Preparing for Lung Transplant

Preparation is critical to a successful lung transplant. That’s why we strongly recommend you plan ahead as much as possible. A good place to start is mental preparation. Here’s what to expect and how to plan ahead for when a potential lung offer comes.

When the call comes to let you know that lungs may have become available for you, typically, a member of our team will call you and say, “We think we may have a good donor for you, please come into the hospital.”

You will be reminded to have nothing else to eat or drink. In addition, you should bring enough oxygen to make a round trip, just in case the surgery is cancelled.

“It’s helpful to remember that while you are coming in,” explains Nancy Blumenthal, DNP, CRNP, CCTC, Clinical Director of the Penn Lung Transplant Program, “the team is going out to evaluate the donor and about one-quarter of cases are canceled. While this can be really frustrating, it’s important to recognize that our surgeons will only accept lungs that are safe for transplant.”

How to prepare

While you're preparing for a potential lung offer, make sure you:

• Keep your cell phone charged and turned on (Support people too!)
• Keep your transplant nurse and doctor up to date on all health issues
• Exercise regularly, attending pulmonary rehab or following your home exercise prescription
• Keep in touch with your local healthcare providers
• Have a plan to get to Penn within two hours of receiving the potential lung offer (Patients who live more than two hours away can expect a call earlier in the process.)

Suggestions for loved ones

It’s also important for caregivers to be prepared. Here are a few suggestions for what loved ones should plan to bring to Penn:

• A cell phone and cell phone charger 
• Any medications that you need to stay well while you’re here, 
• A tooth brush and tooth paste
• A change of clothes 
• Snacks (or quarters for the vending machines)
• Reading material or hobbies to help occupy yourself

Remember, the Lung Transplant Team is available to answer any questions or concerns you may have. For more information about practical preparation, please refer to your Patient and Caregiver Commitment to Lung Transplant document. Consider us a resource and partner as you prepare for this life-changing journey towards better breathing.