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.
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Because transplant is such a complex process, most transplant centers require that candidates gather the necessary social support to help navigate the transplant process.
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.
Successfully managing a chronic disease like cystic fibrosis means more than just taking medications. It requires trusting partnerships between people with CF and their families with their CF care teams to develop treatment plans that line up personal life goals with health goals.
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.
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.
You can best manage your health when you know what to expect, what resources you can use, and a community of people with whom you can share your experiences.