GilandVal
Junior Nomad
Posts: 45
Registered: 8-31-2010
Location: Lompoc, California/Erie, Colorado
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Lung Transplant
Kind of a far-fetched question but has anyone here had such an extensive operation in Mexico? Thanks
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Gypsy Jan
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4275
Registered: 1-27-2004
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Mood: Depends on which way the wind is blowing
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Two Hospitals in Tijuana to Contact
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/
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness.”
—Mark Twain
\"La vida es dura, el corazon es puro, y cantamos hasta la madrugada.” (Life is hard, the heart is pure and we sing until dawn.)
—Kirsty MacColl, Mambo de la Luna
\"Alea iacta est.\"
—Julius Caesar
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Baja Bucko
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Posts: 288
Registered: 9-23-2003
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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.....
My other 4WD is a Baja Mule!
La Mula Mil Survivor 2013-2014!
1000 miles by mule from the tip to Tecate!
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windgrrl
Super Nomad
Posts: 1336
Registered: 9-2-2006
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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
When the way comes to an end, then change. Having changed, you pass through.
~ I-Ching
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JZ
Select Nomad
Posts: 12200
Registered: 10-3-2003
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| 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.
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mcfez
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8678
Registered: 12-2-2009
Location: aka BN yankeeirishman
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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]
Old people are like the old cars, made of some tough stuff. May show a little rust, but good as gold on the inside.
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