In the latest edition of The Path Forward with Cystic Fibrosis, Dr. Arcasoy from Columbia University Medical Center is back to explain what happens after a patient has a double lung transplant. He discusses pain management and the post-transplant care team in detail.
Here’s what to expect immediately pre and post-surgery:
- Post-surgical care including pain management
- Medical care that includes antibiotics, antirejection medication, and antiinfection medication
- Psycho-social recovery assistance
Dr. Arcasoy also explains who your post-transplant care team is and what they do… it’s a lot, so here’s a cheat sheet:
WHO: Medical Transplant Pulmonologist and the Coordinator
WHAT: Patients will meet with their Post-transplant team once a week for three months, then every 3-4 weeks for a year. At every meeting, the following occurs:
Chest x-ray
- Lab work
- Pulmonary function test
- Physical exam
- Conversation to review medications and overall health & wellness
- Follow up lab review and medication changes
The schedule for bronchoscopies vary depending on the center, and additional testing can be added at any time deemed necessary.
Remember – every patient’s experience is completely unique! Do not get discouraged and work with your care team to prepare both mentally and physically for the bumps along the way.
This video podcast was made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Columbia University Medial Center and the Lung Transplant Project.
