COPD and Emphysema: Confused by pulmonary function test and more

@merpreb I spoke with the researcher for Mayo stem cell trials today. They are currently testing the safety of the lung cells they grown in labs (as I told you before) Rather than rely on cells mined from the participants they need to know if the millions they grow (apparently cost effectively) in labs can be safely used. With these trials they are looking more at safety than therapeutic results. It could take a year to determine that lab grown cells are safe. If they pass this safety stage they will start trying them on volunteers, like me. I'm number 13 on their list of volunteers. It looks like I will get a turn at bat. I've kept myself in the best shape for this opportunity. Of course, the likely result is the cells won't even partially reverse my emphysema. That is what happened to most subjects (but not all) in all earlier trials. However, I'm sure they will make adjustments, in each subsequent trial, to find a way to unlock that rejuvenating door, and maybe I'll get lucky. A slim chance is infinitely better than no chance. Even a "placebo effect" would be appreciated. As I get older I question if a placebo benefit is "just in your head" or if psychological changes can sometimes trigger organic results.

@joelars- Good morning. That's an interesting point about placebos. I like to think that it might be both. If I am told that a certain drug is for something that I really need, like an anti-depressant I will feel the positive results almost immediately. Here are some sites for you to take a look at.
https://www.nzma.org.nz/journal/read-the-journal/all-issues/2010-2019/2010/vol-123-no-1312/view-wallace
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20389318
https://digest.bps.org.uk/2019/03/11/the-placebo-effect-digested-10-amazing-findings/
I'm rooting for you to get into the first trial when it's available, and that it will work. I know that you take an aggressive interest in anything that will improve your life, I do too with all of mine. It helps me keep some semblance of control over which only science and research has a hand in.
What are your favorite sites for medical reserach?

@marczappa- Don't posts just have a mind of their own? I often wonder what their filing system is! It's called Trelegy Elipta. I hope that you will love it. When is your next appointment?

6 months. Saw pulmonary last week. Stayed on spirivia and symbacort..
On another note how do I find out if I am on the list for future trials?
I was told last year I was but don't Have that information

@marczappa - My suggestion is to go back to the clinic or hospital where you signed up for it. Was it Mayo Clinic? What type of trial?

on phone last year with Mayo

@marczappa - Do you have any idea what department you spoke with?

@merpreb the only site I look at often is https:/www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04047810?term=stem +cells&recrs=ab&cond=copd&rank=1
the sites I feel are reputable say the same-the trials aren't successful. The best study came out of sweden. the trial used otherwise, very fit copd sufferers and found the cell infusions greatly slowed or maybe halted the disease progression. In a few patients, new small-cell growth was seen, but it may not have been significant growth. I'm afraid they have a long way to go before figuring out what else to do in addition to the stem cell infusions to start the regeneration process. But even in this early phase of the experimental process some people may catch small improvements, that has happened.

it was Sept 2018. I had a phone consultation. Don't remember the nurse name. She was to put me on a list for future stem cell research as that is what I originally
inquired about

@marczappa- I used the search tab on Connect, at the top of the home page. I hope that this brings you where you want to be.
https://www.mayo.edu/research/centers-programs/center-regenerative-medicine/focus-areas/lung-regeneration
Please let me know if it's the right place. If not where would they suggest you call? What department?