Duke Lung Transplant Friends
Lung Transplantation
A Guide for Caregivers
by
Wayne Bulla

                                             Disclaimer
This guide is in no way directly associated with DUMC, or its affiliates. It was written by a caregiver for caregivers for the sole purpose to better prepare them for this overwhelming experience.

My wife Joy and I live in the Chicago area and came to Durham in June 2007 to prepare for her bilateral lung transplant which was done on 7/1/2007. It is through that experience that I saw a significant opportunity for improved training for the caregivers. As you know, reference to caregivers in the Duke Transplant Guide is virtually non-existent and although the support groups lead by the social workers are beneficial, I felt that preparing a Caregivers Guide based upon my experience would help future caregivers. We have begun to distribute and discuss this guide in the weekly caregivers support groups and has been well received.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Helpful Hospital Hints

Potential Caregiving Tasks

Pre-discharge Training

Essential Home Supplies

Control Book Binder

Important Phone Numbers

Communications

Clinic Visits

Return Hospital Visits