Told I'm now suitable for endobroncial valves how many of you have had this? And how have you fared with them?

[1hopefuture]

I've delayed my decision as to wether to go ahead as I've a poorly husband at the moment and we've no carer between us.

Big decision to make whilst no back up

[Angora]

Hi 'Hopeful', put the word 'valves' in the search box (top right of screen) and you will see quite a number of posts on the subject which you may find helpful. I was referred as a suitable candidate but after detailed screening and tests transpired not to be but was lucky enough to have a surgical lung volume reduction on one lung which worked well for me. I did have support of family local to the hospital and a partner at home which did help enormously but I would not have been able to care fully for another ill person at home for a couple of months. Best of luck and love to you.

[1hopefuture in reply to Angora]

Yes it's the uncertainty of the whole thing I've completed the tests 3 times now and each time passed as suitable but as i have been holding my own. But my breathing is markedly more effected this time. Hard to know what decesion is for the best.

Hoping to get hubby heart condition more under control first possibility of pacemaker etc.

[Alfiebax2]

Hi , I have been passed for the bigger op of lung volume reduction surgery ,of which I'm waiting to go in as we speak .They decided I wasn't suitable for valves as my lungs too scarred .I'm glad I'm having the bigger op as although the valves are fine for some people sadly not for me .I've heard good reports and bad about this and although your doctor / surgeon can tell you better than any of us I believe the valves are not so successful over a long period .I don't wish to alarm you but if you can Google it and it will help you more .

Good luck Babs ❣️

[JasperDylan]

I have had these valves fitted 5 in my left lung I initially had a Lung reduction done to the lung 3 years previous so I know what it’s like to have these procedures,my operation for the valves fitted was brilliant in and out after a couple of days and my word did I notice the difference when the valves where fitted this was around 4 years back unfortunately because of my illnesses COPD and Emphysema the airways expand has they get worse and the valves stopped working for me I wished they had worked because I felt a different person anyway 12 months later I had to go and have the other lung reduction operation anyway I was in hospital for 19 days for this operation because I caught an infection I ended up coming out of hospital needing ambiglatury Oxygen I have been on this ever since 3.5 litres still it keeps me around I’m waiting to start a rehab course in 10 days these are good to go on I have had to wait near on two years anyway let me just say this if they want to fit you some valves in your lung I would say go for it 100% because they understand them better now and they must think that they will do you some good otherwise they wouldn’t offer them to you my valves are still inside my lung they don’t take them out

Good luck with it all let us know how you get on .

[1hopefuture in reply to JasperDylan]

Thank you all experiences are helpful and will help us plan next steps it has to be planned for every possible scenario. Hubby still having blackouts so knowledge is king timing wise.

Enjoy your rehab course they are fab

[Hacienda]

I have just had 4 Valves done for right lung. Feel great of a Morning, this afternoon need my Oxygen for a Booster. Do need my oxygen for night time, early days yet, so I hope I will need it less as time goes by. I see my Consultant for Lung Volume test and X Ray to see how they have settled.. No more Gasping for Breath, Wonderful feeling. Good Luck, Keep Positive and Exercise. xxxxx

[jackdup in reply to Hacienda]

I am so happy they are working well for you and hope you continue to see improvement.

[1hopefuture in reply to Hacienda]

Sounds like your doing great long may it continue xxx thank you for giving me your experience to date xx