Sponsored Content

Emphysema Relief through New Treatment Option

Emphysema is a debilitating disease that affects not only the patients themselves, but also their family and caregivers who have to watch them deal with the frustration and fear of not being able to breathe easily. Chris found normal daily activities, such as getting dressed or going to the grocery store, difficult and complicated due to the restrictions his emphysema symptoms caused as they progressed over time. He would have to form a strategy to even go to the grocery store and ended up having to pick and choose what he could and could not do, which Chris found to be embarrassing. His wife, Jody, says that “watching him not do the activities he used to do and the frustration he feels…is terrible”. She felt devastated after watching Chris struggle.

Chris felt that his problems became his family’s problems too, and he had to say “no” to activities they used to love, like traveling or spending time outdoors. Jody watched him struggle which fueled her continued search for treatment options that could help them regain some normalcy in their lives. She felt a divide between their family and the rest of the world, which is a common experience among caregivers and family members who feel they have to manage life around a loved one struggling with this disease.

Chris was evaluated by his pulmonologist and, through a series of non-invasive tests, was determined to be a candidate for Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction (BLVR). According to Chris, everything changed because of this minimally invasive bronchoscopic procedure. When asked how he would describe his experience, he stated, “The term life-changing comes to mind. At least for me, I’ve gotten a lot back that I had lost.” The procedure brought Chris and Jody relief as they felt a lot of the concern, worry and fear removed from their relationship. Jody describes it as “free-ing” and “neither one of them worry about emphysema anymore”. They no longer let emphysema control their lives and are able to do what they love to do. Chris has “gotten back so much that he didn’t think he could”.

#BEYOUAGAIN

If you were diagnosed with severe emphysema by your physician, you may be a candidate for the treatment option identified in this blog post. To find a treating physician in your area, visit: https://svs.olympusamerica.com/physician-finder.

To hear Chris and Jody’s full story, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1e-uW-3Ez4

To learn more about Spiration® Valve System’s full prescriptive information including the potential risks and complications, please refer to the company’s webpage at https://svs.olympusamerica.com/prescriptive-information.

Chris and his wife, Jody

Respiratory Health Association does not endorse any medical procedure or recommend the suitability of any medical procedure. We believe informed and empowered patients are the best advocates for their lung health. We advise COPD patients and their families to consider all available options for their care. 

You can help shape next year’s Living Better Together COPD Conference by joining the Planning Committee. The group meets by phone to provide ideas and input to the RHA staff members. Contact Avanthi Chatrathi, Program Coordinator, via email at [email protected] to learn more.