Laurie and Jo, I am sure that Shirley will answer this also but since they insert these valves during a scoping procedure, everyone gets scoped. The surgeeon told me that even if he doesn't insert the valves, they completely check everything out while you are scoped. To me, It is really a win-win procedure.

ooooookkkkkk, now it makes sense. They don't preform some weird placebo surgery on those who do not receive the valves to fool you. Which is what I was hypothesizing happening.

Thank you Laura for assuring me I did not sound like a complete idiot! LOL

PearlB, thanks for a good answer. I am sure when Shirley sees this she will tell me pretty much the same thing.

Shirley , Anna and Arlene you Go Girls ....

I would advice everyone that is close to a pharmaceutical clinic to step up to the plate . Its not at all scary your treated with up most respect meet and make friends with others that have copd .

This is the trial I enrolled in recently .

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00931385?term=1222.24&rank=1

The study is intended to characterize the lung function profile of BI1744 in COPD patients where patients will perform pulmonary function tests at regular intervals for 24 hours at the end of a 6 week treatment period. Each patient will receive all four treatments.

Thanks Janice, as usual, your straight forward way of stating your position really hits home with me.
I consider myself so fortunate that I am able to participate in these trials as I realize some of us just aren't able to.

I feel strongly that I gain more than I give and it gives me the opportunity to be more proactive in my treatment.

I believe that Laurie is also doing a trial now on Spriva. I am sure that there are more but I do not know who they are but whoever your are, THANKS.

I think Pearl explained the procedure very well. It was very non-invasive. They put me to sleep and did a broncohoscopy. If they put the valves in, they have a special scope that would insert them at that time. When you wake up, you are coughing up goop from them digging around in your lungs but you can not tell in any way whether the valves were inserted or not. You find that out 6 mo. later after a ton more of testings. After this, I don't believe my body has any secrets left, lol.

Some of us are more fortunate than others to be living in areas where some of these trials are available. I think it is sad to live in an area where these trials are available and not take advantage of the fantasic opportunity offered.

The perks (testings and specialized care)that go along with these trials is incredible and would never be available to the majority of people. I agree with Pearl, I feel I have certainly got way more out of this than I have given.

Hi - I had LVRS (lung volume reduction surgery) and it did help - now I am going to be tested for further treatment - What are the valves? Is that a better way to go instead of LVRS - or is it the same process?