DAVE TERRANOVA had been living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for nearly 15 years. “It wasn’t really bad back then,” the Chicopee resident says. “It progressed slowly until my late 50s, at which time it started to get worse. By the time I retired, it was getting to be stage 4.”

He had been treated by Miguel Rodriguez, MD, at the Holyoke Medical Center (HMC) Pulmonology Center for many years. During that time, Dave had used a variety of inhalers and participated in the HMC Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, an American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR)- certified program, which improved his quality of life.

“Our program includes supervised exercise to meet each patient’s needs,” says HMC Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Coordinator Cheri Ulrich, RRT, BSRT. “We focus on increasing strength and endurance, reducing shortness of breath, and giving patients the tools and confidence to better manage their condition day to day.”

Despite Dave’s increased quality of life, strength, and endurance, his lung function continued to deteriorate. “When it dropped to 30%,” he says, “I inquired about transplant.”

However, Dave’s situation was a bit complicated for a transplant. “Not only did he have advanced COPD and chronic respiratory failure, but he had a significant aspergillus fungal infection,” Dr. Rodriguez says.

Fortunately, Dave was able to clear the infection. Then, it was time to turn his attention toward getting his body ready for surgery.

TRAINING FOR SURGERY

In October 2024, three months before being put on the transplant waiting list, Dave returned to the HMC Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, where he began pretransplant pulmonary rehab with Ulrich leading his therapy. According to the American Thoracic Society, because many patients are weak and deconditioned when they are evaluated for a lung transplant, pretransplant pulmonary rehab is often recommended to increase muscle strength and endurance, which can lead to a better quality of life after their transplant. Improving their capacity for exercise before surgery can train their muscles and enhance their breathing, as well as their ability to tolerate the surgery.

In addition to a supervised exercise regimen that included light weight training; resistance training with exercise bands; and time spent on a recumbent bike, arm machine, and treadmill, Dave was educated in other aspects of self-care.

“I was amazed at the amount of information Cheri taught, including breathing techniques and diet information,” says Dave, who attended the program twice a week. “It was extremely important both pre- and posttransplant.”

According to Ulrich, in addition to breathing techniques and nutrition, patients in the program receive education on medication use and disease management, as well as emotional support. “We place a strong emphasis on patient education so individuals feel confident managing their health at home,” she says.

Dave was listed for a transplant on Jan. 28, 2025. After just a seven-week wait, he had a double lung transplant on March 19, 2025. After a few setbacks, including infections and blood pressure drops, he went home on May 30, 2025.

POSTTRANSPLANT REHAB

Pulmonary experts agree that a supervised pulmonary rehab program is highly recommended after undergoing a lung transplant. According to the Lung Transplant Foundation, patients often face postsurgical challenges that can be helped by the correct types of supervised exercise. These challenges include muscle weakness due to weight loss as well as side effects from transplant medications that can impact bone density and blood sugar levels and can increase susceptibility to injuries.

Three months after his release from the hospital, Dave was strong enough to begin his posttransplant rehab at the HMC Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. Today, he continues with the same exercises twice a week to help regain his strength and build stamina.

“Cheri’s knowledge and sense of humor make a huge difference,” Dave says. “The whole experience— learning, exercising, and a few laughs and jokes—makes it easier to stay motivated to get stronger.”

The HMC Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, located in the hospital at 575 Beech St. in Holyoke, is accepting new patients. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please call 413.534.2555.