Wellness

[homedecor1]

Spouse health is failing more had new lung scans done and specialist suggested he would refer him to Mayo Clinic for "Zephyr Valves".  It's a non-invasive procedure where they insert these valves to open lungs a little. (his capacity levels are extremely low).

We are waiting to hear from the pulmonary specialist just to see if he can be a candidate.  The meds are not working as well as previously, so his pulmonologist specialist & pulmonary therapist recommended seeing them.

Just wondering if anyone had this procedure & if so, has it helped and is it better quality of breathing?

Thank you!

Homedecor1

[hckynut]

@homedecor1 

Sorry to hear this. I never heard of these valves, but if it is something his doctors recommend and he's game! I wish you both the best with this. 

hckynut 

[Kachina624]

@homedecor1    Hope dh finds something to help resolve his issues.  Life can't be very fun for him right now.  Keep us informed. 

[Artana]

My husband has COPD and had this done, it has helped him a little, but he has severe COPD.

[Zhills]

@homedecor1   So sorry to hear spouse's health is declining.  He enjoyed retirement and playing golf so much!

Hope the Zephyr Valves will help him return to a great life for him and for you also.  

Saw this and thought of you.......

That you are!

[homedecor1]

@Artana 

So does my spouse w/now emphysema developed.  They say it's a "long shot" he would be candidate but what concerns us they don't know "how his lungs" would tolerate them.  

He now has other health issues -- 

best wishes to you & your spouse ...it's not easy for them☹️☹️

[homedecor1]

@Kachina624 

@Zhills 

@hckynut 

Thank you all for your good wishes.  Going to be long days ahead of him😢

@Zhills 

His pulmonary specialist explained it thoroughly and then he said "if you can't recall just think of zhills in FL"...so I thought of YOU instead❤️😊🌷

[Kachina624]

@homedecor1    I'm sure it'll be long days ahead for you too.  A serious illness affects all members of the family.  Bear up and come here when you need to vent.  Good luck. 

[homedecor1]

@Kachina624 

Thank you my "dear" friend -- I think the people here are kinder and more genuine than some of those we "really" know...

I am grateful for you and each and everyone here ....and thank you from the bottom of "our" hearts....

hugs ...

homedecor1

[RedTop]

I do not have experience with Zephyr valves, but do have a lot of experience with COPD.  

Just reading online information about the valves and how they work, make me think this is a treatment that must be done in the earliest stages of this disease.  

A pulmonologist will look for better breathing options, while your husbands primary medical providers will see his overall health as the determinate factor in treatment options.   IF your husband does qualify for the valve implants, what is the best guess for how long they might work with his level of COPD progression?   

Best wishes to both of you!