Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS)
I was diagnosed with severe COPD in 2001 and spent 8 days in the hospital. They gave me oxygen but I'd heard about a pulmonary rehab program at NY Presbyterian. Since they refused to transfer me there I just walked out and dialed 911.
That's how I heard about LVRS. I was tested and tested and finally told I was a good candidate. I wasn't doing very well physically and was taken to appointments by ambulance on a stretcher. So in 2004 I had the surgery and it made a huge difference for me.
I have been on oxygen since the beginning but am able to walk, drive, and shop. I attend pulmonary rehab twice a week and am very happy I was able to have had this surgery. I wish everyone was a candidate.
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