How do I prepare for a lung transplant?

Columbia University Department of Surgery

Maintaining or even improving your health during this waiting period is vitally important. Some guidelines include:

Exercise as directed by your physician. Keeping active, if possible, will improve your flexibility and endurance and may shorten recuperation time following your surgery.
Consult your primary physician and the transplant team for periodic checkups.
Counseling is available to help you cope with what is often a stressful and emotional time for patients and their families.
Follow the diet guidelines and rehabilitation schedule recommended by your physician. This will help you fight fatigue and other health problems that may be associated with lung disease.

Continue Learning about Preparing For A Lung Transplant

Penn Medicine

People that decide to pursue a lung transplant are placed on a waiting list. Being "placed on the li...

Lyall A. Gorenstein, MD

When your transplant team is alerted that a compatible donor organ is available for you, your co...

Lyall A. Gorenstein, MD

You will be immediately registered with the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), a not-for-p...

Columbia University Department of Surgery

Once you are placed on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) waiting list, a nurse practitione...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.