COPD/ Emphysema

I just wanted to let anyone who has or has friend or family member who has COPD emphysema that there is a treatment surgery that helps. I have been told for years, "unfortunately there is nothing that can be done besides breathing treatments and treating infections as they come"
While staying at my daughters a few months ago I went to a pulmonary doctor there in order to get my breathing meds refilled. He was young, inexperienced but the first thing that came out of his mouth was, "have you ever considered Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS)" I had indeed! I was always looking for clinical trials coming up with nothing. At that he went and got me a a copy of a web site ( I'll pass it on to you) of a team of doctors in Los Angeles who do this. I got an appointment easy enough, went for the consultation and was accepted for the surgery. Left out the part where this new doctor had sent me for scans (which no other doctor suggested before) that I brought with me. During these scans is when they discovered nodules that are possibly malignant. Those will be removed at the same time as the reduction.
Back home my primary doctor had a couple patients who were in bad shape and no local doctor was being any help. One gentleman in his 50's was going down hill so fast the doctor was sure he would be gone soon if something wasn't done. He sent him to L.A and now is schedule for surgery now and probably will save his life.
When I was there they said people come as fer away as New York. There were people in the waiting room some for follow ups who referred to the doctor as the best, miracle worker, etc. One man older then me (hush) on his way out stooped and assured me not to worry, that before his surgery he couldn't take 2 steps without gasping for breath, he looked fine and i heard he still had stitches, plus he had had cancer.
My doctor admitted he knew nothing of this and was glad to get the info. in order to send people there. Me too I was so happy his patients wouldn't have to die because of ignorance apathy whatever among doctors where I reside.
anyway here is the web site.

http://www.csmc.edu/1520.html

 

Emphysema has to be one of the worst diseases I have seen my friends get. I am glad to hear that your surgery went well, and Thanks for the link it will be a good source of info foe others.

 

Darlene,
When are you supposed to have your surgery? The thought that this could help you is uplifting and I'm glad you found out about it.
abri

 

Thank you, I'll probably go in some time in Jan. First I have to get as healthy as I can. Physical therapy, treadmill at home, put on as much weight as possible.
Before when they discontinued the surgery they (doctors) were waiting until all else failed. By then the people were 70' 80's in wheel chairs on oxygen constantly, no wonder most died. I'm spreading the word best I can the doctors are not. Hope it will help more people.

 

Good, we can motivate each other, become schlank and gorgeous.

abri

 

LOL, fat chance here!

 

Dang now you gals have me really confused darlene I thought you wanted to gain weight, and I apologize I thought you had the surgery.

Hey I know just a "Dumb" guy, and no, I am not "Blonde" gone past that to "White & Cranky"

 

Thats OK, I do need to gain I've pretty much always been around 105. Really sick a couple years back went down to 89, thought I was a goner. I just hope the word gets out for other people, don't know how many doctors or where they do this same surgery, got to be more. I'm thinking of making flyers and going to the clinic I used to go to and pass em out. I keep picturing those poor people some already in wheel chairs looking sad and hopeless, it's heart breaking.

 

Wow! Congratulations on finding the right therapy Darlene! And keep that "young, inexperienced" doctor's contact info around... he sounds like a keeper.

I understand your heartbreak. Might I suggest, rather than doing flyers at your old place first, talk to the doctor(s) after you go through it and are living proof that it works, and see if you can recruit them into using it directly. Could be they just need their noses rubbed in it. If that doesn't work, then I'd try direct intervention.

Sharing here may indeed help some, even though this isn't a health related site. You might want to search out/Google sites that more directly deal with this, and post in their forums wherever you can to help spread the word.

Let us know when you're due for the surgery; we'll definitely keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

 

Thanks so much, received a letter the inexperienced doctor is going back east, home I imagine. The pulmonary clinic I went to before is basically made up of nurse practitioners, saw the doctor a couple times in three years, then he was interrupted with calls every few min. He lives at the hospitals. I will take your suggestion and look for related forums.

 

Good link, darlene. I have a few friends that either suffer from emphysema or have family members that do. I must admit I have never heard of this procedure. I've already passed it on to three people.

Good luck on your surgery - I wish you the best. Let us know when.

Also, I'd like you to double your posting of jokes! Whenever I'm down, I just check out some of them, and they cheer me up!

Later, Lady!

 

i watched my grandfather die of that disease afew years ago. i watched as he stoped eating stop being able to move to even be able to go to the bathroom. i could not stand it. now i am glad theres something out there that helps fight that bad disease.... Good luck darlene.....

 

Thank you Natakel and so glad you could find use of the info. As for the jokes glad they give you a pick up. Some time I just don't get any or they're not fit to post. lol

N5638J, sorry about your grandfather, it's defiantly a rough way to go.Thank you also.