Well, all going well, this time next week I'll be minus 20% of my lungs. It's all happened really quickly after a very severe infection in January, the wheels were set in motion with the same surgeon who implanted my valves (they didn't work ) last year. Now it's LVRS (lung volume reduction surgery) next Friday, taking out the upper left (with the valves still in!) which should have the desired effect of creating more space for the more functioning parts to work and increasing LF by 20%. Hopefully.
Getting to here's been slow. I had to satisfy the criteria, a new CT scan had to be done (luckily hardly any drop from last year), evaluation (only dropped 2% FEV1 from 25 to 23, was expecting 20 after that infection). Surgeon's interviews (x2) and finally a pre op. Possible date in September. Then my consultant gave me a tip and I got through to the thoracic Waiting List Coordinator who said ooh look there's a slot on the 8th May, shall I pencil you in ? I answered a politer version of the bears habit of defecating in wooded areas! Confirmatory letter arrived and I'm making all the arrangements for post op care etc.
A friend asked "are you scared?" I wasn't but I am a tad apprehensive because of the 5% (1st surgeon) or 2% (2nd surgeon) mortality rate for this op. If I get an infection just after the op things could go badly for me he said. I said "like death"? "Yes" he said.
So on we go. It could be cancelled as emergency cancer patients get priority for VATS lobectomies (and rightly so). My valve procedure only happened on the 3rd go because of bed shortages. It will be the day after the election and if this dung shower of a 'government' is reelected, I will ask for a DNR note to be placed in my notes
Here's a link for VATS if anyone wants to have a look. Oh, and if any of you out there have had this and feel like sharing, I'd be glad to hear about your experience of it.
For a moment I thought the title was lobotomy! Glad to know they won't be removing your brain.
Seriously, I do hope they don't cancel at the last minute. So frustrating when you have prepared yourself mentally for the operation.
It happened to me once, literally about an hour beforehand. It was to do with my bleeding time. My three kids are bleeders too, (not haemophilia, only happens with surgery or dental treatment)
I wouldn't consider 1% mortality or even 2% too alarming. My daughter was operated on in January. She was so ill there was no choice. The mortality rate for her was 98%, but she survived.
It is amazing what medical science can do. Try and have faith. The surgeons will do their very best to get you through the operation. They will most likely give you antibiotics as well, to try and prevent post operative infection.
Fingers crossed all goes well for you. I am sure all of us here will pray for you and wish you well.
I am going for the valves again as it didn't work first Time I am have in mine done in June I feel better knowing I am not the only one having this done be brave maggie xxxx. Bobbydoda
Hi notlocal, i had an upper right lung lobectomy at nottingham city hospital, in january 2013, this was to remove a cancer. I had also severe copd which is now moderate and i had a lot of post op infections. Now, i am good and have such a lot to thank my gp, consultant physician, nurses and surgeons for. Very best of luck with your operation , i am sure it will be fine & hopefully life changing. Love Margaret x
Thank you Sonia. I'll have my laptop with me and try to keep y'all posted.
Will be thinking of you on the 8th and hoping and praying that the op will go ahead and that you get a good result. And don't decide to have a quick cup of coffee before you go to theatre
Hi, one of our members Tony Farrer responded recently to a similar discussion. He has had this procedure and advised a) dosing up on Vit C and other supplements to build a strong immune system and b) to avoid people and especially those with infections afterwards, as post op infections can have severe consequences. I wish you all the very best for the op and your recovery. Take carexxx
Thanks Jenss. Since my infection in January and nearly 2 weeks in hospital, my immune system has become my priority with supplements, elderberry/echinacea tincture and manuka honey every day. Also diet change and no alcohol. I wear a mask for any visits to hospitals or clinics too!
Well sounds like you are as prepared as can be - good stuff. I hope it goes all to plan and I will be thinking of youxxx .... ah yeah, don't forget the Vit D and maybe probiotics meant to be very important for immune system
I had a lower left lung lobectomy 5 years ago - like scorpiolass to remove a cancerous tumour - all went very well and fortunately no setbacks etc - I was quite shocked afterwards at how breathless I felt, but the sob improved dramatically after the first few weeks (so don't be in a rush - just know it does get better). All the very best of luck for your operation and recovery. x
This is great news notlocal. Im sure you are well prepared despite the short notice, and i certainly hope its not cancelled. All the nutribullet input will stand you in good stead as it will have reduced any inflammation and boosted your immune system.
Sending good thoughts, love and strength for the 8th. Take care, xxx
They said same to me but the first time the sometimethey don't alway work first time with me my lung re inflated it's self I am going in on 6th June an they doing on 7th June they said going to keep me in longer this time.but I wouldn't worry the mortality rate is good if it's only 5% if it was 50 or then I wouldn't have it done I would say go for it i am lots of hugs maggie bobbydoda xxx
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) last year. Now it's LVRS (lung volume reduction surgery) next Friday, taking out the upper left (with the valves still in!) which should have the desired effect of creating more space for the more functioning parts to work and increasing LF by 20%. Hopefully.
Confirmatory letter arrived and I'm making all the arrangements for post op care etc.
VATS BIOPSY RESULTS FINALLY
LVRS
Lobectomy? 
Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction clinical trial at Brompton Hospital
