Am I Sick

When you first feel unwell you will normally go and see your GP, who will give you a thorough medical examination and will discuss with you any problems you may have. Your GP may send you for some tests and if he can see more major problems, refer you to a Cardiology or Respiratory specialist.

After further examinations, and tests by your specialist, it may be suggested that you be referred to the specialists at a Heart or Lung transplant program

Normally, your first contact with the Alfred Hospital Transplant Program will be an appointment with a Cardiologist or Respiratory Physician working with the Program.  The doctor will take a medical history, conduct a physical examination, discuss with you what is involved in having a heart or lung transplant, and answer any questions you may have.

This is your opportunity to find out what is involved so that you can make an informed decision as to whether you wish to proceed with the formal assessment process.  The timing of an assessment for transplant takes into account whether a patient is sick enough, but also quality of life is important.  This is an individual decision. What also must be considered is the difficulty in finding suitable donor organs, taking into account your blood group, size and other matching factors. The patient and the medical team, together, must reach a decision about when to proceed to assessment.

At this stage you are not on an official waiting list for a transplant, as there are still many steps to be taken before you reach that stage.