Shortly after being diagnosed with emphysema at age 60, I was finally able to quit smoking. I had been a smoker for 40 years. Unfortunately for me, the damage was done. Just a couple of years later, I had to retire from my career in retail from a company I’d been with for 28 years.

I had worked in all aspects of the store’s business from unloading trucks and stocking shelves to being a cashier and manager, and everything in between. With my emphysema worsening, certain parts of my job were just too difficult. I couldn’t unload or lift anything heavy, and it got to the point where I didn’t feel like I was earning my pay, so I gave my two-weeks’ notice and that was that.  

My breathing continued to worsen until I couldn’t really do much even at home. I couldn’t clean or do basic chores without getting out of breath. Just walking to the bathroom was challenging. Showering was such a challenge I didn’t want to do it anymore. Of course, I did it anyway. Something so normal became a necessary evil. I also had a couple of hospital stays for breathing treatments and one bout of pneumonia.

My kids are long since grown and moved out so I live alone. I did what I could do but about three years ago, my son and daughter-in-law had me move in with them. My son said, “Mom, it’s time.” I guess I raised him right! Becoming so debilitated and losing my independence was very hard. Even with oxygen all I could do was sit around and watch T.V. I became very depressed and began having panic attacks. About six months before getting my valves, I stopped going out altogether.

I had been with my regular pulmonologist for a few years, and she told me about the valves. We thought it might be a good option for me, so she turned me over to Dr. John Price. I would be Dr. Price’s first patient! I wasn’t nervous about that at all, though. I thought “if it works, great! But if not, that’s okay, too.” I was willing to try anything to give me some relief.

I had no difficulties with the procedure. Everything went very well. I couldn’t believe they had me up and walking around right away. And I could actually breathe without oxygen. After a couple of days, I could really tell the difference and I thought “Oh my Lord, this is heaven! I can’t believe how well it worked for me!” It was all I could talk about!

Since receiving my valves, I am doing really well. Just two days after being home, I walked downstairs and did the laundry! That may seem like a small thing to do a simple chore like that, but it was a very big thing for me.

Now I can shower with no problem. I cleaned the bathroom top to bottom and even scrubbed the floor. I haven’t been able to do that in a long time. It’s the little things you don’t realize you would miss until you can’t do them anymore.  Who would think they’d miss cleaning the bathroom?!

I had done a pulmonary rehabilitation program a couple of years ago and afterward bought my own treadmill to continue at home. Before the valves I could walk for maybe 10 minutes. Now I am walking a mile to a mile and a half without getting short of breath. I haven’t had any panic attacks. I can take my 6 dogs outside, I can go shopping, and I no longer need a cane or a walker. I have a sense of freedom again!

I’ve already had my three- and six-month check-ups and everything is good. I seldom need a nebulizer treatment and have only needed a rescue inhaler once since getting my valves. I still use my inhaler, but that’s all.

I’ve had several people ask me about the valves because they are interested in having them too. I’m so grateful to have the chance to breath better and share my story. My advice to people is this — if you qualify, get it done. It can be life changing!

The Zephyr Valve has been shown to help patients breathe easier, do more, and enjoy life.¹

Despite taking the best available medications, many patients with severe COPD/emphysema suffer from hyperinflation of their lungs where air becomes trapped in the lungs, preventing fresh air from entering and thereby causing severe shortness of breath.

The Zephyr Valves reduce lung hyperinflation by allowing trapped air to escape and preventing new air from entering that diseased lobe. This allows the healthier parts of the lung to function better and results in patients being able to breathe more easily and experience less shortness of breath.

The valves are placed via bronchoscopy, with no incision or cutting, so these benefits are achieved without the risks of traditional surgical options. The procedure is usually complete in under an hour.