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Post by cocojax on Dec 2, 2007 18:45:46 GMT -5
Well I got some good news, my pulmonary function test results were almost the same as in August... My six minute walk went great, I walked farther, my heart rate went from the 180's down to 142, and my O2 level went from 85 to 91... I am very happy about those results. Bad news she does not think I would be a candidate for stents as she says Dr. Waddell probably would have offered that if he thought it would be viable, she will ask him on my behalf, if it were possible his office will contact me. She also stated that stem cells when available would be for people that whose COPD is not so progressed. I told her before I would consider Lung Transplant you have to hope for something less invasive. If I don't hear anything from Dr. Waddell's office, I go back for another follow-up May 30th...So I go back to hoping ...because without hope, you become depressed. FOR EVERYONE, exercise does indeed work, as is shown by my test results...  |
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Post by bobbioh on Dec 2, 2007 19:35:42 GMT -5
Good Job CoCo and even after all this sickness you have had, Im really happy for you and I understand where your coming from I dont much care for the transplant option either. I keep thinking they are finding new things everyday to  . Keep the hope we will all be with you if and when you take the plunge. Bobbi |
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Post by John on Dec 2, 2007 21:18:07 GMT -5
Ellen; I'm glad for your good #'s See you in the gym in the am get a good nights sleep |
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Post by cheryl on Dec 2, 2007 23:17:23 GMT -5
Ellen, Congrat's on the good numbers. You're an inspiration for us all to work harder on our exercising.  |
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Post by maryaz on Dec 2, 2007 23:57:36 GMT -5
Coco; Good report on the numbers at least. You never know what might come along. Maybe something will come along out of all the studies going on.
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Post by the bear on Dec 3, 2007 9:28:59 GMT -5
Ellen; Just a note about your post. Stents would have been an invasive procedure, wouldn't they. Therefore the risk of infections are very real. As for telling you are not a candidate for stem cells I say they really screwed up here. The people with advanced COPD are the very ones that need this. Because this is a new field and they want to impress everyone on how good this therapy is, of course, they want only the ones they think will show good results. IMHO this is bull*@#%.
You must maintain your positive attitude and keep staying fit, we all do. In the meantime have you researched any cell builders??
Things that help your own body heal itself and prevent further damage to any tissues and cells?? Hugz, as ever, bear.
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Post by Joyce7 on Dec 3, 2007 15:51:22 GMT -5
Ellen, this is truly wonderful news, and I will work extra hard in rehab tomorrow. I do find it sad if the new stem cell research is not offered to those who are very bad off with low numbers. Keep up the good work...Joyce in SC  |
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Post by maryaz on Dec 3, 2007 23:56:08 GMT -5
Bear; I may be wrong but I thought the only non-invasive procedure was the BLVR. I agree that I thought the Stents were invasive.
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Post by cocojax on Dec 4, 2007 11:48:28 GMT -5
The Stents are performed by scope what I meant was a lot less invasive then having your lungs removed.
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Post by LindaNY on Dec 4, 2007 17:05:53 GMT -5
Ellen, congratulations on the improvement. You are doing great. Keep up the good work and don't let this miserable disease get you down.
Fight, fight and fight some more.
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Post by maryaz on Dec 4, 2007 20:48:22 GMT -5
Coco; I guess I am confused now on what is or is not invasive. However, have you ever looked at this one and seen how they do it, BLVR. www.aeristherapeutics.com/Products/The BLVR is only in studying now but I thought it was the least invasive of all I had seen so far. Stents are not approved either yet. I did think one of them getting near approval. At least in the USA. |
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Post by cocojax on Dec 5, 2007 11:58:19 GMT -5
Mary I did find this information, and yes these things are all new, and experimental. The problem I have is my lungs are over inflated. My oxygen levels are fine, but it is like the article states, I will just be waiting to be put on a list for lung transplant. Keeping up the exercise will hopefully keep me off the list. But it is like I told the Dr. I have now gone up another hook on my bra, and it is really becoming more and more uncomfortable to even wear one. (sorry guys.) So anything that will help with the overinflatin would be great... www.ndri.com/news/airway_bypass_treatment_option_for_emphysema_lung_disease-257.htmlThere is also a number you can call for more information on the study. 1-866-431-3273 |
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Post by virginia on Dec 5, 2007 13:45:28 GMT -5
Ellen ..I'm very proud of you...
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Post by LindaNY on Dec 5, 2007 14:04:48 GMT -5
Everyone with Emphysema has over inflated lungs. It's part of the disease, unfortunately.
Maybe some day, down the road these new procedures, like the stents and stem cell transplant, will be improved and help some of the sufferers.
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. Keep the hope we will all be with you if and when you take the plunge. Bobbi
