Any experience with San Diego transplant center?

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ElizabethlovesChris

New member
My husband is starting (emphasize STARTING) to consider the option of a transplant and we are trying to compare the pros and cons of different centers. I have done some research online at the UNOS site, but it would be very helpful to hear some real-life experiences if possible. We have been contacted by the University of Calif- San Diego center for him to come in and start all the initial testing possibly in 2 weeks. We are both excited and nervous at what that might hold.

The other major site possibility is Tucson, AZ (where we currently live), but we are willing to do San Diego because it seems like they do more lung transplants and we would like to be at a site with tons of experience.

Anybody here have any experience with either of those transplant centers?
Thanks!
 
E

ElizabethlovesChris

New member
My husband is starting (emphasize STARTING) to consider the option of a transplant and we are trying to compare the pros and cons of different centers. I have done some research online at the UNOS site, but it would be very helpful to hear some real-life experiences if possible. We have been contacted by the University of Calif- San Diego center for him to come in and start all the initial testing possibly in 2 weeks. We are both excited and nervous at what that might hold.

The other major site possibility is Tucson, AZ (where we currently live), but we are willing to do San Diego because it seems like they do more lung transplants and we would like to be at a site with tons of experience.

Anybody here have any experience with either of those transplant centers?
Thanks!
 
E

ElizabethlovesChris

New member
My husband is starting (emphasize STARTING) to consider the option of a transplant and we are trying to compare the pros and cons of different centers. I have done some research online at the UNOS site, but it would be very helpful to hear some real-life experiences if possible. We have been contacted by the University of Calif- San Diego center for him to come in and start all the initial testing possibly in 2 weeks. We are both excited and nervous at what that might hold.

The other major site possibility is Tucson, AZ (where we currently live), but we are willing to do San Diego because it seems like they do more lung transplants and we would like to be at a site with tons of experience.

Anybody here have any experience with either of those transplant centers?
Thanks!
 
E

ElizabethlovesChris

New member
My husband is starting (emphasize STARTING) to consider the option of a transplant and we are trying to compare the pros and cons of different centers. I have done some research online at the UNOS site, but it would be very helpful to hear some real-life experiences if possible. We have been contacted by the University of Calif- San Diego center for him to come in and start all the initial testing possibly in 2 weeks. We are both excited and nervous at what that might hold.

The other major site possibility is Tucson, AZ (where we currently live), but we are willing to do San Diego because it seems like they do more lung transplants and we would like to be at a site with tons of experience.

Anybody here have any experience with either of those transplant centers?
Thanks!
 
E

ElizabethlovesChris

New member
My husband is starting (emphasize STARTING) to consider the option of a transplant and we are trying to compare the pros and cons of different centers. I have done some research online at the UNOS site, but it would be very helpful to hear some real-life experiences if possible. We have been contacted by the University of Calif- San Diego center for him to come in and start all the initial testing possibly in 2 weeks. We are both excited and nervous at what that might hold.

The other major site possibility is Tucson, AZ (where we currently live), but we are willing to do San Diego because it seems like they do more lung transplants and we would like to be at a site with tons of experience.

Anybody here have any experience with either of those transplant centers?
Thanks!
 
S

Skye

New member
Elizabeth,
You are correct in considering things now<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> instead of waiting until it is too difficult to sort through everything. I give credit to both of you for that. I live on the east coast, so I can't speak about the San Diego center. I have heard good things about Stanford. From what I understand, more transplants every year is always better. Experience is a good good thing! Survival rates at a center can be deceiving because some of the centers will take very difficult cases which is bound to hurt their survival numbers; however, they are equipped to take a challenging case and have experience with some of the more difficult things that may happen. So be careful when you are looking at survival percentages and know exactly what you are looking at. You might also post this question in the transplant section. My best to both of you.
 
S

Skye

New member
Elizabeth,
You are correct in considering things now<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> instead of waiting until it is too difficult to sort through everything. I give credit to both of you for that. I live on the east coast, so I can't speak about the San Diego center. I have heard good things about Stanford. From what I understand, more transplants every year is always better. Experience is a good good thing! Survival rates at a center can be deceiving because some of the centers will take very difficult cases which is bound to hurt their survival numbers; however, they are equipped to take a challenging case and have experience with some of the more difficult things that may happen. So be careful when you are looking at survival percentages and know exactly what you are looking at. You might also post this question in the transplant section. My best to both of you.
 
S

Skye

New member
Elizabeth,
You are correct in considering things now<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> instead of waiting until it is too difficult to sort through everything. I give credit to both of you for that. I live on the east coast, so I can't speak about the San Diego center. I have heard good things about Stanford. From what I understand, more transplants every year is always better. Experience is a good good thing! Survival rates at a center can be deceiving because some of the centers will take very difficult cases which is bound to hurt their survival numbers; however, they are equipped to take a challenging case and have experience with some of the more difficult things that may happen. So be careful when you are looking at survival percentages and know exactly what you are looking at. You might also post this question in the transplant section. My best to both of you.
 
