I totally thought about it. My pulmonologist said there isn't the evidence to warrant it. And said I should go for the transplant. If I really wanted to do it, I would get another pulmonologist. Anyhow, good luck!

Thank you.

You can use the search box to find more discussion on this. I entered "lung volume reduction surgery" and got quite a few hits, all from members. Be sure and use "Discussion", I would put in the link, but cannot cut and paste with my Kindle.
Take care,
Linda In CA

Here is a LINK that covers all available current options......Unfortunately for me they no longer apply....

Hope you can find other options among them like the most recent, Non Invasive Zephyr Valve System...

Take Care...Peter

http://jtd.amegroups.com/article/view/3496/html

i asked my pulm about it & was told that my lungs were too damaged, that I would need a transplant. I decided to just make the best of my time I have.
I think it is all a personal decision on what you are willing to go thru & what you may gain.

Now days I think the coils/valves replace LVRS....every day is a new discovery also as peter's link shows;

qwapo; that is an excellent link of information on all of the different options! thank you!

ps in my time here we have had a person have LVRS, coils & valve....haven't' heard from them lately, but i hope they are doing well :)

Thank you for your thoughts and especially the link regarding the advancements in treatment.

I was advised by a pulmo in October 2013 to have LVRS. I am stage 4 emphysema. I researched LVRS and was not impressed with the post procedure results and symptoms. Someone on this support group posted a couple of websites about the coils & valves procedures. (LVRC & LVRV). I was impressed with the initial findings & results. I filled out the necessary forms on: ww.muschealth.org and qualified for the LVRV but later switched to the LVRC procedure and 20 months later, my quality of life has improved drastically. This was my choice versus the LVRS. Good luck and God speed.

A friend on another board that Rachel probably knows is about ready to go have the non-invasive Endo Bronchial Valves done....He has had a torrid time getting thru the selection process and it is just about ready to go...

I have a mate here in Melbourne who had his done in January as the Trials conducted in 2015 were over...Two of those who had it done were not successful, with one lady having them removed and is in a really bad way. The other is also on his third repair job and has not been in contact since March.

Anyway this friend of mine had one setback with air leakage and was in hospital around April.....2 nights ago he called and said he really regretted it now as he is on Full time Oxygen after being on Supplementary before and his COPD has worsened significantly...BUT his Pulmo seems to tell him that it will gradually settle down and improve....in the mean time he has so many pills and anti-rejection drugs to take, he feels sick and nauseous all the time.

In hindsight I am glad I did not meet the criteria and will live with the devil I know than the one I don't.......Just my opinion....

so sad about your friend peter.
I hope he gets better - my prayers are with him (not sure who?)
When I looked into all the options available; with all the rejection drugs & time in hospital etc. i decided to go when my time comes.
and my time is doing pretty good so far ;)

of course for others it has been a godsend; so each need to make their own decisions what is right for them.
I always pray for charlie that was going to have the valves done and never heard from him again---i do hope that's because he is doing so well he doesn't have time for us :)

I had overs in 2007 and I would do it again I n a minute! It gave me a life back. If you are thinking of it I encourage you to ar least start the testing process an d should you decide not to do it you don't have to. At the very least you would know if you qualify! I am very happy I did have mine, it's been almost nine years now and still going stronger than before! Good luck & God bless

Sorry should say LVRS but I'm on my phone and not good with it

sassymeto i am so happy it worked out so well for you and you are doing so well, blessings yo you , you and capststt give so much hope!

I have not seen you on DS before and id like to welcome you and hope we can learn much from you:)
happy to have you join !!!!!
and hope o learn from you

I had LVRS almost 9 years ago now, and I would do it again in a minute. I have a life back that I thought was gone forever. I would say start testing fore it and make you decision when the testing is done! A good thoracic surgeon and ask questions! As I said, I would do it again in a minute! Good luck and if you have any questionsjust ask and I'll give you my experience.

I am looking to get new doctor the one I have does not seem to be helping me at all I have considered these types of surgery I have been doing a lot of reading up on this subject I am on oxygen 24/7 I have do so many nebulizer treatment during the day and all the medicine and it does not seem to help my COPD my asma is getting worst I hardly go out of my house any more because I cant breath when its to hot or cold I also lost my leg in 2009 which did not help has anyone in Wi has had any of these surgerys and if so where did you have it done I sure could use some help with this problems and maybe finding a good doctor for this thank so much

Corky46 = Have you tried with your state university hospital? I know university of utah does them in my state & when I googled LVRS many state university hospitals came up.
Or as your Pulm who is the best to go to :)