Lung transplant is an option for a few people who have severe lung problems that are caused by cystic fibrosis (CF). The procedure removes the diseased lungs and replaces them with healthy lungs from a recently deceased donor.
A lung transplant can increase how long a person with severe lung damage is expected to live. It can help you feel better and have more energy. And it may help you be more able to do things like working, going to school, or other activities.
How successful a lung transplant is may depend on:
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
Like any surgery, a lung transplant has some risks. They include:
For a lung transplant, the recipient's diseased lung is removed and replaced with the donated lung.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
After lung transplant surgery, you will be cared for in the intensive care unit (ICU). You'll be put on a ventilator until you are able to breathe on your own. This may take from a few hours to a few days.
You will likely need to stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 weeks after the transplant.
You'll need to take antibiotics and medicines to suppress your immune system. This will raise the chances that your body will accept the new lungs.
A lung transplant is surgery to remove your diseased lung and give you a healthy lung from a person who has died. Most people get one new lung. Your body will be able to work with just one healthy lung. But in some cases, a person may get two new lungs.
Your side and chest will be sore for the first 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. You also may have some numbness around the cut (incision) the doctor made. You may feel tired while you are healing. It can take 2 to 3 months for your energy to fully return. Your doctor may advise you to work with a respiratory therapist to make your new lung stronger.
After the transplant, you must take medicine to keep your body from rejecting the new lung. You will need to take this antirejection medicine every day for the rest of your life. These medicines have side effects. One side effect is that your body may be less able to fight infections. It is important that you take steps to avoid infections. Stay away from crowds of people and anyone who might have an infection or an illness such as a cold or the flu.
Having an organ transplant can bring up many emotions. You may feel grateful and happy. But you also may feel guilty or depressed. Seek out family, friends, and counselors for support. If you think you are depressed, ask your doctor for help. Treatment can help you feel better.
A lung transplant may be done when:
Conditions that may result in a lung transplant include:
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