BajaNomad

Lung Transplant

GilandVal - 9-20-2012 at 02:13 PM

Kind of a far-fetched question but has anyone here had such an extensive operation in Mexico? Thanks

Two Hospitals in Tijuana to Contact

Gypsy Jan - 9-20-2012 at 02:52 PM

Hospital Angeles in Tijuana, The website posts a U.S. 800 phone number you can ask questions with an employee who speaks English:

http://hospitalangelestijuana.com.mx/

Also, Centro Medico Excel in Tijuana which also has a U.S. 800 number listed on the website and they also have staff that can answer question in English (for the record, I had double bypass heart surgery there in 2002 and I am still here to annoy friends and family).

http://hospitalexcel.com/

Baja Bucko - 9-20-2012 at 02:58 PM

I am very familiar w heart transplant and a neighbor just had a double lung...

Not many places do lungs so you need to really search ie Cleveland Clinic, U of Wash, etc. Read their sites regarding pre-and post care to get an idea abt lung transplant. With these transplants the first year is pretty touchy and you need to stay very close to your transplant center. I personally feel the lung TX is much worse than a heart as everything you breath in can kill you. I can't imagine doing it in Mexico City w that air quality.

I would never do a ht or lung transplant at any place other than a US facility with very high ratings.

Also be aware that the 3-5 anti-rejection drugs needed must be quality stuff....no room for generic messes...that could mean death. Drug quality should be kept in mind in any country. Also if you ever plan to be on Medicare...there might be problems eventually with drug coverage.....ie transplant done out of country ....the meds are $$$$$$$$$$ BUT the drug companies do help out if you can't afford the $6000 a month at first...hahaha...that price does drop after the first couple of years.

Also remember there is constant monitoring of meds the first 12-24 months thru bloodwork to keep the anti-rejection drugs at the right level. Lungs are a real project....you get "broncoscopies" periodically. You will need to be pretty close to yr transplant center for a long time so I guess if you live near a place in Mexico then you might go for it.

I wouldn't and I have real up-close-and-personal experience w heart transplant...THAT was no trip to Disneyland and still isn't.

Good luck whatever you decide. The first year of a TX is hell but it does get better. Hope you have a good family support system.

JMO.....

windgrrl - 9-20-2012 at 08:20 PM

Very good advice Baja Bucko. Lung transplant and care is a very specialized program and often attached to a large health centre. There is a significant component of preparation and aftercare that affects the survival rate.

There are only 5 in Canada, but of interest, there are more done up here than in the US: http://copdcanada.ca/transplant.htm

JZ - 9-20-2012 at 11:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Baja Bucko
I am very familiar w heart transplant and a neighbor just had a double lung...

Not many places do lungs so you need to really search ie Cleveland Clinic, U of Wash, etc. Read their sites regarding pre-and post care to get an idea abt lung transplant. With these transplants the first year is pretty touchy and you need to stay very close to your transplant center. I personally feel the lung TX is much worse than a heart as everything you breath in can kill you. I can't imagine doing it in Mexico City w that air quality.

I would never do a ht or lung transplant at any place other than a US facility with very high ratings.

Also be aware that the 3-5 anti-rejection drugs needed must be quality stuff....no room for generic messes...that could mean death. Drug quality should be kept in mind in any country. Also if you ever plan to be on Medicare...there might be problems eventually with drug coverage.....ie transplant done out of country ....the meds are $$$$$$$$$$ BUT the drug companies do help out if you can't afford the $6000 a month at first...hahaha...that price does drop after the first couple of years.

Also remember there is constant monitoring of meds the first 12-24 months thru bloodwork to keep the anti-rejection drugs at the right level. Lungs are a real project....you get "broncoscopies" periodically. You will need to be pretty close to yr transplant center for a long time so I guess if you live near a place in Mexico then you might go for it.

I wouldn't and I have real up-close-and-personal experience w heart transplant...THAT was no trip to Disneyland and still isn't.

Good luck whatever you decide. The first year of a TX is hell but it does get better. Hope you have a good family support system.

JMO.....


Obviously the US is a better option, if possible. But absolutely costs come into play.

I think your post isn't helpful to a degree, because it overally focuses on one aspect and brings in a little fear factor.

mcfez - 9-21-2012 at 06:52 AM

People have lived into their 90s with one lung. I know of a person that had one of the two removed. I write this in hopes that you have only one lung of your two......with issues. If so, consult with a specialist.


Some straight forward information about lungs....
http://www.a-s-t.org/files/pdf/patient_education/english/AST...


And maybe helpful.....
http://divainternational.ch/spip.php?article308

I wish you or the person in need ............the best of luck.

[Edited on 9-21-2012 by mcfez]