
Patient Story

Lynn’s Story
Lynn’s Story
Coolidge, Arizona
“For me the results were immediate. As soon as I woke up from the procedure, I could take a deep breath.”
Procedure Details:
Age at Treatment: 54
Hospital: Banner Medical Center
Date of Procedure: September 2018
Life Before Zephyr® Valves:
I had a very full life before COPD and emphysema. I was a real outdoors person. I loved to snow ski, camp, and fish. I was raised in Idaho in a mining family and we spent most of our time outside. We’d go to the creek and make dams and tree swings or ride mini-bikes and snow mobiles.
Growing up in a mining town had its benefits but it also meant I went to school very close to the refineries. The smoke would fill the playground so bad sometimes we couldn’t go out for recess. I was diagnosed with COPD and emphysema in 2008 at age 44. The doctors said that even if I had smoked a pack a day for my entire life, my lungs wouldn’t have been so bad at such a young age if I hadn’t been exposed to the smoke from the refineries as a child.
I was living in Nevada with its harsh winters. I kept getting bronchitis and that led to my diagnosis. By 2010 my breathing really started to get difficult. Just going out into the cold air in the morning to get to work made my breathing difficult. In 2011 I moved to Arizona to get away from cold. It was a tough decision because my dear husband had to stay in Nevada for work, but my lungs could not tolerate that cold air anymore.
In the Fall of 2015, my primary care doctor finally sent me to a pulmonologist and I found out I was in the end stages of COPD/emphysema. They said I would be lucky to get 5 more years. It felt like my life was falling apart. I have full custody of my two granddaughters. I am a mom to them and at this point the oldest was just in preschool, but my outlook was not good. By 2016 I had to start wearing oxygen just to be able to function. My pulmonologist suggested I go on the transplant list, but I wasn’t ready for all that.
My situation went from bad to devastating quickly. I couldn’t take care of my little girls. I felt like I was losing my identity. I couldn’t clean the house or cook. I couldn’t volunteer at the school. Everything that was dear to me was getting taken by this disease. I became very depressed. It is not easy knowing you are dying and worrying about who will raise your kids when you are gone.
At one of my appointments in the summer of 2018 my doctor said he would see me again in two months and I told him I didn’t know if I would make it that long. That’s when he sent me to Dr. Sue to discuss the Zephyr Valve treatment. Within a week my procedure was scheduled.
Life After Zephyr Valves:
For me the results were immediate. As soon as I woke up from the procedure, I could take a deep breath. In recovery, I said, “I can breathe and it’s such a beautiful thing.” I was so happy; I couldn’t stop smiling. I think I had perma-grin for the whole first week after the procedure!
I was sitting up playing games on my phone the day after the procedure. I just wanted to get home and take a nice hot shower. It’s been over a month now and I am breathing so much better and back to living my life. I took my girls to the fair and didn’t have to bring my oxygen. I can do all the little things you take for granted until you’re sick like straighten up the house and help the kids with homework.
Getting the Zephyr Valves was so much easier than getting a lung transplant. I’m just so grateful this was FDA approved in time for me. Now that I am feeling better, I am busy creating my new bucket list. I am taking my girls to Sea World and my husband bought an 8-room camping tent so we can all go on a camping and fishing trip. I have my life back!
For the first time in over 2 years, I am not worried about who will raise my girls. I am not cured, but this treatment gave me the most precious thing I needed…time!
Results from case studies are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary.
Complications of the Zephyr Endobronchial Valve treatment can include but are not limited to pneumothorax, worsening of COPD symptoms, hemoptysis, pneumonia, dyspnea and, in rare cases, death.
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Karen’s Story
Karen’s Story
Melbourne, FL
Grandma who loves water sports and spending time with her family
Procedure Details:
Age at Treatment: 62
Hospital: Mayo Clinic Florida
Date of Procedure: October 2019
Life Before Zephyr® Valves:
Before COPD/emphysema I was always on the go. Living in Florida, I grew up on the water and love surfing and scuba diving. In my career I was a domestic violence counselor, Juvenile Justice Resident Officer, and a property manager. I was also a cheerleading coach and gymnastics instructor. Needless to say, I kept very busy!
