Hi Zen....just curious here..in your profile you have ''end stage'' emphy...I am v.severe n pulmo said my lungs were past the stage of LVRS n only a double transplant is an option, which I have rejected...

Hugs Peter

Yay. That's really good news.

Did he say what "Past the stage" meant? Most of the damage was in my upper lobes, which is a criteria. Did you check into the 2 new trials (at least they are in trials here in the US, I think they are already approved in Europe), the "foam" and the other one escapes me, but they are like springs that hold open your lungs.

Hi Zen and gwapo:
I just heard that Columbia Presbyterian is doing trials on the "coil" procedure which is an option for people who don't meet the very strict criteria for LVRS. I don't think it is how bad you are with LVRS but where the bad lung tissue is located. When Upper is bad it can be removed (about 30%) and the lower lungs can expand and make breathing easier. Some people do not meet this criteria so they will not be accepted. I like Zen are awaiting a date. I meet all criteria except weight. I weight too little. My husband cannot understand why I don't gain, lol. He could gain in a weekend!
Louise

Hi Zen...he said both upper n lower of both lungs were shot....also re transplant he said the cut off point was 65yrs of age...also besides the not too good long term prognosis the chance of finding suitable donors were slim....

I have another apt in sept. as he is one of the leading pulmos in oz, so pretty booked out....I will ask about the valve spring thingy then.

I start a 10 wk pulmo rehab Tuesday so hopefully it will help me....

hugs peter....

Hey thanks nurse..lol we posted at the same time,,

Awesome, Gwapo! I'm so glad they found it at an early stage! Prayers going your way!

would they not have seen this raisin sized tumor in an x-ray?