On Waiting to Receive a Lung Transplant

When lung disease has advanced to the point that the victim will likely die within one or two years, replacing the organ is necessary to prolong the patient's life. Medications are no longer effective for controlling the disease. Even devices that help the patient breathe are insufficient. The diseased organ is removed and replaced with a lung transplant (LT). The challenge is finding a suitable donor.

Less than 2,000 LTs are performed each year. This is due largely to a dearth of donors. Recipients are placed on a waiting list in anticipation of receiving a healthy lung that will preserve their life. Given their short life expectancy, it is a race against time.

In this article, we'll explain the process of applying for and being accepted onto the recipient waiting list. We'll also describe the factors that dictate whether you will eventually receive a transplant.

Applying And Getting Accepted

Your doctor will help you decide whether an LT is the only option, and whether you are fit enough to accept the new organ. If both are true, your doctor can recommend you for the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network's (OPTN) list. You will need to go through a screening process to confirm whether you are a good candidate for the list.

Not all hospitals perform lung transplants. The operations are typically done in large medical facilities that support a complete transplant staff, including a thoracic surgeon, cardiologist, and pulmonologist. In most cases, you'll need to apply directly to a specific medical facility's program.

Waiting For A Suitable Organ

Once you have undergone the screening process and been accepted to a given facility's program, the transplant staff will help prepare you for receiving a new organ. This is done prior to a donor organ becoming available. That way, you'll be ready to react quickly when the time comes.

The Frustration Of Waiting

Because there is no established date at which a lung transplant will become available, waiting can be frustrating. Each week that passes brings added concern that your lung disease will overwhelm you before a donor emerges. With that in mind, you should do everything possible to remain prepared.

Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, continue taking your medications as prescribed. If you smoke, quit. Modify your diet and exercise routine to dovetail with your doctor's recommendations. If he or she has suggested breathing exercises, perform them.

You should also make sure your family understands what they need to do in the event that a donor organ becomes available. Time is critical. Reacting quickly can dramatically improve your chances of successfully receiving the lung transplant. Pack a suitcase and establish a way for the medical center's staff to contact you immediately if they expect to receive a replacement organ.

When you finally receive the call that a donor lung has become available, visit the transplant center. The nurses and doctors will conduct a few last tests to ensure a good match before preparing you for surgery.

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