S

Skye

New member
Elizabeth,
You are correct in considering things now<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> instead of waiting until it is too difficult to sort through everything. I give credit to both of you for that. I live on the east coast, so I can't speak about the San Diego center. I have heard good things about Stanford. From what I understand, more transplants every year is always better. Experience is a good good thing! Survival rates at a center can be deceiving because some of the centers will take very difficult cases which is bound to hurt their survival numbers; however, they are equipped to take a challenging case and have experience with some of the more difficult things that may happen. So be careful when you are looking at survival percentages and know exactly what you are looking at. You might also post this question in the transplant section. My best to both of you.
 
S

Skye

New member
Elizabeth,
You are correct in considering things now<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> instead of waiting until it is too difficult to sort through everything. I give credit to both of you for that. I live on the east coast, so I can't speak about the San Diego center. I have heard good things about Stanford. From what I understand, more transplants every year is always better. Experience is a good good thing! Survival rates at a center can be deceiving because some of the centers will take very difficult cases which is bound to hurt their survival numbers; however, they are equipped to take a challenging case and have experience with some of the more difficult things that may happen. So be careful when you are looking at survival percentages and know exactly what you are looking at. You might also post this question in the transplant section. My best to both of you.
 
I

IG

Guest
The higher number of transplants don't necessarily mean a better center. Sure it means they have a lot of experience however I've found that centers who have a lot of patients begin to see you as more of a number than a person.

I had my transplant done at a small center in Dallas (I was lung transplant number 101 and they'd been doing lungs for 5 years? I think). I moved to Philly to go to college and started to go to a Penn transplant center.. and major difference. One that I really don't like. There have been a lot of communications issues to deal with and the general feeling of not getting close personal attention like I got while at my first transplant center. I've got it worked out now so that I see my first transplant center about once a year and if I have any questions or concerns that I feel aren't being handled by Penn correctly I usually bypass the wait and talk to Dallas.

Just thought I would mention because the bigger centers are not for everyone.. and if you feel like you're getting lost in the shuffle or hurried off it may not be what's best for you. But there are pros and cons for each.
 
I

IG

Guest
The higher number of transplants don't necessarily mean a better center. Sure it means they have a lot of experience however I've found that centers who have a lot of patients begin to see you as more of a number than a person.

I had my transplant done at a small center in Dallas (I was lung transplant number 101 and they'd been doing lungs for 5 years? I think). I moved to Philly to go to college and started to go to a Penn transplant center.. and major difference. One that I really don't like. There have been a lot of communications issues to deal with and the general feeling of not getting close personal attention like I got while at my first transplant center. I've got it worked out now so that I see my first transplant center about once a year and if I have any questions or concerns that I feel aren't being handled by Penn correctly I usually bypass the wait and talk to Dallas.

Just thought I would mention because the bigger centers are not for everyone.. and if you feel like you're getting lost in the shuffle or hurried off it may not be what's best for you. But there are pros and cons for each.
 
I

IG

Guest
The higher number of transplants don't necessarily mean a better center. Sure it means they have a lot of experience however I've found that centers who have a lot of patients begin to see you as more of a number than a person.

I had my transplant done at a small center in Dallas (I was lung transplant number 101 and they'd been doing lungs for 5 years? I think). I moved to Philly to go to college and started to go to a Penn transplant center.. and major difference. One that I really don't like. There have been a lot of communications issues to deal with and the general feeling of not getting close personal attention like I got while at my first transplant center. I've got it worked out now so that I see my first transplant center about once a year and if I have any questions or concerns that I feel aren't being handled by Penn correctly I usually bypass the wait and talk to Dallas.

Just thought I would mention because the bigger centers are not for everyone.. and if you feel like you're getting lost in the shuffle or hurried off it may not be what's best for you. But there are pros and cons for each.
 
I

IG

Guest
The higher number of transplants don't necessarily mean a better center. Sure it means they have a lot of experience however I've found that centers who have a lot of patients begin to see you as more of a number than a person.

I had my transplant done at a small center in Dallas (I was lung transplant number 101 and they'd been doing lungs for 5 years? I think). I moved to Philly to go to college and started to go to a Penn transplant center.. and major difference. One that I really don't like. There have been a lot of communications issues to deal with and the general feeling of not getting close personal attention like I got while at my first transplant center. I've got it worked out now so that I see my first transplant center about once a year and if I have any questions or concerns that I feel aren't being handled by Penn correctly I usually bypass the wait and talk to Dallas.

Just thought I would mention because the bigger centers are not for everyone.. and if you feel like you're getting lost in the shuffle or hurried off it may not be what's best for you. But there are pros and cons for each.
 
