LVRS

A few months ago I posted on here about my husband's experience of endobronchial valves (three procedures which all failed eventually). He was due to have LVRS surgery on his right lung at the end of September and all was set up but, ironically, the day before the op he was taken into our local hospital with an infection - the first one he had had in over a year. Op cancelled, obviously!! We saw his consultant last week in Hull and he said they will reschedule for April as long as he doesn't get another infection in the mean time. The doctor mentioned he had attended a gathering of respiratory experts a few weeks' previous and various decisions had been made which will change the way they choose to operate. My husband's delay to April was due to a minimum 6 months clear between infection and surgery for any lung procedure. This criteria, apparently, had been reduced from 12 months' infection free, at the beginning of October. He also said they were no longer refusing to operate on lungs in the winter months as the weather is now so fickle you can get high temps in winter and snow in spring!!. Just thought those who may have been waiting for surgery might be interested to know - things are changing.

[Yatzy]

Thanks for this information, harts. Sorry your husband now has to wait till next April....the waiting is often the worst part, but at least he should be stronger to face the operation....fingers crossed! 🍀

[Hidden in reply to Yatzy]

Hi, thank you, but I suppose we should be grateful it is not a year - as it would have been prior to the changes!!

[Yatzy in reply to Hidden]

That's very true! Good luck anyway ❤️

[carolg1]

Can I ask how old your husband is and what does he have xx thanks

[Hidden in reply to carolg1]

Hi Carol - he is 64 and has emphysema.

[carolg1 in reply to Hidden]

Hi thanks for the reply, can you tell me apart from being very short of breath does your husband have any mucus issues/ bad postnasal drips etc, I am interested as I am sat in my hospital bed waiting to recover from another infection wonderering why I have never been offered any of these when I was only 50yrs young lol not funny really as I have recently developed a cancer in my right lung and can’t have treatment as I am on oxygen and am not fit enough to endure removal or treatment s , I wondered if it was because of the mucus issue you can Pm me if you don’t want anything public, thank you. Xx

[Hidden in reply to carolg1]

Hi Carol, I am sorry to hear of your health issues, especially when you are relatively young. My husband was on a clinical trial for the valves, which is why they tried three times - not just for his sake, but for the future of others undergoing the procedure. I suspect it is down to your stamina levels - even though his lung funtion is around 24% he has never needed oxygen other than when he has has an infection and was admitted to hospital. When I questioned his consultant regarding the prognosis if he had ongoing infections i.e. within the next six months, he did say that there was a "high risk" reduction procedure which they would do if it carried on and DH decided his quality of life was such that it was a risk worth taking. (I think he had already decided that before the last one!!) It may be worth asking your consultant?

[carolg1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much for that it’s a shame though I wished I’d have known this a couple of years ago when I wasn’t as bad, did or does your hubby have copious mucus issues, I shall be talking to my consultant as I like your hubby believe it’s worththe risk as the quality of your life at present is so bad thanks I, and hope things go well for you all xxx carol

[Hidden in reply to carolg1]

Hi again, No, he did not/does not have a major problem with mucus - just breathing, per se!! Most of the damage is in the upper lobes of his lungs so surgery is feasible (I understand that makes surgery far more successful than in the lower lobes). His consultant did say that recent advances mean they are considering operations to diseased areas of the lower lobes now - things keep moving on. Anything else, just ask . Wishing you all the best for your future. Ros xx

[carolg1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks ros every little bit of info helps thanks for your helpful replies I hope your hubby continues to get the help he needs and improves xx regards carol