I applied for and was eventually turned down for LVR a few years back. Here is a couple of sites that talk about their LVR programs.
http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Programs-and-Services/Lung-Institute/Conditions-and-Treatments/Lung-Volume-Reduction-Surgery.aspx
http://umm.edu/programs/thoracic/services/lvr
Be aware that LVR is not a do-all end-all for emphysema. There is a finite period where you are better, but it doesn't stop the march of the disease. I have seen where LVR gave people time to qualify for a transplant...

Hugs,
Dennis

Hi Capt.
I also asked about LVRS, but my doctor said that the emphysema has to be located in one place, and mine is all over. For instance, if the disease is only in the lower lungs, they can remove that part and leave the upper. You can do things without oxygen and getting sob, but you are limited to how vigorous your activities would be.
It also seems to reverse its self in about 4 years and you then have emphy in the remaining lungs, and like Dennis said, this gives some folks time to qualify for a transplant.
Hugs and best wishes
Brenda

I have a girlfriend that had LVRS surgery about 7 years ago. She can run circles around me. She said she was on O2 24/7 prior to the surgery. We've done some traveling together and I've never seen her have to use O2 or out of breath. We walked through the Butchart Gardens in Vancouver BC, hills and all, she just trotted along (I had my scooter). They say the surgery lasts about 5 years but she's still going strong with hers over 7 years out. She says she's an exception to the rule. Good luck to you. I was evaluated for it my FEV had dropped to low. .

I hear you both on the "extended of life" and not a cure all for our situation, but I know that day is coming! After reading the NETT research results, the life curve after the LVRS isn't much more than the med care. But....BUT...for the blogs I've read from people that has gone thru the LVRS, their life has been a major turn around. They can run, they can perform normal everyday duties without the aid of O2, SOB and relying on it at home for a 5 year average and in some extraordinary cases, more than 7. One lady had her first procedure done in 1995, went back for another procedure 2 years later and has been fine ever since. But I'm sure her physical situation was caught at the earliest stage with minimum disease hence her success rate.

I have a son that just turned 4 and it would mean so much for me just to be active with him, playing basketball, catch, golf, walks on the beach, etc. and behaving like a normal person rather than having someone else play with him while I just sit there and watch. It would be the best 5 years of my life!

Thank you...

Have you already been evaluated? It requires a fairly strict criteria. I do know that If they determine your disease is throughout your entire lungs you won't qualify because it won't help. I believe it has to be upper lung involvement only. Good luck to you, could be life changing.

It looks like I am being approved for LVRS. A few more hoops to jump through. I need cardiac clearance since one artery is 100% blocked. Spoke to my Cardio Doc and he has give me clearance But They might want me to see their doctor. Waiting for an appointment with their Pulmonologist and surgeon.
I was denied a transplant, but LVRS will work since most of my problem is in my upper lobes. I'll Keep you posted. Check out YouTube. There are many videos there. Good luck.

I hear you Capt.
Follow your heart, and get this checked out. Yes, if you get 2-4-6 or whatever years, that is more time with the little boy, and being able to do things with him.
Find a GOOD pulmologist and get evaluated, if you have not already. Are you not a good candidate for a transplant? A lot of folks do the LVRS and later a transplant, so those things you can keep in mind.
LVRS can only be done if your emphysema is located in one part of your lung, mine is located all over, so that option was out for me.

I did make it thru the testing for transplant, but was told it would be hard to find a lung for me because of my blood type, while not rare, is very hard to cross match...so therefore I would be on the high risk level. That and a few other things, stopped me from getting the transplant.
But I know the evaluation for it was strict and very thorough, so you need to get started on it.You should be basically strong and healthy enough, but they still have to do it.
Check out the websites, and I will say a prayer that you can get it done, and maybe even a transplant later.
Hugs and best wishes
Brenda

i know nothing about the LVRS, but my prayers are with you that if it is what will give you more quality time with your little one, it will happen.
((((HUGS)))))