About 10 years ago, I had to call 911 because I couldn’t breathe. I was put on a ventilator and in an induced coma. They thought it was an allergic reaction, but it was my lungs. I had a new grandbaby that was only 15 days old when that happened. It scares me to think of all I almost missed.
Once I was diagnosed with COPD/emphysema, I tried to go on living life, but I kept getting sick. I was on prednisone several times a year. I did go to a pulmonologist, but I didn’t like what he had to say. He told me all the things I couldn’t do, and I was shocked when he recommended that I get on the lung transplant list.
Then about five years ago, on a trip to Hawaii, I realized I was really struggling with all the walking. It wasn’t too long after that trip that just walking to the car had me winded. About four years ago they put me on oxygen. I was a “closet user.” When everyone else took a lunch break, I’d go in the car and drive around to use my oxygen where no one could see. I didn’t even want to tell my kids.
My big life started to shrink. I used to teach diving and swimming lessons, but it got to the point where I couldn’t even clean my pool anymore. Some days I didn’t even care if I ate. This disease was taking both a physical and mental toll on me.
I still had some fight in me, though. I have four biological grandkids and five step grandkids, and for some of them I am the only living grandparent. I wanted to be there for them. After seeing a post about the Zephyr Valves on Facebook, I asked my doctor about them. Well, he didn’t know too much but said the procedure wouldn’t work for me because my lungs were already too far gone. I told him we’d have to agree to disagree, and I went to the Mayo Clinic where the valves were offered. Dr. Bussy explained the guidelines and answered all my questions. After all the testing, they called to say I qualified….and boy was that a reason to celebrate!
Life After Zephyr Valves:
The procedure went smoothly, and I felt the impact immediately. When I woke up from the procedure it felt like an elephant had been taken off my chest.
Since having the valves, I feel wonderful, and I am happy to be back on the go. Just two months after my valves, I was able to walk up and down an entire street without oxygen to look at the Christmas lights with my grandkids. I still have the oxygen in the car, but I don’t need it very often. I know I am not cured, and I am still cautious to avoid anywhere there is smoke, but I am doing so much better it’s remarkable!
I am looking forward to getting back in the water again. I’ve been cleared to scuba dive again, but I am most excited to be able to swim with my grandkids this summer. I am so blessed with a big loving family, and I am just grateful to be feeling well again so we can enjoy our time together.
I want to share my story because there are a lot of people who can benefit from these valves. For many of us, it’s the difference between living and just surviving.
Results from case studies are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary.
Complications of the Zephyr Endobronchial Valve treatment can include but are not limited to pneumothorax, worsening of COPD symptoms, hemoptysis, pneumonia, dyspnea and, in rare cases, death.
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JC’s Story
JC’s Story
Zephyrhills, Florida
“For me, the valves are a blessing from God. I can’t imagine going through life any longer the way I was before them.”
Procedure Details:
Age at Treatment: 77
Hospital: Advent Health Tampa – Florida Medical Clinic
Date of Procedure: August 2020
Life Before Zephyr® Valves:
I was fortunate enough to have a job I loved and looked forward to going to everyday. I spent 36 years working as an engineer for CSX Railroad. I spent my days on the train seeing parts of Florida many never get to see. On my days off, I enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with my family and dogs. But as my breathing became worse, the activities I loved to do started decreasing.
I was diagnosed with severe COPD/emphysema at age 62. Even though I quit smoking 24 years ago, the habit still had a severe impact on my lung health. I was using multiple inhalers multiple times a day. It felt like I was living on my rescue inhalers. It never left my side. In the beginning of my diagnosis, I used oxygen only at night, but that soon grew to be an all-day thing too. I was really scared to do anything, even simple things like walking out to my truck, because honestly I was scared I was going to die.
When you have COPD or emphysema, it feels like you are living in a bubble. You are strapped to your oxygen and the activities you loved so much are taken away. Sometimes my breathing was so bad that I couldn’t even catch my breath enough to take my rescue inhaler. My breathing got down to 25% and that is when Dr. Juan Cevallo referred me to Dr. Nathan Do’s office and started my testing to get the Zephyr Valves.
