Dear All, I had 5 valves out into my left lung a few days ago. No complications, came home tonight. Is anyone in this forum who’s had them please? Just wondering what the recovery can look like. 😍
Zephyr Valves : Dear All, I had... - Lung Conditions C...
Zephyr Valves
Hi Sarah. I'm sure others will be along to reply but you can also use the community search engine. If you type in Zephyr Valves related posts should come up.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Cas 🙋🐶
Hi SarahEG,
Had 3 Zephyr valves installed in upper left lobe in July 2023. Very tired at first and amazed at how sore my throat was for a few weeks. I now know that although not everybody gets the sore throat it isn't uncommon post op.
I didn't really notice any massive change in my condition for a few months. Then I had to do a peak flow test for my GP practice respiratory nurse in the Autumn and found it had gone up from my usual 140lpm to 170lpm. When I actually stopped and thought about it I realised I was no longer having to stop halfway up the stairs for a breather and that I was coping with household chores much more easily. I suppose the change had been so gradual I just hadn't noticed (how thick am I?). I still suffer shortness of breath if I'm outside in cold weather and steer well clear of things like bonfires or fireworks but, overall, there is a definite improvement. It's certainly not a cure but it has definitely put me back to where I was 5-6 years ago in terms of what I'm able to do.
Had flu over Christmas 2023 (definitely not Covid) and my peak flow dropped straight back to 140lpm and it has stubbornly stayed about the 150/160lpm mark since. BUT, despite being very slow to achieve there is a definite and noticeable improvement over my pre valve condition.
Hope this helps and wish you well.
Rattled
That's such good news Rattled that your valves have worked well and hope you get back to feeling well x
Dear Rattled. Thank you for your reply. I’ve still got the sore throat but am only on day 5 since the operation. Am feeling pretty rough right now 😟, but touch wood, no complications. They had a look at my other lung when they did the operation and say that I’m suitable to have them in the other lung too when the time is right. Would you do it again? Sarah 🙂
Morning Sarah, the short answer is yes. For me it has been worth it.
It took longer than I expected and, like you, I found the first week or two hard. I drank plenty of fluids and made sure to get up and walk as much as I was comfortable with without overdoing it.
Take care of yourself,
Rattled
Hoping your recovery is as quick as possible Sarah and that it makes a real difference for the better. I'm hoping to have either valves or lung reduction surgery. I've had a CT scan and echocardiogram and have an appointment with my respiratory team next month, so fingers crossed. Good luck x
Hope u soon feel the benefit x
Hi Sarah,
Well right now l am going through Pulmonary Rehab Sessions that are pretty gruling and then having more tests Echo and CT Scan to see if l am a successful candidate for the LVR Zephyr Valves operation, l will not know until possibly after my last appointment at the Royal Bromptom after Janurary 9th 2025.
I am pleased that you got your operation done and l hope that you are now feeling a lot better that before you had the procedure.
Regards
LovejoyLiz
I hope you feel the benefits as you recover it take time
Not me but I'm interested how you do. Can I ask your story