Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease affects 16 million Americans, claiming the lives of more than 100,000 people every year. However, there is hope for people battling this type of lung disease.
Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are debilitating conditions for millions of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - or COPD. There are rehabilitation options, but the road to recovery is long. One Eastern Iowa man is on that path to a happier, healthier life.
Stan Ledtke has COPD. It's a condition he's lived with for years. So Stan decided to do something about it, and he joined the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
The eight-week program offers classes on how to live with COPD. Stan says he's learned better breathing, diet and exercise techniques.
"Well, I've lost a lot of weight. I've more than tripled my walking speed, and I am not on oxygen full-time now. So my quality of life has dramatically improved. I'm a lot stronger, more fit than I was," says Ledtke.
Stan worked closely with a team of University of Iowa specialists who helped him make big strides during his recovery. The rehab program can be tailored to any patient.
"Just give it a shot. Come in and get evaluated. Come in and visit us and see the other people exercising, and chances are they started in the very same place that you did. There's something that can be done for everybody," says Janie Knipper, pulmonary rehabilitation specialist.
"The benefits are just so worthwhile. It's just an opportunity that you can have that will so dramatically change your life, if you're willing to work for it."
Stan says he'll continue his hard work to overcome the effects of COPD, taking life one step at a time.
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