New lungs mean new responsibilities. If our team determines that transplantation would be the best treatment for your lung disease, there are many considerations to be aware of before making the commitment to lung transplant.  

Among the most important of these is your commitment to give up harmful habits that may damage your new lungs.

Our program does not consider patients for transplantation who are currently smoking or who are dependent on alcohol or other mind-altering drugs. We require potential transplant recipients to be substance-free for at least six months before being listed for lung transplantation.  

We have a zero-tolerance policy for tobacco use once a patient has been listed for lung transplantation. Serum cotinine levels -- which reveal any exposure to tobacco -- will be measured at each pre-transplant clinic visit, and patients are advised that a positive serum cotinine measurement is grounds for immediate removal from our lung transplant waiting list.

There are also many issues to consider regarding follow-up care after your transplant. These include:

• Medication: After lung transplantation, you take many medications for the rest of your life to prevent rejection. This medication is very expensive, so our financial coordinator will review common pharmacy expenses with you and will review your insurance policy regarding prescription coverage.
• Monitoring: You will be asked to check your blood pressure, weight, temperature, and lung capacity each day. You will also be expected to have blood work done at home and sent to our office monthly.
• Healthful habits: After the transplant, you will be expected to maintain a well-balanced diet and exercise regularly to keep yourself in good physical condition. You will also be expected to continue to abstain from the use of harmful substances.
• Frequent check-ups: You will return to Duke frequently for outpatient tests and lung transplant clinic visits. We ask you to keep in close contact with us regarding changes in your health status.
• Maintain a relationship with your primary physician. Make sure you have routine diabetes and health screenings.

In addition, if you are accepted as a candidate for lung transplant at Duke, you will be asked to sign a written contract verifying your agreement and commitment to the process.