I am getting the Zephyr Valve on Sept. 2nd. Anxious, Excited and Nervous. I have searched and read some stories form others but was hoping if anyone has anything to add they would do so here. Some of my concerns are.....
Chances of Pneumothorax
Chances of Pneumonia or Infection
Chance of the valves not working and having to start over or moving forward to actual lung reduction, transplant (I was told there will come a time when that will be my only option even with the valves) (Diagnosis below) Results seem to vary quite a bit from person to person.
How long before you noticed significant improvement? How long before you noticed no improvement or worsening of your condition?
I am 50 yrs old and never though this would be how things turned out for me. I just want some form of normalcy again where I can walk around the grocery store and not get breathless before I even reach the door. I want to be able to shower without getting so breathless that I don't want to go on. If you know what I'm talking about the rest of the examples are not needed.
COPD with emphysema (HCC)GOLD D
COPD with primary emphysematous component FEV1 less than 30% predicted (I am at 24)
Gold stage D
COPD with bullous Emphysema. CT scan of chest has been obtained and shows severe Bullous Emphysema in the apices but also centrilobular emphysema diffusely.
Esophagitis
Asthma
Thank you for any feedback.