The LVR Journey Continues

[Trevor6]

hi all friendly people, went for my follow up Pulmonary appointment with consultant, LFT 40%

Gained more weight and she was very happy advised to stay at 55.7kg or increase to 60kg much safer for surgery

Have to go do Pulmonary Rehab for 6 weeks and then if all goes well will be deterred to multi surgical team to review all and decide on LVR or Valves

All in all Consultant says with-in year for surgery .

[helenlw7]

That’s good news Trevor.

[Trevor6 in reply to helenlw7]

Many thanks Helen

[Rattled]

That's great news Trevor. I had LVR by valves in July 2023 and, for me, it's been a great success. I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

[Trevor6 in reply to Rattled]

Hi thanks for reply , what was your progress eg upto when u had surgery?

[Rattled in reply to Trevor6]

Hi Trevor6. Sorry for the delay in replying - I've succumbed to the blasted flu bug that's doing the rounds so haven't been on the forum as much as usual.

To answer your question: I've had diagnosed Emphysema for 15 plus years although I now realise I was showing the symptoms for considerably longer. Pre LVR by valves my FEV1 was below 25% and using a shop bought peak flow meter I could 'blow' 140-150 lpm. In the past three years I've been using oxygen at 3-4 litres per minute when out walking, working in the house or garden etc.

In my case my lower left lung lobe was being crowded by a very diseased/over inflated upper left lobe. The valves were inserted to 'close down' the upper lobe which they are gradually doing. This has enabled the lower lobe to work more efficiently. My FEV1 is now 30% and, before this flu bug, I could blow 170 lpm on the peak flow meter. I've also been able to reduce my oxygen to 2 lpm and no longer use it so often. The oxygen reduction has been under the supervision of the local respiratory team.

Hope this answers your questions.

[Trevor6 in reply to Rattled]

Thanks for the info take care

[JJ_7]

Great news and good luck Trevor. xxx

[leo60]

Excellent news Trevor, nice start to the new year

I saw my consultant just after Christmas and he has referred me to the local hospital for preliminary investigation as to whether I may also be a suitable candidate for surgery! 🤞🤞

All the best xx

[Trevor6 in reply to leo60]

That sounds great , good luck

[leo60 in reply to Trevor6]

Thank you xx

[Alberta56]

That sounds positive.👍👍 xxx

[Mellywelly]

Fingers crossed 🤞 2024 sounds like it could be a great year for you

[Izb1]

Such good news Trevor, hope all goes well for you x

[watergazer]

Good news Trevor. Looks promising for you x

[Patk1]

Sounds v positive for you x