Life After Zephyr Valves:
After doing all the necessary testing, I was told I was a candidate for the Zephyr Valves and I received my very own set in August 2020. The procedure was quick and relatively painless. My throat was a little sore from the bronchoscope, but it was so minor, I didn’t even need to take a Tylenol®. I was in the hospital for the required three days, and every morning and night I got a chest x-ray to make sure the valves were in the right places and they were working properly. Like clockwork, at 6:50am, he came into my room and listened to me breathe. The first morning he heard a small buzzing sound which just meant one of the valves hadn’t settled in yet. By the second morning though, I was in the clear. Once Dr. Do gave me the go-ahead, I was walking laps around the hospital floor.
I had follow-up appointments with Dr. Do after two weeks, one month, and six weeks after the procedure. He said everything was working properly. I was so excited to get the green light to get back to what I love to do! I am not able to run a marathon, not that I would want to anyway, but I am back in my boat fishing, and enjoying the outdoors with the dogs.
I only use my oxygen at night rather than every day. I take one puff from my rescue inhaler and two puffs of Symbicort® in the morning. After that, I am ready to take on the day!
For me, the valves are a blessing from God. I can’t imagine going through life any longer the way I was before them. I want everyone to know about the Zephyr Valves because they changed my life for the better, and I know they can help countless more.
My beautiful wife and I can’t wait for what the future holds.
Results from case studies are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary.
Complications of the Zephyr Endobronchial Valve treatment can include but are not limited to pneumothorax, worsening of COPD symptoms, hemoptysis, pneumonia, dyspnea and, in rare cases, death.
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Greg’s Story
Greg’s Story
Morrisville, Indiana
A husband, father, and retired Marine who is back to living his life to the fullest!
Procedure Details:
Age at Treatment: 64
Hospital: University of Louisville
Date of Procedure: June 2020
Life Before Zephyr® Valves:
Before COPD you couldn’t slow me down. I was in the Marine Corps, I played softball and basketball, did yardwork and building projects, and helped friends with their projects. Then in 2015 when I was in my late 50s, I had an episode where I lost my breath for about 30 seconds and my wife rushed me to the ER. We thought it was a heart attack, but they kept me overnight to run further tests including CT scans which showed the real problem was COPD/emphysema. Although I was a smoker, environmental factors contributed to my COPD too. I worked with heavy machinery and melded a lot of metal over the years.
When the emphysema hit, it destroyed me. I went from a very full life to a very limited existence quickly. I had to be on oxygen at night and while doing any activities around the house. My social life basically stopped. Even with an inhaler and oxygen, I still ran out of air when trying to hold a full conversation. I couldn’t walk 10 feet without being winded. I just kept wondering “what the heck is going to happen to me.” The disease affects your body and your mind. I would become very aggravated and frustrated about all the things I could no longer do. I don’t know how my wife Debbie put up with me.
We were originally told to think about a lung transplant, but we read the information on that and I just didn’t want to go through it. My sister also had emphysema and she found some information on the Zephyr Valves. We did our research and they were not doing Zephyr Valves in Indiana yet, so we went to Louisville, Kentucky. The nurse coordinator at University of Louisville, Crissie, explained everything in detail and I was all in — I had to try something.
Life After Zephyr Valves:
The procedure went very smooth. I went to sleep and next thing I know I’m waking up in my room. I stayed the required three days, had no complications, and was back home in Indiana the same week. From Saturday through Monday I didn’t feel like I had much life in me. Then on Tuesday morning, everything changed! I said to my wife “I am breathing!” and it has just gotten better and better every day. You can tell by looking at me that the hyperinflation in my lung is down.
I still use my inhalers, but I don’t need oxygen during the day and my oxygen stays around 95 without it. At night I use my CPAP machine. I’m back to getting things done around the house again and it feels great! Right now, I’m painting a big wooden deck that wraps around our house. We are also looking forward to my son getting married soon.
We would like you to thank Marcee at Pulmonx and, of course, Dr. Gauhar and Crissie at University of Louisville — they made my life and Debbie’s life a whole lot better.