I

IG

Guest
The higher number of transplants don't necessarily mean a better center. Sure it means they have a lot of experience however I've found that centers who have a lot of patients begin to see you as more of a number than a person.

I had my transplant done at a small center in Dallas (I was lung transplant number 101 and they'd been doing lungs for 5 years? I think). I moved to Philly to go to college and started to go to a Penn transplant center.. and major difference. One that I really don't like. There have been a lot of communications issues to deal with and the general feeling of not getting close personal attention like I got while at my first transplant center. I've got it worked out now so that I see my first transplant center about once a year and if I have any questions or concerns that I feel aren't being handled by Penn correctly I usually bypass the wait and talk to Dallas.

Just thought I would mention because the bigger centers are not for everyone.. and if you feel like you're getting lost in the shuffle or hurried off it may not be what's best for you. But there are pros and cons for each.
 
L

Lungboy911

New member
Hi there,
I received my double lung transplant at UCSD & consider it the BEST facility in the WORLD. I was never treated as a number and really understand Transplantation with people that have Cystic Fibrosis. The Transplant Team is FANTASTIC and very professional. They understand our CF situation, concerns & special needs.
I am 4 years out from a tx on 9/20/03 and I am preparing for my FOURTH MARATHON next month.

After my tx, only 5 months later was I able to bike the Los Angeles Marathon and was back playing hockey. I continue to play hockey 3 to 4 times a week and have never been happier or healthier for my wife of 14 years and my 10 yr old daughter.

Please feel free to email me at scotgab1@sbcglobal.net , if you have any questions or concerns about UCSD or Transplant in general.

I am always available to answer anyones questions.

God Bless You,
 
L

Lungboy911

New member
Hi there,
I received my double lung transplant at UCSD & consider it the BEST facility in the WORLD. I was never treated as a number and really understand Transplantation with people that have Cystic Fibrosis. The Transplant Team is FANTASTIC and very professional. They understand our CF situation, concerns & special needs.
I am 4 years out from a tx on 9/20/03 and I am preparing for my FOURTH MARATHON next month.

After my tx, only 5 months later was I able to bike the Los Angeles Marathon and was back playing hockey. I continue to play hockey 3 to 4 times a week and have never been happier or healthier for my wife of 14 years and my 10 yr old daughter.

Please feel free to email me at scotgab1@sbcglobal.net , if you have any questions or concerns about UCSD or Transplant in general.

I am always available to answer anyones questions.

God Bless You,
 
L

Lungboy911

New member
Hi there,
I received my double lung transplant at UCSD & consider it the BEST facility in the WORLD. I was never treated as a number and really understand Transplantation with people that have Cystic Fibrosis. The Transplant Team is FANTASTIC and very professional. They understand our CF situation, concerns & special needs.
I am 4 years out from a tx on 9/20/03 and I am preparing for my FOURTH MARATHON next month.

After my tx, only 5 months later was I able to bike the Los Angeles Marathon and was back playing hockey. I continue to play hockey 3 to 4 times a week and have never been happier or healthier for my wife of 14 years and my 10 yr old daughter.

Please feel free to email me at scotgab1@sbcglobal.net , if you have any questions or concerns about UCSD or Transplant in general.

I am always available to answer anyones questions.

God Bless You,
 
L

Lungboy911

New member
Hi there,
I received my double lung transplant at UCSD & consider it the BEST facility in the WORLD. I was never treated as a number and really understand Transplantation with people that have Cystic Fibrosis. The Transplant Team is FANTASTIC and very professional. They understand our CF situation, concerns & special needs.
I am 4 years out from a tx on 9/20/03 and I am preparing for my FOURTH MARATHON next month.

After my tx, only 5 months later was I able to bike the Los Angeles Marathon and was back playing hockey. I continue to play hockey 3 to 4 times a week and have never been happier or healthier for my wife of 14 years and my 10 yr old daughter.

Please feel free to email me at scotgab1@sbcglobal.net , if you have any questions or concerns about UCSD or Transplant in general.

I am always available to answer anyones questions.

God Bless You,
 
L

Lungboy911

New member
Hi there,
I received my double lung transplant at UCSD & consider it the BEST facility in the WORLD. I was never treated as a number and really understand Transplantation with people that have Cystic Fibrosis. The Transplant Team is FANTASTIC and very professional. They understand our CF situation, concerns & special needs.
I am 4 years out from a tx on 9/20/03 and I am preparing for my FOURTH MARATHON next month.

After my tx, only 5 months later was I able to bike the Los Angeles Marathon and was back playing hockey. I continue to play hockey 3 to 4 times a week and have never been happier or healthier for my wife of 14 years and my 10 yr old daughter.

Please feel free to email me at scotgab1@sbcglobal.net , if you have any questions or concerns about UCSD or Transplant in general.

I am always available to answer anyones questions.

God Bless You,
 
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