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Zephyr Endobronchial Valves for Emphysema

Posted by carolannz @carolannz, Feb 19, 2019

The FDA approved this procedure last June 2018. It inserts valves to useless areas of the lungs to allow the good parts to work more efficiently. The valves are inserted with an endoscope so there is no surgery involved. As you know there has not been many options for us folks with COPD so this has me very interested. Unfortunately Medicare has not yet approved it for payment. The reports of success have been so good. I wonder how long it might take to get the insurance companies on board.

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jules2052 | @jules2052 | 2 days ago
In reply to @888anonymous "@kndaustin71 I am one that went through all the testing and was told afterwards that my..." + (show)
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@kndaustin71 I am one that went through all the testing and was told afterwards that my lungs were in such bad condition that the valve would not help me. Very disappointed because when I first went to the pulmonary surgeon he was very sure I was a prime candidate from looking at my CT scans and all the other tests. Just trying to survive now, still trying different outlets, so far nothing has caused improvement in my breathing.

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@888anonymous I am soo sorry to hear about your experience. I’m sure it was devastating to say the least! I’m not very positive about what Dr Bussy will have to say next week. Just hoping for the best. I know how you feel just trying to stay alive. I feel that I am deteriorating each day. If you wanna chat….I’m ready to listen. I think we are in the same boat

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888anonymous | @888anonymous | 2 days ago
In reply to @jules2052 "@888anonymous I am soo sorry to hear about your experience. I’m sure it was devastating to..." + (show)
Profile picture for jules2052 @jules2052

@888anonymous I am soo sorry to hear about your experience. I’m sure it was devastating to say the least! I’m not very positive about what Dr Bussy will have to say next week. Just hoping for the best. I know how you feel just trying to stay alive. I feel that I am deteriorating each day. If you wanna chat….I’m ready to listen. I think we are in the same boat

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@jules2052 Thank you for offering. My regular pulmonologist has been very supportive and helpful. Whenever he or myself hears of something new for COPD we discuss it and weigh the pros and cons. So far I'm ok with everything but I know my future is in Gods hands and he is the one I lean on.

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