Heart and lung transplant surgery

I’m starting this thread because I’m currently on the waiting list for a heart and lung transplant—and I’m only 24. I’m looking for anyone who can offer some advice or guidance. I really hope there aren't too many people in this exact situation, but if you have any experience at all, please share it. Honestly, I’m spiraling a bit right now. To make matters worse, I just came down with mono and I'm running a fever. From what I understand, they won't even consider performing the transplant while I'm dealing with a fever. 😢

What exactly are you dealing with that requires a procedure like this? When things are running hot like this, you shouldn't be jumping into any elective surgery, especially when you're messing around with the heart and lungs...
Besides, over here in the States, they aren't going to do a simultaneous double organ transplant on you. I'm guessing you're already on some kind of waiting list somewhere abroad?

I was born with a heart defect that doctors missed until it was far too late for corrective surgery. Since then, I’ve managed to live a more or less normal life—finished school, held down jobs, went out with friends—with one major exception: I could never do physical education because I had to avoid any kind of strenuous exertion. But all those years eventually caught up to me; my heart issues ended up damaging my lungs too. Three years ago, I nearly died when my blood oxygen levels plummeted. Now, I rely on supplemental oxygen while I wait for a transplant. I’m currently on the waiting list in Vienna. I know this isn't an option back home, because in my case, everything has to be done in a single, massive operation.

Getting both organs transplanted out of the country works just like the standard procedures we see here in the States, and from what I've heard, the success rates are actually pretty solid. There’s really no reason to think it wouldn't work for you, too, so just hang in there—I'm pulling for you and hoping you get scheduled for your surgery soon!

Scott Allen10 said:Getting both organs transplanted out of the country works just like the standard procedures we see here in the States, and from what I've heard, the success rates are actually pretty solid. There’s really no reason to think it wouldn't work for you, too, so just hang in there—I'm pulling for you and hoping you get scheduled for your surgery soon!

THANK YOU! 🙂

I honestly don't have a clue about any of that, but I'll definitely be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers regardless... Good luck!

Alexander Wood24 said:I honestly don't have a clue about any of that, but I'll definitely be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers regardless... Good luck!

Thanks! 🙂

....just staying positive. Successes !!!!

ruggedpanther64 said:....just staying positive. Successes !!!!

Thank God I’m actually a pretty positive person by nature👍 because if I weren't... man, I can't even imagine how bad things would be. Being stuck at home for three years isn't exactly a walk in the park... THANX!

James Taylor said:Thank God I’m actually a pretty positive person by nature👍 because if I weren't... man, I can't even imagine how bad things would be. Being stuck at home for three years isn't exactly a walk in the park... THANX!

I honestly think that your positive attitude is such a massive asset right now. I was actually in a very similar position myself just last year, so I can say with some certainty that I truly understand what you’re going through. Back then, during my first checkup, they discovered a congenital heart defect—an ASD measuring about 1.6 by 2.2 cm—along with pulmonary hypertension that had climbed all the way up to 60 mmHg. It was quite a shock, really, because the doctors told me I had arrived at the absolute last minute; if I hadn't gone in when I did, things could have taken a much darker turn, much like what you're facing. I ended up having surgery in July, and I am finally on the slow, steady road to recovery now. That is why I am sending so much optimism your way—I truly hope everything gets resolved for you as quickly as possible.🙂🙂

I’m seriously crossing my fingers that it’s one of our own girls from here! Sending all the good vibes her way for a super fast recovery so she can get back to hanging out with us on the forum 😉

Hi there. My mother is currently facing the exact same situation; she’s on the waiting list for Vienna, just waiting on a lung transplant... We are all incredibly worried, and honestly, so is she. She has so many questions about how this all works. If anyone here knows more about the process or what to expect, I would truly appreciate it if you could share some insight or even leave your number so I can give you a call and chat.

Jeffrey Walker3 said:I’m seriously crossing my fingers that it’s one of our own girls from here! Sending all the good vibes her way for a super fast recovery so she can get back to hanging out with us on the forum 😉

Sending her good vibes! Really hoping everything went smooth and she won't have to deal with any more headaches for a long time.