Thermal vapour ablation

Hi guys ,hope you're all good and keeping warm !!! This cold ,damp weather is causing me big problems with my breathing !!! I saw my specialist on Tuesday and he has put me on the list to have this thermal vapour ablation basically a steam clean of the lungs ,he said it's new in the UK and he is just waiting the go ahead to start procedures ,just wondering if any of you have heard of this ?? My breathings so bad at the moment I would try anything !!! I have end stage ,lung function 28% been on palliative care for nearly three years ,but I am a very positive person and plod on everyday doing what I can ,and laugh as much as possible !!! Take care guys your all precious xxxx

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hi Caz nice to meet you, I've never heard of this procedure but like you say, we will try anything. Hope things work out for you, keep us up to date and please keep posting. Have a great day 😊 Bernadette xx

[mikeadams51 in reply to Damon1864]

I put on the Alpha1 group web page the following” During periods of rain and damp weather and periods of low barometric pressure my SOB deteriorates to a level when even the the simple tasks become hard”

I’ve noticed over a number of years and now with a lung function of 22% life is much harder. Never heard of steam cleaning the lungs but good luck for the future.

[CDPO16]

If you don't mind me asking which hospital do you attend? I have 25% lung function (emphysema) and was told by a consultant in the NW of England that I was not a suitable candidate for this treatment due to the severity of my condition.

I know that it is a 'new' treatment at some hospitals but I believe that it was first used in London several years ago

[Hidden in reply to CDPO16]

Hi Hun, I live in a little village called askam in Furness, and it is Preston hospital I am under Dr Manavar is my specialist , I think they all have their different ways, who are you with ??? Last few days I've struggled more than ever !!! It really gets you down doesn't it ??xxxx

[CDPO16 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply. I live in Lanc's about 40 miles from Preston. For nearly 2 years I was a patient at Wythenshawe up to September last year, when, after being told I was not a candidate for valves or thermal ablation, I was discharged. It was disappointing but not unexpected. They did help by changing some of my medication and did a plethora of tests before saying they could do no more.

I agree that all specialists have their different ways. My time at Wythenshawe was after requesting a second opinion, having only been seen twice at my local hospital before being discharged. Wythenshawe was recommended but perhaps had I chosen Preston things would have been different.

It is hard struggling each day and, yes, it certainly gets you down. As I understand it, thermal ablation is targeted at one area of a lung with the aim of 'shrivelling' it to reduce the area much as valves would, to ease breathlessness by allowing more room for the rest of the lung to work. I really hope that all goes well for you. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on.

Best wishes Carole

[Hidden in reply to CDPO16]

So sorry you weren't a candidate Hun, I'll just have to see what happens ,I was first under Preston three years ago as I am a C02 retainer and needed a bipap ,I was in our local Barrow hospital at the time and they had no bipap, so been under Preston since ,I wasn't a candidate for valves, but am keeping my fingers crossed now !! It's hard isn't it and so very frustrating !!!! Wishing you all the luck in the world Hun ,keep positive !!! You're precious xxxx

[Hidden]

Read this a while ago a lady has had 2 of these steam treatments 6 mths apart after first time she said she felt a lot better haven't heard howhat the 2nd one goes but if I was given a chance I'd go for it good luck and let us know how u are

[Susan1200]

First of all ,thank you for being so positive, it really is nice to read how positive you are ,I think we should all learn to be a little more positive especially myself.

I wish 🌟 you all the best and please keep us informed 🐞

[Kristicats]

Have not heard of anyone having this treatment . Hope it helps. Good luck.