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I’m 72.5 years old. Just today I met with the doctor who is the head of lung transplant department at the University of Chicago Hospital IPF Institute. I was informed based on testing and my excellent physical health that I would be a candidate for a transplant despite my age. U of C Hospital has an absolute cut off age of 74 years based upon the current health of the transplant recipient. I have under gone 37 different blood draws for risk factors (37 vials of blood) and over 25 different cat, heart scans, numerous x-rays, bone density, swallow, gastric, colonoscopy, endoscopy , dental exams, pft etc. I can’t say enough regarding the staff at U of C Hospital. They are first class. Four months ago when I began testing the center assigned (I have met individually with each) my transplant nurse coordinator, nutritionist, pharmacist, social worker, transplant surgeon, nurse practitioner and the Pulmonologist ( who has followed me since being diagnosed with IPF about 4 years ago). Last week I met with the head of the surgical transplant team to go over transplant procedures and to answer any questions I had regarding the transplant. At each of the meetings with the doctors I had to have my at home post transplant team present. Still there are 2 more test they want to run. Tomorrow I have an appointment with the dermatologist. I will receive the final determination after the transplant team has met to fully discuss my case and hopefully being placed on the transplant list in about a month. I’m encouraged hoping for the best. I’ll keep every one up to date.
Herb C