Zehyr Valve
Good morning everyone,
I had an exacerbation of my COPD a few weeks ago which was brought under control through Prednisone, my friend..... After finishing the course I had an appointment with my pulmonologist and I was not doing very well that day. As we all know, good days/bad days. He prescribed an ongoing maintenance dosage of pred. I asked the question that I had wanted to ask, but dreaded the answer, what stage of COPD am I? He responded with very severe.
Although not entirely unexpected it was like a sucker punch. We had a discussion about options going forward. He advocated for the Zephyr valve. I had not been aware of this relatively new minimally invasive treatment and researched extensively online. I am scheduled for many tests (ABG, 6 minute walk, CT of chest, COVID test, and others I've probably omitted) and if I meet the criteria I will probably be scheduled for the procedure in about a month or so. It requires no incisions, which is a good thing. However, I wonder if anyone has actually had the procedure and can furnish me with information on the reality of it? I have never been hospitalized and am somewhat leery of the post-procedure discomfort. It requires a 3 day hospital stay which sets my nerves jangling. On the other hand it could well restore my life to semi-normal.
I manage, with the help of 02 and meds, but my life is so diminished that I find it hard to recognize me! In any event, thank you for reading and caring. I hope to hear from some of you and please be honest. Pink paint isn't helpful! Be well and stay strong. Cynthia
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I do not know anyone who has undergone the procedure, but I have read a bit about it. From what I read; it is a very successful procedure. Like you said, no incisions. A minimal hospital stay. Mainly for observation. Do a google search for it. There is a lot of information available on the procedure and its success rate. I am sure some of the moderators will chime in with some links to information on the procedure. Hopefully, it will all work out for you. God Bless!Thank you. I look forward to input from the group here. Also I found a couple of truly helpful and informative groups on FB. The unknown is unnerving!
Hi cynthia, and thanks for your post. I hear you! It's also understandable that you would want to know all you can about the endobronchial valve procedure before you make a decision with your doctor about having it performed.
In fact, we have a number of community members who have shared their experiences with the community, having had the procedure themselves. I am hopeful they will see your concern and respond by sharing their own personal anecdotal experiences with you.
In the meantime, I thought you might be interested in reading the material we have published here (right on COPD.net), which focuses on the procedure. You will find some of our members' stories are in this group of publications too. For your convenience, here is a link to the material: https://copd.net/search?s=Endobronchial%20valve%20zephyr%20valve.
I do hope you find the information is helpful for you in a practical way.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
Just to add my experience with the valves: I had three installed in February of 2020, and for me, It has been utterly life-changing. I was 70, had been on supplemental oxygen for almost three years 24/7, and was extremely limited. My emphysema is categorized as very severe, or stage 4. I was in the hospital 4 days, and, since it is simply an insertion, with no incision, there was no pain, and no recovery time. My wonderful pulmonologist told me I should be able to go without O2 except overnight, after about three months. I started being able to remove the O2 for short periods within a very short time, maybe a week or two, and for gradually longer periods. Sometime before three months, I was pretty much done with it except for overnight, and during periods of exertion. I am able to vacuum, go up and down stairs, and function fairly normally, though I still have to take frequent breaks whether I use oxygen or not. Hope this encourages you to seriously consider the procedure. My life is amazingly better! 
Earlier this summer I bought some jam at the store, but didn't realize that I already had some in the pantry. I started looking for recipes and found these wonderful jam bars that my family and friends have all enjoyed. Thought I would share it with you! https://celebratingsweets.com/jam-filled-oatmeal-bars/
My suggestion would be to use less butter, as the bottom crust always feels greasy when I use the full amount. Still delicious, though! -Melissa, copd.net team
Thanks! That looks like a great way to use some of this jam! It is Oriental plum-orange, and delicious. Will let you know how the bars turn out. Hadn't thought about that!
