COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
Slushed my way through the snow and made it to my last appointments to qualify for the Spiration Trial. Had Arterial and regular blood work done. Had a EKG and an Echocardigram. They also do a urinalysis to determine if you have nicotine in your system. They told me that test has to be flown to the East Coast (this is Portland, OR) to be tested. I also completed all my admission forms for the day of surgery.
The echocardigram was kind of scary. As we were going along, the lady testing asked me if I had Osteoarthritis, I told her 'No' and she then said 'Well have you ever had a heart attack then?'
and I said 'No, does it look like I have?'. She circled something on the test and 'Said, oh no, just asking questions'. Those testers won't tell you a Xxx Xxxm thing!!!! The good news is, she didn't call anyone or ask for immediate emergency admission, lol.
I asked the guy helping me out for the day (a fellow working with the trial) if I would notice an improvement immediately if I did get the valves. He said 'No, sometimes it takes months for you body to adjust. Sometimes people are sure they have the valves to find out six months later they didn't. Then sometimes people are sure they didn't get the valves to find out they did'. This is not what I wanted to hear.
He said that the location here in Portland has been authorized to do 50 people and they have 19 in the trial. He said that they have a hard time getting people through all the initial testings successfully. They get bounced for one reason or another. We'll see. Unless I get bounced because of this last round of tests, this should be my last update on this subject until after the procedure on 1/8/09.
Hugs to You All,
xxxoooShirleyxxxooo
The echocardigram was kind of scary. As we were going along, the lady testing asked me if I had Osteoarthritis, I told her 'No' and she then said 'Well have you ever had a heart attack then?'
and I said 'No, does it look like I have?'. She circled something on the test and 'Said, oh no, just asking questions'. Those testers won't tell you a Xxx Xxxm thing!!!! The good news is, she didn't call anyone or ask for immediate emergency admission, lol.
I asked the guy helping me out for the day (a fellow working with the trial) if I would notice an improvement immediately if I did get the valves. He said 'No, sometimes it takes months for you body to adjust. Sometimes people are sure they have the valves to find out six months later they didn't. Then sometimes people are sure they didn't get the valves to find out they did'. This is not what I wanted to hear.
He said that the location here in Portland has been authorized to do 50 people and they have 19 in the trial. He said that they have a hard time getting people through all the initial testings successfully. They get bounced for one reason or another. We'll see. Unless I get bounced because of this last round of tests, this should be my last update on this subject until after the procedure on 1/8/09.
Hugs to You All,
xxxoooShirleyxxxooo
You are definitely moving forward. I couldn't be happier for you. You have really been determined to go thru this lengthy process. You are a pretty strong lady.
I hope that I am able to attempt the process but I worry about my heart as much as the emphysema.
Please keep us informed. The 8th is rapidly approaching.
Anna
My prayers are with you.
God Bless,
Carol