A year ago, Tammy Craft was on oxygen 24/7 and used a bipap at night. She ran the risk of running out of air just by getting dressed. Now, she works outside with her garden and her flowers. She even has goats who are getting ready to have kids, which should keep her busy into the winter.

So, what changed?

“Dr. Elie Saab recommended I get a zephyr valve,” Tammy said. “I had surgery in March. I came out of surgery, and it was the first time I could take a deep breath. I was so excited I couldn’t sleep for two days.”

Getting to that point was a long process. Tammy says it took around eight months, during which her providers worked to pinpoint her issues. “It’s a long process but I tell everybody, don’t get discouraged,” she said. “They’ve got to check to make sure you’re a good match for it.”

Meanwhile, if Tammy went anywhere, she had to take a portable oxygen tank. Bringing the tank was a hassle by itself, and even then she couldn’t be out for long because the tank would run out. She struggled to do laundry or cook. She often relied on her sister-in-law, who lived with her, to help.

“I couldn’t do anything,” she said. “I was depressed.”

It’s being able to do those little things again that have made the biggest impact on Tammy’s life – which is something that hasn’t gone unnoticed. In fact, she’s become something of a resource for others who are dealing with similar issues.

“I had a guy come here to the house and they had recommended a valve for him,” she said. “He knew I had one and came to talk to me about it. I told him, I would recommend it 100%.”

Not only does she recommend the procedure, she has nothing but praise for the team that performed it.

“Oh my god, they’re awesome,” she said. “I would recommend anybody go to SOMC if they have something pertaining to their lungs or anything.”

Tammy’s experience with Dr. Saab changed her life, to the point that now she says he’s more worried about her arthritis than her emphysema.

“And he’s even treating me for that!” she said.

For more information about lung health services at SOMC, visit somc.org.