1. < COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Have you had bronchoscopic lung volume reduction?

Posted by sandymkleinfehn @sandymkleinfehn, Nov 2 8:55am

I have severe COPD for about 8 years. I use O2 at night. I still work my job of over 10 hours a day. I am running out of air so much of the day. My pulmonologist is having me do blood gas this week and check if I would be eligible for bronchoscopic lung volume reduction. What was your experience with this? Was it successful? How much down time did you have? Was it worth it to do it|? If it was worth it, how long ago did you do it and how is it now? Do you still use O2 at all? Any info is much appreciated!

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 8 5:11pm

@sandymkleinfehn, I'm tagging a few members like@ktf @thomason @11moondog11 @kndaustin71 who may have had endoscopic lung volume reduction, sometimes also referred to as Zephr valve (one manufacturer).

Here are some related discussions:
- Anyone had Zephyr Valve Procedure at Mayo Clinic? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/zephyr-valve-procedure-at-mayo-jacksonville-andor-scottsdale/
- COPD, Zephyr valve and lung cancer
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/copd-zephyr-valve-and-lung-cancer/
- Has anyone tried Yupelri or Zephyr implant? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/has-anyone-tried-yupelri-nebulizer-or-zephyr-valve/

How did your testing go this week? Is lung volume reduction therapy an option for you?

REPLY
kdalda75 | @kndaustin71 | Nov 8 5:42pm

I had 4 Zephyr valves placed in my left lower lobe last November (11/2/2024). I elected to have the valves placed after long hours of research and discussion of valves versus other options. My pulmonary procedure was done at Duke University Interventional Pulmonary Department. I had a 4 day hospital stay with no complications and flew home. I feel that they have made a significant difference in my respiratory status. Unfortunately, if you have inflammation with secretions the valves do not help....that is a secondary issue my Pulmonologist and I have been addressing.

REPLY
1 reply
kdalda75 | @kndaustin71 | Nov 9 4:41pm

I was not a candidate for the bilateral lung volume procedure based on the location of my disease but if I had been I would have proceeded. The valves were my option for lung volume reduction. As it was explained to me, your "bad" alveoli (air sacs) take in oxygen when you inhale.....if removed that O2 would be available and used by your functioning air sacs. That is exactly what happen with the valves, left more O2 for the functioning ones. I could definitely tell a difference in my daily activities and when I worked out at the gym.

REPLY
impact4005 | @impact4005 | 6 days ago
In reply to @kndaustin71 "I had 4 Zephyr valves placed in my left lower lobe last November (11/2/2024). I elected..." + (show)
@kndaustin71

I had 4 Zephyr valves placed in my left lower lobe last November (11/2/2024). I elected to have the valves placed after long hours of research and discussion of valves versus other options. My pulmonary procedure was done at Duke University Interventional Pulmonary Department. I had a 4 day hospital stay with no complications and flew home. I feel that they have made a significant difference in my respiratory status. Unfortunately, if you have inflammation with secretions the valves do not help....that is a secondary issue my Pulmonologist and I have been addressing.

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Hello maybe you can start on the Dupiexnt to help you with your type 2 inflammation. This medicine helps to lower your eosinophils levels which causes the inflammation. Look on your patient portal and check your CBC blood test and look to see if your eosinophils levels were high. Talk to your doctor about this.

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