Charlotte, Nicole, Kevyn, Karen, and Moe, Lung Transplant Recipients
Lung Transplant
Lung transplant is not a cure, but a treatment. Lung transplants may be an option for some people with advanced COPD, who no longer smoke and who will not survive without a lung transplant. There are specific requirements to qualify for a lung transplant, and, if you meet these, you will be put on a wait list for a transplant. The wait might be long. In a lung transplant, surgeons take out one or two of the lungs and replace them with healthy lungs. The surgery can be risky. People who receive transplants must take immunosuppressants (anti-rejection medications) for the rest of their lives.
Lung Volume Reduction Surgery
This type of surgery is done in order to help some people with COPD breathe better. If your doctor decides you qualify for this type of surgery, it may help with shortness of breath. During the surgery, pieces of the damaged lung tissue are removed. This allows the healthy tissue to “work better.”
Awaiting a Surgery or Lung Transplant?
Having a lung transplant or surgery can be overwhelming. The Lung Association has resources and support programs in place to help you through this journey.
Lung Transplant Checklist
In partnership with lung transplant recipients, we have created a Lung Transplant Checklist to help you prepare for your transplant.
Lung Transplant Support Group
If you or a loved one is considering a lung transplant, you are not alone. Learn and hear from others who have experienced a lung transplant or waiting for one by joining our Lung Transplant Support Group.
Caring Breaths Financial Assistance Program
The Caring Breaths Financial Assistance Program was inspired by our organ donor Breathe Ambassadors. It is a reimbursement program that provides financial assistance to those (patients and their primary caregiver support systems) experiencing financial burden because of lung disease. We know that those who require a lung transplant will need to leave the province and travel to Edmonton or another transplant center with a caregiver for up to 3 months. In that period, the homes in Saskatchewan must be maintained and all additional costs for accommodation, travel, food and incidentals incurred out of province must be met by the patient and caregiver.
To learn more visit our Caring Breaths Financial Assistance Program webpage.