“Before the valves I worried,” says Greg’s wife Debbie. “I still worked and hated to leave him home alone. Now I know he will be alright. I really am less worried, and life is just so much better for us both.”
Unfortunately, my sister, who first told me about the valves, passed away from the disease so it is important for me to share my story to let others know about this treatment option before it’s too late.
Results from case studies are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary.
Complications of the Zephyr Endobronchial Valve treatment can include but are not limited to pneumothorax, worsening of COPD symptoms, hemoptysis, pneumonia, dyspnea and, in rare cases, death.
GLO-EN-746-v1
Jeffrey’s Story
Jeffrey’s Story
Concord, North Carolina
Paramedic who is back to enjoying his favorite hobby — fishing!
Procedure Details:
Age at Treatment: 61
Date of Procedure: June 2020
Life Before Zephyr® Valves:
I was diagnosed with COPD when I was about 50 years old. I have a busy job as a paramedic, and I am part of the opioid epidemic response team. I help patients by finding rehab facilities, passing out Narcan kits, and just letting them know our team is here for support. In my free time, I love to hunt and fish.
At first, my main COPD symptom was shortness of breath with exertion. I used three inhalers, but over the years I made some trips to the hospital due to some exacerbations and pneumonia. In the year before my valve procedure, I needed oxygen every night and had to keep it close by during the day.
Eventually, I had to give up my favorite hobbies including fishing. It was very difficult, and depressing. I got to the point where I was almost disabled. My wife became my caretaker and had to do so much for me. It was exhausting for her. This disease took a toll on both of us physically and mentally. I was desperate to find something to improve my condition, and our lives.
My pulmonologist had heard Dr. Zgoda speak at a seminar and thought I might be a candidate for the Zephyr Valves. I qualified in October 2019, but my insurance denied it. Marci, from the Pulmonx reimbursement team, was a godsend during the whole appeal process, and in June 2020 I got my Zephyr Valves!
Life After Zephyr Valves:
The procedure went great. When I woke up, I could feel the improvement right off the bat. I stayed in the hospital the required three days and then 30 minutes before being discharged, an x-ray showed signs of a pneumothorax so I ended up having a longer stay. Even though the collapse was small, it was stubborn. They put an additional valve in to alleviate it. I didn’t have any extreme pain though. I feel the team handled my care well.
I went back to work the day I got discharged! For the first four to five months after the procedure, I felt continued improvement. Now, that progress has leveled out, I feel great. I’ve had one flare up since my treatment, but I recouped faster, and I believe that is because of the valves.
I still take my regular medications, but rarely need the Ventolin®. I’m back to doing regular daily activities and my wife doesn’t need to be my caretaker anymore. I’ve been doing some yardwork and am very happy to be enjoying my favorite hobby again…fishing.
My wife is so much happier now. Life is looking up for us and I plan to retire next April. Another joy to look forward to — we are expecting our first grandchild in May 2021.
I had immediate relief and felt like I was a 40-year-old again. I’m enjoying things I haven’t been able to enjoy in a while. I would recommend the procedure for anyone who qualifies!
Results from case studies are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary.
Complications of the Zephyr Endobronchial Valve treatment can include but are not limited to pneumothorax, worsening of COPD symptoms, hemoptysis, pneumonia, dyspnea and, in rare cases, death.
GLO-EN-780-v3
Gary’s Story
Gary’s Story
Monroe, Louisiana
Southern gentleman who is back to doing what he loves, spending time with family and a sweet dog.
Procedure Details:
Age at Treatment: 72
Hospital: Houston Methodist
Date of Procedure: September 2020
Life Before Zephyr® Valves:
There are many things I love about the life we’ve made in Louisiana — my wife, my daughter, my two grandchildren, and my dog, to name just a few. However, the one piece of my life that I didn’t love was a diagnosis I received nearly 20 years ago — COPD. Over the years, my breathing became worse, the list of medications I was taking kept growing, and my quality of life began to decline. Eventually I needed oxygen day and night and was forced to retire.
