Expert: Gary - 9/6/2005

Question
No you're right I forgot to mention is was a spontaneous pneumothorax. The doctor said it's likely to happen again, they stuck a tube in me and I was in the hospital for 4 nights I beleive. I just wanted to know if I physically couldn't get in the shape I used to be or if it's all in my head. I can't hold my breath under water for as long as I used to either. Is that also because I'm just not int shape? Thanks

Answer
Hi Kareem. I think you have hit the nail on the head. It's the old vicious circle. I think you are probably out of shape because you haven't been doing much exercise, and you haven't been doing much exercise because you feel out of shape. Combine this with concern about the pneumothorax and it makes sense. Before I jump into suggesting you get back into doing exercise again, I'd recommend checking it out with your doctor first. If you've already been told to go for it, then I see no problem with taking the plunge. Take it easy though and build back up slowly. I'd be more concerned about overdoing it from the out-of-shape point of view more than a fear of getting another pneumothorax.
Good luck
Gary