In light of Alice's (so far) successful double lung transplant, here's what I know about what she (and Tricia) can expect post-transplant. (these are facts about double lung transplant...not sure how much it translates to other organ transplants)
> Patients will be encouraged to be up and and walking around within 24-48 hours after the surgery.
> Patients can expect to stay under close watch in the hospital for 1-3 weeks, depending on how well they do.
> Patients can expect to participate in physical therapy/rehabilitation for about 2-3 months.
> There are lots of possible complications. The greatest risks are rejection and infection.
> Patients must relearn how to breath with their new lungs.
> Patients with CF will still have CF, but it will no longer directly affect their lungs.
> The average life expectancy is about 8 years, but that greatly depends on rejection/infection as well as the age and general health of the patient. We know some patients who are well past 15 years on their new lungs.
> Some patients will be candidates for multiple lung transplants.
Nate
> Patients will be encouraged to be up and and walking around within 24-48 hours after the surgery.
> Patients can expect to stay under close watch in the hospital for 1-3 weeks, depending on how well they do.
> Patients can expect to participate in physical therapy/rehabilitation for about 2-3 months.
> There are lots of possible complications. The greatest risks are rejection and infection.
> Patients must relearn how to breath with their new lungs.
> Patients with CF will still have CF, but it will no longer directly affect their lungs.
> The average life expectancy is about 8 years, but that greatly depends on rejection/infection as well as the age and general health of the patient. We know some patients who are well past 15 years on their new lungs.
> Some patients will be candidates for multiple lung transplants.
Nate