I lived an active lifestyle before my emphysema became severe. I loved keeping up with yard work, tasks around the house, and visiting with our beloved grandchildren and sweet dog, Chisel. But as my breathing began to worsen, those things became less and less. I am not a person who quits easily. Whenever they came out with a new inhaler, if it was covered by insurance, I would try it. But as it became nearly impossible to walk across a room, I knew I needed to get help.
When my pulmonologist, Dr. Ronald Hammett, brought up the Zephyr Valve procedure, I was all ears. Although I had only been seeing Dr. Hammett for a short time, I trusted him. It’s not often you find a doctor that truly cares like he does, and what I appreciated the most was that he prayed with me. After doing some research online, I decided I wanted to take the proper steps to see if I was a candidate for the valves, and when I got the call saying that I was, I hoped my prayers were answered.
The closest doctor that is trained in the Zephyr Valve procedure is in Houston — about eight hours away by car — but that wasn’t going to stop me! As soon as I met with Dr. Connolly at Houston Methodist, I knew he was going to take care of me. He didn’t promise me the moon, he kept it very honest and real.
Life After Zephyr Valves:
The procedure went well! Thankfully, I didn’t have any complications or complaints, except the lack of good Louisiana cooking on the hospital menu! I spent the standard three days for observation and to make sure the valves that were placed were working properly. After I got home, I was still a little weak. But about 10 days later, I woke up around 2 o’clock in the morning. It wasn’t me trying to catch my breath that woke me up, it was the fact that I was taking a full breath, and the best part was I kept doing it! I swear it was like I grew another lung!
As the days, weeks, and months continued, I just kept improving and I spent much less time attached to my oxygen tank. I now only use one inhaler, oxygen, and a BiPAP machine at night.
The whole family notices a difference. When I talk to my daughter on the phone, she says she can hear how much better I am breathing. I no longer struggle to breathe and talk. When my daughter and grandchildren visit, I am able to enjoy telling them long tales of yore and am back doing some yard work and taking Chisel for long rides. I forget to pace myself sometimes because I am breathing so well now. My wife will tell me “now you’re running everywhere you go!”
When I hear about someone who has COPD or emphysema, I just pray for them and hope they are able to be a candidate for the Zephyr Valves. Yes, there are tests, pulmonary rehab, and other hoops to jump through, but in the end, it is all worth it. Even with a global pandemic, I would do it all again, and sooner!
These valves certainly changed my life for the better and I just want to help spread the word so others can have hope too.
Results from case studies are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary.
Complications of the Zephyr Endobronchial Valve treatment can include but are not limited to pneumothorax, worsening of COPD symptoms, hemoptysis, pneumonia, dyspnea and, in rare cases, death.
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Barbara’s Story
Barbara’s Story
Flint, Michigan
Retired teacher with a passion for travel!
Procedure Details:
Age at Treatment: 67
Hospital: Henry Ford Health System
Date of Procedure: September 2019
Life Before Zephyr® Valves:
I had COPD for a while but was told it was the bronchitis type. Then, in 2014, after an exacerbation, a CT scan confirmed I actually had emphysema. I had smoked for 40 years and quit cold turkey after receiving that diagnosis.
Emphysema is life changing. I learned to stop doing the things that caused exertion. I had to give up one of my favorite parts of my social life – dancing. I go on a cruise every year with my friends and had to start using wheelchair assistance to get on and off the ship and at airports. When walking around the ship I could stop and rest when I needed to, but I couldn’t participate in most of the fun activities anymore, like dancing. I missed out on some excursions too, especially if they involved a lot of walking. Emphysema makes living hard.
As the disease progressed, it got to the point where I couldn’t do daily tasks like housework, going up stairs, and carrying out the trash. I needed help with almost everything that caused exertion. I could cook, take care of personal hygiene, and dress myself, but not without oxygen.
My disease was taking a physical toll, but I am not the kind of person to let it get me down. I was always determined to try to make my condition better. I received a lot of support through friends and Facebook groups. Pulmonary rehab is a very important component to being able to get my health to the best I could make it. I was able to wean myself off of oxygen by exercising to build stamina and strength but, even with that, I still kept the oxygen nearby and my lung function was still pretty low.
