valves in the lungs

[kapre]

hi i was wondering if there is anyone out there who have had the op where they put valves down in there lungs and did they feel any benifit,, thankyou

[stone-UK]

Hi

From one of our members.

healthunlocked.com/user/johnwr

[Hidden]

Hi - In June my husband had 3 valves put into one of his lungs (the other wasn't suitable, apparently, too much scarring). After an immediate deflation (shown by xray whilst he was still under general anaethestic) we were very hopeful. He was discharged after 5 days and gradually went down hill. Admitted to hospital again where they diagnosed "hospital infected" pneumonia. He was in and out of hospital three times and then they decided to re-do the valves in November - CT scan showed one had moved and lung tissue had grown over another one so were not working properly. Similar scenario after 2nd op - except no pneumonia. We are now waiting to hear if they wish to try for a third time or go with lung reduction surgery. So disappointing as many COPD sufferers do see an improvement - my husband is actually worse than he was before the first procedure. No-one will commit to saying it was the surgery or whether this would have been the case anyway. I suspect the former because the change has been so drastic - he could at least go for a short walk before - now he can't do much at all and this in just 9 months. I would not dismiss the valves - but just bear in mind they are not a miracle cure, and do not work for everyone.

[kapre in reply to Hidden]

i am so very sorry i hope things will improve soon