Stents

[Will57]

I have seen my consultant today and he is going to refer me to a specialist to see if I can qualify for stents in my lung or maybe require a Lung Volume Reduction (remove bad section of my lung). I would just like to know if anyone on here has had either procedure and their opinions

[Burbagegran]

I'm in the same position as yourself, I shall find out at the end of January when I see my consultant again. Good luck!

[Will57 in reply to Burbagegran]

Thanks

[Angora]

I had LVRS via keyhole two years ago and a good experience and result for me (and I have severe emphysema and some heart problems). It is good to know that there are possible options on offer. However what I have learnt is to 'keep your powder dry' as not everyone is suitable for various procedures. I am not sure about stents but tots of info. has been posted about patient experiences of valves and surgery. So suggest you put 'Lung Volume Reduction', or 'LVRS' and check out the responses. Wishing you the very best of luck and love

[Will57 in reply to Angora]

Thanks

[Sundance115]

I have been accepted for endobronchial valves pending completion of a Pulmonary Rehab course.

[Will57 in reply to Sundance115]

Ive already completed the pulmonary rehab.

[Sundance115 in reply to Will57]

The PR is just one of a number of criteria you have to meet before being accepted.

[Will57 in reply to Sundance115]

Ive also had a pulmonary embolism plus the current consultant has carried out numerous test. Lung function , scans x-rays gas blood tests etc etc and have been hospitalised 3 times this year. Cant wait gor 2019

[Catnip]

Greetings

I had endobronchial valves inserted in July just past. The surgeon had hoped to do LVRS but found that I'd probably not survive the anaesthetic. She was a bit iffy about the valves for the same reason. Anyway -- she went ahead. When she was able to have a good look, she found that she couldn't put them in my right lung (the worst) because air was leaking into the top lobe, and the valves wouldn't have been any use. She put them in my left lung (since I was out cold anyway), and two days later, I was back home.

The miracle for which I was hoping didn't happen, unfortunately. Part of my left lung did collapse, but not enough to make a difference. On the other hand, my expectations were probably unrealistic, and I did survive. I am so happy that the surgeon was prepared to give me the opportunity of a better quality of life.

Sorry -- this is an essay! Go for it, be positive but don't hope for a return to your youth!

Catnip

[Will57 in reply to Catnip]

Thank you

[skischool]

Ditto to Catnip,i am 3 weeks post procedure with 5 valves inserted into my upper left lobe and likewise i have noticed no improvement and if anything a slight deterioration but please don't be put off by that as for some people there is a definite improvement in both lung capacity and quality of life.

best wishes Ski's and Scruff's x

[Will57 in reply to skischool]

Thanks

[Hidden]

I was sent to see a consultant to see if I could have this procedure, for some reason he said I didn't fit the criteria.I would be interested to no what type of copd you have to compare .I have mild emphysema and mild brochiecstatis

[Will57 in reply to Hidden]

My emphysema is quite severe

[Sundance115 in reply to Hidden]

blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

[Will57 in reply to Sundance115]

Thank you. Found this very helpful

[Hidden in reply to Sundance115]

Also found this helpful thank you

[Hidden]

Probably my emphysema not bad enough and jet my FEB is 42 mod to severe I'm told ,don't understand why breathing is so bad when my conditions are mild

[O2Trees in reply to Hidden]

I'm confused Alice and not sure if by FEB you mean FEV1 which is the standard way of measuring severity of copd, or something else (i.e. could this be a typo as Ive never heard of FEB?) You say you've been told your copd is moderate to severe (severe is generally defined as an FEV1 of 50-30% so at 42 you're well within that). Yet you say your conditions are mild. This seems a contradiction unless there's something else Im not understanding.

Did you not ask any questions? That's what the consultants are there for, to explain your situation clearly to you but you often do need to be proactive and ask them. Generally - and someone may correct me here - valves are only considered when you become quite far into the severe category.

[Hidden in reply to O2Trees]

I have asked my consultant why is my breathing so bad when i have mild emphysema and some bronchiecstatis ,she said some people's conditions can be worse than mine and breath better than I can .I don't know why that is

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Sorry FEV I ment

[Hacienda]

I had 4 Valves in June past. There is an Improvement for me, I can shower without having my Oxygen on. I still walk slow, But I do go to breathe easy exercise Classes and the Gym using my Mobile Oxygen. I am on the Transplant list, so have to maintain some strength to warrant a Big operation as a Transplant. My Consultant said this may give me a little bit of life while I await for Transplant, I have been waiting/Listed for 2 Years 5 Months. Good Luck to you Hun. xxxx