I had LVRS on October 18th. They took 70%of my top left lobe and 50% of my top right. It wasn’t as bad as I expected. Was on O2 24/7 before. Now only on it at night. They did it robotically so I have two small incision on each side of my chest underneath my armpit

LVRS is a viable option if you meet the criteria for the surgery. A huge study was done in 1996, using the results of hundreds of the surgeries from centers all over the country. Generally, they found that the people who had the best results had much (20% or more) damage in the upper lobes than in the lower lobes and were exercise intolerant. People who presented with other characteristics didn't fare as well; some died and others got worse instead of better. So if you meet the criteria, it's a good option, but a bad one if you don't.

That said, I have several friends who have had the surgery. All of them had good outcomes, but they weren't without problems immediately following surgery (collapsed lungs, requiring chest tubes, pneumonia, etc.). You also want to be sure that wherever you're having the surgery done that they've done lots (like hundreds) and can show you the outcomes. I know that Columbia Presbyterian in NYC, Duke and the U of Michigan have done many and have good outcomes.

Find a center where they're done and talk with the people who would do the surgery. Then get tested. Once you're cleared for surgery and have been deemed a good candidate you can make your decision. Just because you're a good candidate doesn't mean you have to do it; you always have the choice.

Linda Fillichio on FB

Hi Linda, I had bi-lateral lung reduction surgery back in 2010 and it helped me a great deal. At the time I was just to the point where I needed oxygen for exercise and the surgery gave me my life back for 7 yrs of feeling pretty normal. There are certain conditions on whether you are a good candidate for the surgery. In my case the Emphysema damage was located in the upper area of my lungs so they were able to go in from my sides and remove the damaged lung which allowed the healthy lung material to expand into that area. I had it done by a Dr McKenna at Cedars in Los Angeles. It was a big surgery and I had 9 tubes coming out of me after the surgery for drainage and to keep my systems going. I was in the hospital and rehab facility recovering for almost a month. I'm glad I did it. The caregivers at the hospital and rehab were such angels. It's odd how we can't really remember how bad stuff was but you do get through it. I was recently told by a Dr at UCSF that they don't do that surgery much anymore and do more lung transplants. Hope that helps. Steve

Cindy Ray Stockton on Facebook