Update on my valves procedure: the 45 days post-procedure CT scan and PFT tests indicated that the targeted lobe (five valves placed) had deflated by 40% and FEV1 had improved from 26% to 31%. Further deflation and breathing improvement could continue in the next few months. Still, it is no cure and my COPD condition remains severe. I have no regrets and am grateful for the positive results so far, especially notable in the initial month. I encourage anyone eligible to go on the valves adventure.

I have had the Zephyr valve procedure and am waiting 45 days for testing and giving my conclusions. However, so far, so good. Research it. Including Facebook group called "Lung valves for Friends".

There are two valves that have been approved by the FDA for use in the US. One is the Zephyr and the other is the Spiration valve. Both are non-invasive procedures where valves are placed at critical locations in the lungs. The idea is that the stale air trapped in those locations will be released and the areas of the lung sealed off, leaving healthy lung tissue to do the work of breathing. There are people who have had both types of valves placed, some during the clinical trials and some since they were approved. Not everyone has great success; some do. In some patients the valves simply don't do what they are intended to do. In other cases they are either removed or coughed out. If you find a place that is doing them, be sure you find out how many procedures they've done and what their success ratio is. The valves are a great alternative to actual surgery, and they learned a lot in Europe over the last 12 years that they've been available there. When they work, they tend to work quite well, but there are risks associated with the procedure.

Dear Hapolati - Thank you so much for your suggestion. The FB group provides a ton of information and I never would have known about it without you.

This does sound interesting; more research is needed. I haven't heard about this procedure but it may be successful. Keep an open mind but do research it thoroughly.
Sending you heaps of big bear hugs..don't let them hug you too tightly. Lol. .