I had at least one hospitalization every year. The longest stay was 11 days in 2018, and that’s when my pulmonologist asked me if I would consider a lung transplant. My lung function was down to 31%. That’s when I spoke with a Dr. Michael Simoff at Henry Ford Hospital who said that I might be a candidate for treatment with the Zephyr Valve. After taking all the tests, I was very happy to learn that I qualified!
Life After Zephyr Valves:
The procedure went very well and I had no complications. I had prepared myself by building strength at pulmonary rehab so that I had a better chance of the valves working for me to help increase my lung function. Forty-five days after the procedure, my lung function was up to 49%.
I didn’t expect the valves to work on their own because they don’t instantly deflate the lung lobe. I knew I had to put in the work so I went back to pulmonary rehab and I still go twice a week. My insurance coverage for visits is used up, but I pay out of pocket because it is worth it!
In March 2020, I had an exacerbation and was in the hospital for seven days which sent my lung function plummeting again. I had to go back on oxygen 24/7, but I bounced back a lot faster than I would have before my valves. When pulmonary rehab was able to reopen in June, I went back and was able to wean off of oxygen faster than before the valves and my latest test showed that my lung function was back up to 46%.
It has taken about a year for my treated lobe to fully deflate. I can definitely do more, like stairs, taking out the trash, and light housework, and I don’t have to rush to get the oxygen. I can go shopping and now I can carry my own groceries into the house. I’ve also found that I am tolerating the cold weather much better this winter. I’m looking forward to traveling and going out dancing again once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
I am continuing at rehab and I’ve been able to add weight to the machines as well as continue my cardio exercises. I’ve become the valve spokesperson at rehab. For me it has been all pros, no cons!
The valves have given me more hope. I knew I had inner strength, but this gave me the opportunity to get better and do more again. I am looking forward to dancing again!
Results from case studies are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary.
Complications of the Zephyr Endobronchial Valve treatment can include but are not limited to pneumothorax, worsening of COPD symptoms, hemoptysis, pneumonia, dyspnea and, in rare cases, death.
GLO-EN-817-v2
Shelley’s Story
Shelley’s Story
Peoria, Arizona
…Looking forward to traveling the country to visit all her grandkids!
Procedure Details:
Age at Treatment: 62
Hospital: St. Joseph’s Hospital
Date of Procedure: June 2020
Life Before Zephyr® Valves:
About five years ago, I had just quit smoking, but began having persistent symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing after walking, and difficulty with stairs. A pulmonary function test confirmed I had Stage 3 COPD/emphysema.
Before emphysema, I lived what I call a ‘normal life.’ I went places with friends, enjoyed day trips, and traveled. Skiing was my favorite hobby and passion, but my disease progressed quickly and just a couple of years after diagnosis, I could no longer ski. Within a few years I needed help with even basic everyday things like grocery shopping, making the bed, and taking a shower. I was afraid to live alone and had to move in with my sister and her husband.
At first I managed with maintenance and rescue inhalers, but eventually needed the oxygen. I was up to 4 liters 24/7. I loved my job as an accountant for the local church, but it was challenging at work. I had my concentrator under my desk with a 20-foot hose so I could move around the office and reach the breakroom. When I had to use the restroom, though, I would have to switch to the portable. I was tied to that concentrator and it was very depressing. Some people get attached to it psychologically, but most of us want to do anything to get off it.
My pulmonologist, Dr. Teresa Heatly, first mentioned the Zephyr Valves to me because she thought I might be a candidate. I really trust her, and I was definitely interested in anything that might help. I researched it online and joined the ‘Lung Valves for Friends’ Facebook group where I was able to get very honest feedback based on others’ experience with the valves. Once I made the decision, I was fortunate because my Insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, approved it right away.
Life After Zephyr Valves:
I had three valves put in the lower lobe of my left lung. The procedure went very smoothly with no complications. I did not even have a sore throat which can happen with a bronchoscopy. I stayed the three days for monitoring. I got to know the nurses and respiratory therapists who went above and beyond in terms of my care. I stayed on oxygen while in the hospital, but the day after I came home, I started weaning off and by the third day home I was off of it completely.
