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Single lung transplant copd emphysema.

Posted , 9 users are following.

stuart79383
stuart79383

 I am a 50 year old male.

Just been told that I have Copd Emphysema, and that I should start thinking about having a single lung transplant.

I was wondering if any one else has been through the same.

I know it is a major operation, with a lot of for's and against.

I really don't know what to do.

0 likes, 35 replies

35 Replies

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  • michael30448
    michael30448 stuart79383

    Posted

    hi Stuart,

    I had a single lung transplant in 1996, I was 56.

    I'm still here, coming up for 20 years in January.

    I also had copd,

    i was as physically fit as I could be prior to op, was average weight , size etc.

    HI spent 16 hrs in ICU, then was moved to a room. 

    I came home after 11 days, we had an apartment close to hospital for the next few weeks.

    I do have a positive attitude and am of calm disposition.

    Family support is most important.

    Good luck to you and i would say, go for it

    Michael

    • michael30448
      michael30448

      Posted

      Stuart at the time of my transplant i was given 2 years to live,,  so i haven't done too badly ;-)
    • jude65855
      jude65855 michael30448

      Posted

      WEll that sounds like it was definitely worth it then?  Seven more years than predicted and still around, that's wonderful
    • ladyjack51
      ladyjack51 jude65855

      Posted

      Not 7 jude65855...he said that was 20 yrs ago!!.....so awesome michael30448! You are a success story!! God bless you!!
    • 12blue
      12blue michael30448

      Posted

      Hi Michael

      I am a 50 year old female from South Carolina, USA. I am currently being evaluated at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, USA for a double lung transplant due to COPD (chronic bronchitis). I read your post and realized you are 20 years out...that is great! I would like to know who did your surgery, how are you doing currently, and to what do you attribute your doing so well following your surgery. Also do you have any words of wisdom you can pass along? Congratulations on your amazing recovery and I wish you many more years ahead. Thank you for your post.

  • stuart79383
    stuart79383

    Posted

    Thank you every one for your replies. I am doing ok at the moment, and was told I don't need a transplant yet. The winter is my real worry. Once again thank you every one and take care to all.
    • jude65855
      jude65855 stuart79383

      Posted

      I'd be really interested to know what country you're in?  Here in Australia I've had blank looks when asking about lung transplants and one comment that they were reserved for people who were really ill.

      Maybe me being a public patient had something to do with it?  I'll bet rich people can get it easily

    • michael30448
      michael30448 jude65855

      Posted

      Jude, had my op at Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. They are the lung tx specialusts.

      was also done as a public patient.

      You need to have a referral frim your gp to a lung specialist.

      I was referred through Chris Steinfort in Geelong.

    • jude65855
      jude65855 michael30448

      Posted

      Wow, I'm amazed, thanks for that info michael.   I live not too far from Melbourne in the Yarra Valley.   

      I still have about 70% lung function and am overweight, don't know if either of those factors would make a difference.  I'm seeing my gp tomorrow about something else and will run it by him, with the name of yr Geelong doctor.

      Oh I've also had a heart attack nearly 4 years ago, I guess that cd also be relevant, plus I wd probably have no family support:  i only have one daughter and she's not reliable with support.

  • 12blue
    12blue stuart79383

    Posted

    Hi stuart....I am curious since this post is over a year old...did you opt for the transplant? If so how are you doing and would you do it again? I am asking because I am starting evaluation at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, USA for a double lung transplant due to COPD. The transplant centers here want you to be in what they refer to as your "window of opportunity" for a transplant. Your lung function has to be at 30% or below. They require you enroll in pulmonary rehab. (exercise classes) before your surgery and you must complete 23 classes after your surgery. You cannot be a smoker (must be quit at least 6 months). Persons who cannot afford the surgery must either raise funds through private donations or try to receive help from the government through Medicaid....a program to aid low income persons. This program does not pay for living expenses as you must relocate if you are not within 2 hours of the hospital. Most people wind up living in Durham NC for 4 to 6 months. You must have a caregiver and if it is a spouse then there is no income while they are going through the surgery and recovery time. I am fortunate as my insurance will pay for my surgery, meds, and for relocation for myself and my husband. We own a business and it will continue to operate giving us a substantial income while we are away. My son and daughter will keep check on the business as well as keep up with everything at home. I am so thankful to be in this position but I also feel so bad for others who are not. However the hospitals here don't turn people away due to not being able to pay....they wind up writing off tons of money that people just can't pay and some people are helped through private funds set up by each hospital. I am still a bit nervous about a double lung transplant and I'd like to know what your decided.

  • stuart79383
    stuart79383

    Posted

    Good morning every one. To 12blue.

    I am going to the lung transplant unit this month to meet the team.

    This will be my introduction to the team, so they will decide there and then if they want me to come in and have more tests done. I think they tell me there and then if there going to offer me the transplant if I pass all the tests etc. I think the whole testing procedure takes about 12 months. That's just to be put on the waiting list. With regard to after care etc hoping to find out more from the appointment this month. I will be able to tell you more after I have the meeting with the team. Stay stronger and positive, take care Stuart

    • 12blue
      12blue stuart79383

      Posted

      Wow I didn't realize it takes so long there. I thought going through a few weeks of tests was a long time. I hope your testing goes well....I guess we are both at about the same place...beginning the testing process and playing the waiting game! I wish you all the luck and will keep you in my prayers. Maybe we can touch base from time to time and let each other know how we are making out. Either way I think we are both in for an in depth evaluation. Where will you be evaluated? I hope you pass all the tests and are offered the transplant. I know it's major surgery but we may turn out like Michael and have 20+ more years of quality life ahead of us! You stay positive and let me hear from you when you get the go ahead. Teri

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