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Before his lung volume reduction surgery in July 2008, Lynn Gordin’s emphysema ruled his life, making even walking from room to room difficult. Now, he’s feeling great and showing off his unique bike riding skills to his grandchildren
Learn more about Lung Volume Reduction Surgery.
Watch a video about LVRS featuring Lynn Gordin.
Learn more about emphysema. |
Lynn Gordin’s life changed at about 2 a.m. Dec. 26, 2004, when he tried to get up from his recliner and collapsed on the floor, struggling to breathe. Gordin remained on the floor for five hours, gasping for every breath, before he finally managed to drag himself up the stairs and into his sleeping son’s bedroom. At the hospital, he was diagnosed with severe emphysema, the result of a family history of pulmonary disease coupled with years of heavy smoking and a profession as a painter in a welding shop.
"Before I collapsed, I tried to tell myself that I was just fighting a cold. I was in denial," says Gordin. "I didn’t want to go to the doctor because I was scared about what I was going to hear. I was trying to get off the cigarettes because I knew that was the problem."
Gordin struggled with emphysema for three years after that diagnosis. During that time, he continued to work, using inhalers to get through the day, but not relying on oxygen. He never smoked again after his diagnosis. But, in November 2007 his local doctor suggested he consult with the team at The Ohio State University Medical Center; he felt the only option available to Gordin was a lung transplant. "I basically just existed," says Gordin, recalling his struggles to walk from room to room in his home without stopping to gasp for air.
The team at OSU Medical Center, led by Patrick Ross, MD, PhD, chief of staff-elect for Ohio State’s James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, determined Gordin was a good fit for lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) after he completed a series of medical tests and participated in weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation. "When I started, I was thinking to myself that I can’t even walk and they want me to exercise on these machines," says Gordin with a laugh.
His surgery took place July 21, 2008. "I’ve never looked back from that point," Gordin says with emotion. "I exercise five days a week. I go to the mall most Saturday mornings and walk. I don’t get out of breath like I used to."
And, most importantly, Gordin reports that he can now play with his two grandchildren, ages 7 and 9, and attend their sporting events to cheer them on. "Before, I just sat there and watched them, now I can play with them," says Gordin. "I even showed them how to ride a bicycle backwards!"
Gordin offers nothing but praise to the team at OSU for their support and skill. But, he is quick to point out that his success is dependent on a lot of ongoing effort as well. "It’s not the surgery by itself—you have to work at it," says Gordin. "For the rest of my life, I have to exercise on a regular basis. I’ve been given a second chance at life. I’ve been blessed." |