NetWellness Lung Transplantation

Osteoporosis

Susan Moffatt-Bruce MD, PhD — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:10:00 EST

Question: i have osteoperosis and take forteo for it. my pulmonolgist thinks i am a great candidate for a double lung transplant. i am 51 yr old female. would you kick me off the transplant list because of me osteoporosis. please dont say no!!!!

Answer: Thank you for your question. Osteoporosis that is severe is very challenging for patients undergoing lung transplantation. The degree of the osteoporosis would have to be evaluated by the lung transplant pulmonologist and the team that evaluates every patient prior to placing on a list.

Ask an Expert: Susan Moffatt-Bruce MD, PhD, Lung Transplantation

Meningitis Shot

Robert Schilz DO, PhD — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 22:09:00 EST

Question: Can a person that had a double lung transplant get a meningitis shot?

Answer:

There are two kinds of vaccines that protect against Neisseria meningitidis available in the United States: meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (Menomune�), and meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Menactra� and Menveo�) Published guidelines exist regarding their use. The following text was taken di . . .

Ask an Expert: Robert Schilz DO, PhD, Lung Transplantation

The Lung Transplant List

Susan Moffatt-Bruce MD, PhD — Wed, 04 May 2011 12:05:00 EST

Question: How can you see where your name is on the transplant list for lungs when you already know what number you are?

Answer: Thank you for your question. This question can be easily answered by the lung transplant coordinator in your center where you are listed. They have access to the list which is updated weekly but is specific to each center.

Ask an Expert: Susan Moffatt-Bruce MD, PhD, Lung Transplantation

Can Lung Transplant Recipients Be Too Old?

Gerene Bauldoff RN, PhD, FCCP, FAACVPR, FAAN — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:10:00 EST

Question: My brother who lives in N.H. was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis last year. He has been very healthy before this and exercised every day and maintained a good weight. He is 67 years old and recently was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs and is currently being treated with blood thinners. He . . .

Answer: Every lung transplant center has their own criteria for lung transplant listing. Age is important, but physiological age (how well the major organ systems work) is also important.

In light of this, some patients who are 67 may be appropriate for lung transplant while someone else at 50 m . . .

Ask an Expert: Gerene Bauldoff RN, PhD, FCCP, FAACVPR, FAAN, Lung Transplantation

Lung Transplantion Eligibility

Susan Moffatt-Bruce MD, PhD — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 13:10:00 EST

Question: I was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2006 via lung biopsy. I am a non smoker. My father died of Idopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). My condition is now very bleak. I was evaluated for a transplant but deferred because of a nodule (1.3 cm) that was visible on CT scan. PET scan was negative. Two . . .

Answer:

Thank you for the question, another transplant evaluation may prove helpful. Ask an Expert: David Nunley MD, FCCP, Lung Transplantation

Can Foreign Citizens Receive Organ Transplants in the US?

David Nunley MD, FCCP — Mon, 31 May 2010 07:05:00 EST

Question: I am from Russia and I understand that lung transplants are not available in my country. My uncle, who is 70 years old, needs the operation because of lung cancer. Is he eligible for a transplant in America or Europe? How much will the operation cost? Thank you..

Answer: There are indeed programs within the United States that will consider transplantation for those from other countries who are otherwise acceptable candidates.

Typically, there is an arrangement made prior to agreeing to proceed with the transplant operation, and the details of . . .

Ask an Expert: David Nunley MD, FCCP, Lung Transplantation

General Inforamation About Lung Transplantation

J Daryl Thornton MD, MPH — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 13:03:00 EST

Question: I have friend who is desperately in need of a lung transplant. Where can I find information that would be helpful to him?

Answer: Lung transplantation is an extremely costly surgery. In addition, patients will be unable to work for some time following the procedure and will require several expensive medications that must be taken daily as directed. Fortunately, there are several programs to provide financial assistance. I woul . . .

Ask an Expert: J Daryl Thornton MD, MPH, Lung Transplantation