In the 26 years since my double-lung transplant, I’ve lived through cancers and other post-transplant complications. It’s been difficult at times to remain positive, but I won’t give up. I’m a fighter.
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I had double-lung and liver transplants 16 years ago. Although nothing is guaranteed after transplant, here’s what I’ve learned maintaining my health after transplant.
A lung transplant may be a treatment option when your diseased lungs can no longer support your body's needs.
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.
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.
While waiting for another lung transplant, I learned that time is a wicked concept: there is so much of it, but never enough.
My wife and I opted for a surrogate to carry our child following her double-lung transplant. After five years of struggling with a bad surrogacy agency, we finally switched providers and found a surrogate who is now carrying our child.
The road to recovery after a lung transplant can be long and arduous. It took me awhile to appreciate all the benefits, but I am blessed with the ability to breathe and a new-found confidence that has emboldened me to try new things.
Since my kids were born, I’ve had two lung transplants and spent months in the hospital at a time for cystic fibrosis complications. It’s just as hard for my kids to go through as it is for me, so we make sure we talk about my CF openly as a family.
I’m still trying to define who I am after a double-lung and liver transplant five years ago. Although I am much healthier, I sometimes still struggle with my physical and mental health, and I don’t know what I want to do next in my life.