Post by Susan-OH on Jun 17, 2008 20:22:38 GMT -5
I went to OSU today to be released from the LVRS evaluation and request my testing results and doctors' comments.
Dr. Diaz told me there wasn't a lot they could do for me, because LVRS is so specialized for upper lobe disease, that my condition wouldn't improve by removing my upper lobes. The disease is pretty well evenly distributed throughout my lungs, with the worst part being the lower lobes.
He told me that there are constant innovations in the treatment for Emphysema and to stay in touch. He said stents were also indicated for upper lobe damage, but medicines inserted in pellets by broncos copy are being tested that actually can heal lung tissue and other exciting treatments are on the horizon.
But he told me not to participate in trials. He said to wait and continue with exercise and the medication my pulmo doc has me on. He also said to call once a year or so to see if there was anything for me.
I have the weirdest Emphysema; my damage is lower lobe, my O2 saturations go up with exercise, I have 30 percent lung function and no obvious bullae or damage that can be seen on cat scan. My lungs are elongated, but only 105 percent of normal size, I retain about 150 percent normal exhalation and I desaturate to 85 or86 percent at night. But I can breathe myself up to 96 percent saturation when I set my mind to it without O2. I am just weird, I guess.
I just reread this and I can't believe how much I have learned about the mechanics of emphysema in just a few months. Thanks everyone for your kindness and support. I guess I am just stuck with SOB every whipstitch, and I'll have to be happy to be alive. :) I am getting stronger from the exercise, and BTW, Dr. Diaz said having a little extra weight is good for emphysema patients. That was the best news I got today! Stay well,S
Dr. Diaz told me there wasn't a lot they could do for me, because LVRS is so specialized for upper lobe disease, that my condition wouldn't improve by removing my upper lobes. The disease is pretty well evenly distributed throughout my lungs, with the worst part being the lower lobes.
He told me that there are constant innovations in the treatment for Emphysema and to stay in touch. He said stents were also indicated for upper lobe damage, but medicines inserted in pellets by broncos copy are being tested that actually can heal lung tissue and other exciting treatments are on the horizon.
But he told me not to participate in trials. He said to wait and continue with exercise and the medication my pulmo doc has me on. He also said to call once a year or so to see if there was anything for me.
I have the weirdest Emphysema; my damage is lower lobe, my O2 saturations go up with exercise, I have 30 percent lung function and no obvious bullae or damage that can be seen on cat scan. My lungs are elongated, but only 105 percent of normal size, I retain about 150 percent normal exhalation and I desaturate to 85 or86 percent at night. But I can breathe myself up to 96 percent saturation when I set my mind to it without O2. I am just weird, I guess.
I just reread this and I can't believe how much I have learned about the mechanics of emphysema in just a few months. Thanks everyone for your kindness and support. I guess I am just stuck with SOB every whipstitch, and I'll have to be happy to be alive. :) I am getting stronger from the exercise, and BTW, Dr. Diaz said having a little extra weight is good for emphysema patients. That was the best news I got today! Stay well,S