The doctor says my lobe has not yet fully deflated, but my PFT shows less air is being trapped. I know my valves have worked, though, because I am breathing better already. Dr. Saeed will do a bronchoscopy soon, but I expect it could be up to a year for deflation to complete.
Even if I don’t improve any more than where I am now, it was totally worth it. I am back in my office working and not tied to an oxygen hose. Everyday tasks are easier. I can help with the cooking, make my own bed, and take a hot shower without the steam affecting my breathing. I’m even going to be helping Dr. Saeed spread the word about this treatment when he starts a board to talk to patients in Arizona about the valves.
I have two daughters and six grandchildren ranging from age 5 to 25 who live all over. I haven’t seen anybody in quite some time due to this disease and I am ready to put my hands on those kids again. I just booked a trip to New York to visit my oldest daughter because now that I don’t need oxygen, I can get on a plane! This procedure has been such a gift to me!
My advice to others is to do the research and learn about the benefits and risks. Go on ‘Lung Valves for Friends’ (Facebook group) and read honest opinions from others. Be informed and then go for it! I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Results from case studies are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary.
Complications of the Zephyr Endobronchial Valve treatment can include but are not limited to pneumothorax, worsening of COPD symptoms, hemoptysis, pneumonia, dyspnea and, in rare cases, death.
GLO-EN-688-v2
Donald’s Story
Donald’s Story
Brownstown, Indiana
Former truck driver who loves spending time with his wife and their 23 grandchildren.
Procedure Details:
Age at Treatment: 67
Hospital: Lung Institute at Columbus Regional Health
Date of Procedure: June 2020
Life Before Zephyr® Valves:
I was a truck driver for Walmart for 28 years. In December ‘99, I was on a run and felt like I was coming down with the flu so I went home and rested. Well, it wasn’t just the flu because a week later I was in the hospital with only 10% lung function, placed in a drug-induced coma, and hooked up to a ventilator.
I was diagnosed with emphysema complicated by bronchitis. I quit smoking right then and with the use of inhalers, my stamina built back up. After three months, I returned to work and was able to continue for several years until 2017 when I had five exacerbations and my lung health really declined.
In 2017 my mom was in the hospital and I had to go to Iowa to care for her. The stress of the situation coupled with hot/humid weather put me in the hospital for a week when I got home. I had only been using oxygen at night, but after this flare-up I needed it every day. Regulations prohibited me from having an oxygen tank on my truck so I had to take a leave of absence from work, eventually retiring completely.
After 2017, the disease stole my life as I knew it from me. I went from driving a truck across the U.S. to struggling just to walk around the house. We downsized our home because I couldn’t care for our two-acre property anymore. Working on cars was my hobby and I couldn’t do that anymore. I had to sell my ’69 Chevelle. Life became very frustrating.
I wasn’t hesitant when I heard about valves but had a lot of questions. Dr. Sharma was honest and explained that I wasn’t going to get rid of the disease, but this treatment was a chance to breathe better.
Life After Zephyr Valves:
I received five Zephyr Valves and had no complications. I went into the procedure at 8 a.m., was done in under an hour, and was in my room calling my wife at 10:30 a.m. She could tell right away that my voice was stronger, because I was already breathing easier.
It’s been four months and I am shocked at how good I am breathing. I can have a long phone conversation, walk outside to get the mail, change the bedsheets, and do it all without oxygen. Before valves, taking a shower was very scary. I had to turn my oxygen to 4.5 liters and it still wasn’t enough. Now I shower without oxygen.
Pulmonary rehab has been an important part of my valve journey. The rehab helped me be in the best shape for undergoing the treatment and to breathe deeper and build up my exercise endurance after treatment.
Life is easier for me and for my wife. She worries less now. She works over 100 miles away and doesn’t come home until the weekend. She doesn’t have to worry about me being alone during the week anymore.
My wife and I have five kids and 23 grandkids between us and now that I am feeling better we are looking forward to spending as much time with them as we can.