabilitation.  Patients are monitored as they exercise and education about COPD and other lung diseases is offered twice a week.  Melinda participated in the program for eight weeks.

“They test your lung function when you start the program by calculating how many steps you take on the treadmill before you need to use the inhaler or oxygen,” Melinda explained.  “I did not make it far before I was gasping for air.  However, the team is fantastic and very encouraging, and began working with me to strengthen my lungs.  I learned to use the exercise bands, walked on a treadmill, and used the stationary bicycles.  They also assisted in creating a plan to continue exercising and making healthy life choices going forward.  After completing the eight weeks, I was able to use the treadmill without oxygen and walk up and down the stairs without stopping.”

Melinda now feels more confident about walking at work and keeping up with her five grandchildren.  Her husband, Dale, daughters, Mindy Cunningham, Casey Adams, and Stephanie Scott, and son, Sheldon Scott, have provided support and care throughout her health journey.  She continues visiting Dr. Islam for her medication therapy and is grateful for his staff as well.