Author
Thomas Heimann, Alpha1 Deutschland eV, as published in Alpha1 Journal 1/2022.
It's 2022. For over two years, the coronavirus has had a firm grip on us, significantly shaping and changing our lives. Whether there will be further restrictions, bans, and isolation next fall/winter is something no one can truly predict. As someone who's been following the rules, I naturally got all the necessary vaccinations as early as possible. So far, I've had four.
In the last 13 years, while still employed, I have been able to participate in three rehabilitation programs, most recently in Schönau in 2019.
Now at 60, I realize that despite all the mobilization techniques I learned, especially in Schönau, further rehabilitation is necessary. The first year of the pandemic, in particular, severely limited many sporting activities and physiotherapy treatments. My own tendency to be lazy while working from home has certainly contributed to a certain loss of mobility. So now it's time to regain those lost strengths through intensive, Alpha-1-oriented rehabilitation.
But where should I go?
My first two rehabilitation stays, one in the Black Forest and the other on a North Sea island, were rather cautious and in no way tailored to my specific needs. There, I was integrated into the standard COPD program. The only special feature was receiving the medication. These rehabilitation programs certainly have their place, but for me, with AATM, they didn't bring about the crucial step forward.
The rehabilitation sports program in Schönau is the most intensive I've ever experienced. The resulting increase in fitness is certainly due in part to the fact that Schönau specifically addresses the needs and capabilities of individuals with emphysema. My next rehabilitation program must therefore pick up where I left off in Schönau. But where and how does one find an alternative?
Currently, it seems to me that the only suitable, specific program for us Alphas is in Schönau. But we can't all go there. Furthermore, it's still an additional hurdle for all patients with statutory health insurance to convince their insurer to allow them to go to Schönau. Surely there must be another rehabilitation facility in Germany besides Schönau that truly specializes in AATM!
During my online research for potential pulmonary rehabilitation facilities, of which there are quite a few, I also found some that offer AATM (Adolescent Autogenic Training). Since the athletic component is one of the key factors for me to have successful rehabilitation, and I'd like to find a good AATM rehabilitation center in the north, I'll probably have to systematically contact the clinics that initially seem promising. I'll then try to find out via email or phone what their approach to AATM actually entails. Only then will I submit my application. We'll see where it leads me.
Since we've been discussing the topic of rehabilitation frequently in the board meetings lately, I plan to compile an overview and make it available to all Alphas. Perhaps a survey would be a way to achieve this; in any case, we'll need the help of our members—just a heads-up…
