This is information and personal guide was hand-scanned by the webmaster from our personal hard copy documents from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, in order to assist other families with the transplant process. Some articles are in PDF format and include the size of the file in the article name.

About Organ Donation

• Organ Donation Facts - We all want to be remembered - remembered for who we are, what we've accomplished and the difference we've made. One way to make a difference is to learn the facts about organ and tissue donation.
  
• Organ Donation Myths and Facts - Sadly, there are a great number of fears behind being an organ donor because of the myths that have circulated about organ donation and the life of the donor. In general, the myths include, but are not limited to . . .
  
• National Donor Sabbath - In 2005, the 10th anniversary of National Donor Sabbath was celebrated. Since 1996, faith communities throughout the nation have observed this opportunity to discuss donation over the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) that falls two weeks before Thanksgiving.
  

Transplant Process

• History of Lung Transplantation - The first lung transplant was in 1963. Between 1963 and 1981 nearly forty lung transplants were done throughout the United States, Europe, and Canada.
  
• Why You Need a Lung Transplant - People needing a lung transplant have lung problems that are getting worse despite medical treatment.
  
• Your Lung Transplant Evaluation Process - Your local doctor or pulmonologist has referred you to a transplant hospital program. You will first speak with a cardiopulmonary transplant coordinator who will answer questions.
  
• Getting on the Transplant List - United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) is a national organ sharing organization that helps to match organ donors with those who need an organ transplant.
  
• Getting Ready for Your Transplant - After your name has been placed on the list, you will need to be seen every two to three months in the Transplant Clinic.
  
• After Your Transplant (Infection & Rejection) - After your transplant, you will be on anti-rejection medications for the rest of your life. The purpose of these medications is to prevent your body from rejecting your new organ(s).
  
• Adjusting to an Organ Transplant - Thinking about a lung transplant can be overwhelming and frightening. The transplant team is available to answer questions, talk about your concerns, provide information . . .
  
• Medications Guide for Transplant Patients - Medication Guidelines for Transplant Patients.
  
• Spirometry - AM1 Plus Spirometer - It is very important for you to check your lung function daily after you have had a lung transplant. To do this, you may do a spirometry twice a day with an AM1 Plus.
  
• Small Volume Nebulizer - A small volume nebulizer (neb-U-lie-zer) is a device that holds liquid medicine. The medicine is turned into a fine mist by a small air compressor.
  
• TheraPEP - TheraPEP is a therapy that helps to remove mucus from the lungs or to increase the effectiveness of a nebulized bronchodilator.
  
• Example Medications Form (1.01M)
  
• Example Vital Signs Form (494KB)
  
• Example Spirometry Form (589KB)
  
• Post Lung Transplant Physical Therapy Exercise - Shortly after ungoing a successful single or double lung transplant, patients will begin physical therapy. This routine may begin as early as 12 hours after surgery.
  
• Post Transplant Medical Identification - After an organ transplant, the hospital may recommend that you purchase some type of medical identification jewelry.
  
• Home Care Instructions after Bronchoscopy - Routine guidelines for routine care after outpatient bronchoscopy and examination of lungs in a hospital.
  
• Thanking Your Donor Family - After receiving a transplant, most of us have thoughts about our donor. This process has traditionally been anonymous, meaning the recipient does not know the identity of the donor or have the ability to contact the donor's family.
  

Further Information

• Tips on Talking to your Healthcare Provider - Tips for Talking With Your Health Care Provider. You and your health care providers are working toward the same goal: your health.
  
• Transplant Assistance - A transplant is far from an easy thing to go through. The mental and physical requirements it puts on the patient as well as the family is enormous. We compiled a list of lung transplant assistance organizations that we have come across during our own lung transplant journey.
  
• Recommended Reading - A comprehensive recommended reading list for those who are listed for an organ transplant or are post transplant patients.
  
• Organ Transplant Links & Resources