COPD and Emphysema: Confused by pulmonary function test and more

@rogereddy @colleenyoung @merpreb Your post caught my eye because I just had my routine CT scan done last week and she pointed out areas where I have some emphysema. I'm not sure of the answer to your question, but I have copied in Colleen and Merry who, as moderators, usually point us in the right direction with our questions.

Hi @rogereddy, welcome to the Lung Health group.

Regenerative medicine (stem cell therapy) for COPD is still in the research phase. Do use caution about promises made by some clinics.

To help people learn more about the proven therapies and the promise of developing therapies, Mayo Clinic offers a free telephone consult service. When you call the consult service, they will tell you about the availability of approved stem cell therapy at Mayo Clinic and elsewhere, and for what conditions. You can learn more about the Consult Service here http://www.mayo.edu/research/centers-programs/center-regenerative-medicine/patient-care/clinical-services/regenerative-medicine-consult-service.
Or call 1-844-276-2003 to speak with one of our experts.

You can read more in this discussion:
– Stem Cells / Regeneration https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stem-cells-regeneration/

You mentioned that you are open to considering the Zephyr valve. Is this a treatment option available to you?

I don't think stem cell are available in the U.S.A. BUT thear is something call cellular therapy they rejuvenate your blood and give it back to you.Im considering not cover by insurance out of pocket $5,800 no guarantee I'm still considering the co. Is called lung institute

Kozmo, please beware of the Lung Institute and research their claims thoroughly. Other members have called them out in this discussion https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/does-mayo-do-anything-with-stem-cell-treatments-for-copd/

Here is an article by Consumer Reports on the Lung Institute
https://www.consumerreports.org/medical-treatments-procedures/trouble-with-stem-cell-therapy/

Also note the disclaimer at the bottom of their website that states "These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to suggest diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease."

Thank you for the insight Colleen young you just saved me $6,000 dollars I love you from mike mller

There are some thoughts that need to be said in this thread, in my opinion. I have severe COPD (Emphysema), Alpha-1 carrier and am a patient at Mayo, Rochester. My Care team is Dr Niven and me and my wife. I mention that because if you look at your Dr as one provider alone you are making a huge mistake, after all Mayo is staffed and run on a team concept. It is a two way street, not one way. Your friends and family and fellow patients and COPD Foundation can also aid in your mental aspect of this condition.... how you handle it mentally is just as important as the physical aspects. Another thing to keep in mind is clinical trials, after all discovering new treatments and cures start with data and research.

Let's 🙏 for an end for copd

Got it thank you

I hadn't had bronchitis for over 10 years. In July I got bronchitis and I didn't go to the doctor for it and once I did my doctor thought I had pneumonia. He had me go to the hospital from his office. Once they found out I smoked they immediately determined I had COPD even though my lungs were perfectly clear in the X-ray. I made an appointment with a Pulmonologist to get their opinion but I'm concerned that I was mis-diagnosed simply because I smoke. Does that happen very often?

It doesn’t hurt to get the diagnosis confirmed or ruled out by a pulmonologist in my opinion.