BTW, Tyson, I feel pretty "safe" in my "diagnosis". We've got three months to see if I'm right. If you aren't feeling stronger by say, the first of March, then I am WRONG -- and you should NOT start SLOWLY trying to rebuild your strength.

Me, after an exacerbation:
Weeks 1 and 2: walk 1/4 of a mile per day
Weeks 3 and 4: walk 1/2 of a mile per day
Weeks 4 and 5: walk 3/4 of a mile per day
Weeks 6 and 7: walk 1 mile per day
Weeks 8 and 9: walk 1 1/2 mile per day
Weeks 10 and on: walk 2 miles per day

See, it takes almost as much time to rebuild after an exacerbation as the actual exacerbation lasts.

Main purpose in life -- AVOID EXACERBATIONS!! Stay AWAY from sick people -- do NOT get a cold, flu, stomach virus, infection, etc.