The "acapella" "flutter valve" device that is supposed to help clear my lungs arrived today. The instructions were less than clear, even after I got out the magnifying glass so I could see them, but [personal profile] adrian_turtle found better instructions on the website of a COPD patient support group.

It felt like one thing too many, but she and [personal profile] cattitude provided useful support, and I have used the thing, as instructed by my doctor: take guaifenisin (expectorant), use my albuterol inhaler, then exhale through the device. I did in fact feel the flutter in my chest, which means I'm using it right. It has also produced a bit of a productive cough, but on the other hand my chest hurts in a tired-from-exertion way.

I also saw the physical therapist again. She tried teaching me a new exercise, but it made my shoulder hurt, so we're not doing that one. Instead, I'm supposed to do the exercises I already had for longer, and with my feet closer together, and added one where I stand with my eyes closed and one foot a bit forward.
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