UCSD and their Post Transplant Program

So now it has been a bit over two years since my transplant. After our Lung Transplant Support meeting several of us started discussing why we chose UCSD, other facilities do more transplants. For me it was the fact that UCSD had what looked to be a complete program, there was Pulmonary Rehab to start with, that got you able to survive the transplant and taught you survival with your pulmonary disease. Meeting with the surgeons, and seeing their credentials, (along with the fact that the program in Phoenix that was starting up had all UCSD personnel in it) and their success rate. Then there was the post transplant program, Dr Yung and his staff managing and monitoring your health after the operation was completed. All throughout the process there is the Transplant Support Group, which is run by Karen Matthews (UCSD Social Worker), and is for both pre- and post transplant patients.

We meet twice a month during the day (1st & 3rd Mondays), this meeting is for the patients only. Post transplant patients can counsel pre transplant patients, and relate experiences to one another. Notifications of upcoming events, and health advisories are given. Care givers have their own meetings. Every other month there is a combined evening session for patients & caregivers with a speaker on relevant topics.