Lung Transplantation

Lung Transplantation

Many people with cystic fibrosis face the possibility of a lung transplant. Lung transplantation can extend and improve your quality of life, but it involves an extensive evaluation process and a commitment to living the lifestyle required to keep your new lungs healthy.

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Lung Transplant Today

A lung transplant may be a treatment option when your diseased lungs can no longer support your body's needs.

7 min read

GUIDE

Talking About a Lung Transplant

It is important to discuss a possible lung transplant long before you need to be listed. This will give you time to prepare for transplant as a future option and work with your cystic fibrosis care team to understand the implications and to create a plan.

12 min read

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Find A Lung Transplant Center

Whether you're considering a lung transplant or maintaining your health if you've had a transplant, this list can help you learn about transplant centers, including the one your cystic fibrosis care team may have referred you to.

33 min read

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Planning to Pay for a Transplant

It is important to understand that having a lung transplant can be expensive before, during, and after the transplant. Your health insurance may cover many of the costs, but not all of them.

6 min read

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Social Support

Because transplant is such a complex process, most transplant centers require that candidates gather the necessary social support to help navigate the transplant process.

3 min read

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Being Referred as a Candidate for Lung Transplant

If your cystic fibrosis care team refers you to a lung transplant center, you and your transplant team will have the opportunity to get to know each other.

13 min read

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Going Through an Evaluation

To be considered for a lung transplant, you must undergo an extensive evaluation at a transplant center. The process can take several days to several weeks, depending on the center. This evaluation will inform the transplant team about your health, finances, support system, and ability to follow a complex medical regimen.

6 min read

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What If You Aren’t Eligible?

If the transplant committee thinks transplant surgery would be harmful to you, ask your transplant team about what options you have. It is possible that you will need to receive treatment for another medical condition before you may be considered a good candidate for a lung transplant.

4 min read

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Deciding When to Get Listed

There are many things that you can do while waiting for donor lungs to become available. Preparing for a lung transplant includes maintaining your health, performing your routine cystic fibrosis care, and being ready to respond when donor lungs are available.

9 min read

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Maintaining Your Health While Waiting

You may be waiting for a transplant for a long time. While you're waiting, there are some things you will have to do in addition to your normal routine, to ensure you remain healthy and eligible for transplant.

5 min read

GUIDE

Surgery and Recovery

Surgery and recovery involves more than replacing your lungs. The process also includes making the physical and emotional adjustment to life with your new lungs.

4 min read

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Caring for Your New Lungs

Taking care of your new lungs is a big responsibility. Your transplant team will help you learn how to reduce the risk of infection and rejection and keep your lungs healthy. 

5 min read

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Coping After Recovery

Transplant and recovery is physically and emotionally stressful. But, there are things you can do to help you cope with the stress and the changes in your life that a transplant can bring.

3 min read

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Life After a Lung Transplant

Life after transplant includes taking care of your new lungs — and your cystic fibrosis.

5 min read
For help with Insurance, Financial, Legal, and Other Issues

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