Lung transplant questions
Hi all. I've recently been considering trying for a lung transplant. I was evaluated about 5 years ago and was told I was still too healthy, but my pulmonologist thinks that I may qualify at this point. There is an age cutoff which I am approaching, but my pulmonologist says they might extend that.
My biggest concerns are, number one, it seems like a very heavy surgery with a very difficult recovery.
Number two, the medications for anti-rejection. My late husband had a kidney transplant and I'm pretty sure the drugs he had to take exasperated his existing mental health issues. My mental health is pretty good but that is still a concern.
Number three, the average life expectancy after a lung transplant is only 5 years. I assume if you survive the surgery you probably get more than that on average. I really want to outlive my little dog who is only 6 years old. I expect he could possibly live to be 20 years old so I need to live another 14 years at least!
Have any of you had a lung transplant and can you speak to these concerns?