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.
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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.
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.
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.
In a complex and rapidly changing health care system, we support policies that promote adequate, affordable health coverage so people living with cystic fibrosis can receive the high-quality, specialized care they need to live longer, healthier lives.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation believes in empowering our community to advocate for the needs of people with cystic fibrosis. During an election cycle, it's important to ask questions of candidates to understand how their positions would impact the CF community.