Has anyone tried or is anyone familiar with Bronchial Thermoplasty?
I've learned about it online and have consulted my allergy doctor about it. He doesn't know much about it but suggested I contact Stanford Hospital to find out if I'd be a good candidate which I will do tomorrow. My asthma has been particularly bad the last few months, my PFT's are showing decreased lung function and I'm willing to try anything to be able to breathe better. Apparently, Stanford is the only place offering the treatment in the S.F. Bay area but I'd like to get more input about it such as side effects and risks before going through with it if I qualify as a candidate. Any comments are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Hi
Thank you for your post and inquiry. Sorry that you are experiencing trouble with your asthma. Bronchial thermal plasty is a procedure that has helped various members of our community gain improved control over their asthma. To get you started, our own Theresa wrote an article based on her own personal experience with the procedure. I will post it below if you want to check it out (https://asthma.net/living/bronchial-thermoplasty). We also have a second article that offers some more detail into the procedure. I will also post that article here (https://asthma.net/treatment/bronchial-thermoplasty) if you want to check it out. What do you think? John. community moderator. !#?$ Hello Melissa and thankyou. You may see two other posts from yours truly. The reason for that is that, for the life of me, I still cannot figure out the procedure to follow to allow my comments to be ""posted". Without going into too much of a rant, It's the reason why people born prior to 1960 can, at times, dread using a laptop and why people born after, say 1990 don't give it a second thought. The necessary steps to follow may be evident to someone who uses a site, machine, device or anything on a daily basis-but they are not to those of us who didn't grow up with computers. Compounding the problem, and I've heard many contemporaries (and not so contemporary!) echo this sentiment, it can be maddeningly difficult to find an informed person willing to take the time to patiently explain something ar answer a question in a way that's easily comprehensible. actually, I did rant.
My mood has been up and down. Waiting to hear from the Standford U. folks to hear if I qualify for BT. However, That may be moot because several respondents have said the procedure may be discontinued soon. Strange, because a routine offering a 75% success rate(or improvement in lung function-not sure which) doesn't seem like it would be of questionable value, at least to me. In the meantime, my breathing is worsening no matter what meds I take and my activities are becoming more limited. Encouraging words are always are always welcome. Take care, Melissa. Best regards, Peter.
P. S. I am keeping my fingers crossed as I am about to click on the "Post reply" box
Hi again,
- it's nice to see you re-engaging with the community now. It's been awhile but, I recall we've had several conversations with you since you joined in October 2022. It's great to 'see' you again.
I think it's a good idea for you to do your own research regarding the bronchial thermoplasty procedure. As it turns out, we do have some material, published right here on asthma.net, which focuses on this type treatment.
For your convenience, here are links to two of them:
First, this one, by our editorial team, which talks about the procedure: https://asthma.net/treatment/bronchial-thermoplasty.
And next, this article, by our own (), who speaks about her own procedure: https://asthma.net/living/bronchial-thermoplasty.
I do hope this information helps you with it's inherent content.
Please do check back and keep us apprised of your progress as you look into this procedure for yourself.
Good luck!
Leon L (author/moderator asthma.net)think you may have thhe wrong account . the original inquiry was from Heaavybtreather with 2 a's Hi
, heavybreather, and thanks for pointing this out to me. I did miss the subtlety of the extra 'a' in heaavy. I will make the correction now!! Thanks, again!!!
Leon L (author/moderator asthma.net)
Hi again,
- it's nice to see you re-engaging with the community now. It's been awhile but, I recall we've had several conversations with you since you joined in October 2022. It's great to 'see' you again.
I think it's a good idea for you to do your own research regarding the bronchial thermoplasty procedure. As it turns out, we do have some material, published right here on asthma.net, which focuses on this type treatment.
For your convenience, here are links to two of them:
First, this one, by our editorial team, which talks about the procedure: https://asthma.net/treatment/bronchial-thermoplasty.
And next, this article, by our own ( Theresa Cannizzaro, Respiratory Therapist ), who speaks about her own procedure: https://asthma.net/living/bronchial-thermoplasty.
I do hope this information helps you with it's inherent content.
Please do check back and keep us apprised of your progress as you look into this procedure for yourself.
Good luck!
Leon L (author/moderator asthma.net)
P. S. I re-posted this response now since my first response addressed the incorrect community member (heavybreather with one 'a'😉. It has been pointed out to me that your account is heaavybreather, with an extra 'a' in heaavy).Hello Hi again, Peter - it's good to hear from you. I realize you are testing to see if your messages are visible. I can assure you they are!!
Is something on your mind? I will look forward to hearing back from you again.
All the best,
Leon L (author/moderator asthma.net)
Thanks for the info, Leon. I'll check it out. Have an interview tomorrow with Stanford Hospital. Let you know how it goes. The last 2 months have been bad. Take care. Peter
Hi again, Peter - thanks for acknowledging my comment to you yesterday.
I am excited for you to know that today (Thursday), you have an interview at Stanford Hospital, in California. Perhaps you will finally get some answers as to how to proceed for yourself with the right medical direction. I will wish you 'good luck!', and ask that you please check back and let us know how this all turns out for you.
We're all rooting for you, Peter!
Warmly,
Leon L (author/moderator asthma.net)
