Cornelius Power - Ireland
Treatment details:
Age at treatment: 67
Hospital: Mater Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
Date of procedure: May, 2020
Life Before Zephyr® Valves:
I’d describe myself as outgoing and chatty, with a competitive streak. I’ve always loved horses — they’re my lifelong passion. When you have horses, they become a part of your family.
I used to ride for a living. I was a show jumper, and I absolutely loved competing. It gave me such a thrill! I competed professionally until 1998 when I sustained an injury.
Then, I became a farmer and started teaching others to horse ride, which brought me so much joy. That is, until I became too unwell with emphysema to teach.
I was diagnosed with COPD in around 1990, after struggling with shortness of breath. It wasn’t too bad at first, but my condition kept getting worse over time.
It got to the point where I was breathless every day. This had a huge impact on my life. The worst thing was the tiredness. Being breathless is exhausting.
My tiredness started to affect other things too, like my memory. I’d be going to the shop, and I’d have to stop so many times to catch my breath that, by the time I got to the shop, I couldn’t remember what I’d gone out to buy!
Not being able to breathe properly makes everything tough. Even really basic things that you used to take from granted, like bending over to do up your shoe. You feel like you’re choking for air, and you just can’t do it.
The medication just wasn’t doing the job, so my doctor referred me to see Professor Karen Redmond. She started doing tests and said I was eligible for Zephyr Valve treatment. I said let’s go for it! I trusted her advice completely and I was so fed up with my situation.
Life With Zephyr Valves:
Professor Karen Redmond carried out my Zephyr Valve procedure at Mater hospital in Dublin, in May 2020. I was 61. It all went smoothly. I was put to sleep, so I knew nothing about it.
When I woke up from the anesthetic in the recovery room, and felt absolutely great — I could breathe again! The results were so good. Honestly, it was such a relief. Not being able to breathe had been so frustrating.
I recovered really quickly. I think my rapid recovery was because — other than the emphysema — I’ve always been active and healthy. I’m outside all day every day as a farmer, and the exercise does me the world of good.
With my Zephyr Valves, I’m able to walk across the yard without getting breathless. Soon, I’ll be able to get out again and enjoy a day at the races. I feel like I’m now able to see and enjoy all the good things in life!
Now lockdown is starting to lift, I have everything to look forward to. The best part is that I’m well enough to teach horse riding again. This means I can finally help my daughter with her training. She’s a great rider and she’s training for three day events. I’m so proud I get to help.
What would I say to anyone with severe emphysema who is eligible for the Zephyr Valves?
If the doctor says you’re eligible, go for it — 100%.
What is the Zephyr Valve procedure?
The Zephyr Valve is intended for the treatment of patients with severe emphysema – a form of COPD. A physician uses a bronchoscope to place on average 4 tiny valves in the airways to block off the damaged areas of the lungs so air no longer gets trapped there. No cutting or incision is required and the procedure is usually completed in under an hour.
The valve placement allows the healthier parts of the lungs to expand and relieves the pressure on the diaphragm, which decreases shortness of breath and makes breathing easier. Patients report being able to take full breaths immediately after the procedure and within a few days are back to doing everyday tasks with more ease.