Site Search

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.

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.

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.

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

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.