Bi-lateral Lung Volume Reduction
I had this surgery, and after starting, it was discovered my lungs were so hyper-inflated that they were stuck to the lining/sack surrounding them. It turned a 2-hour surgery into a 4+ procedure. During recovery, I got crepidus - a horrid condition where oxygen leaks out of lungs and goes underneath your skin. My surgeon told my adult daughters he would not have done the procedure had he known. I write this to say be SURE you don't have hyper-inflated lungs before considering LVR. (Also, the article refers to "room for lungs to grow" after procedure...they will not grow...however, they will have more room to expand.)
Thank you so much for sharing this information with the community and it is good to hear that you made it through ok. I have heard of crepitus before but never witnessed it myself. It sounds awful and bizarre at the same time. I almost feel like, in a way, getting the procedure done even though they might not have was a blessing in disguise that at least you were able to get it done. Hopefully it is smoother sailing from now on! As always remember you aren't "sailing" alone! 😊 Keep on keepin' on, DPM
