Lung
Transplant Survivor Writes Patient Guide
Karen
Couture, diagnosed with a rare lung disease called lymphangioleiomyomatosis
at the age of 32, was the recipient of a double-lung transplant
in 1996. In response to her struggle to find answers to the many
questions she had about her condition, Couture published a handbook
with the information that was key to her survival.
“If
I had left the decision-making to my doctors, I would certainly
be dead now,” says Couture. “Hopefully, the publication of this
book will save the lives of many others.”
With charts, diagrams and illustrations, her book, The Lung
Transplantation Handbook, covers everything from the physiology
of human lungs, to financing your operation, to medicine and lifestyle
changes. The book also provides a resource section with a glossary
and an appendix of all the lung transplant centers in the United
States.
Scattered throughout the book are short stories and quotes from
patients who have gone through the process. “Some of the best
information comes from patients. They will tell you like it is,
unlike doctors, who will only tell you what they think you should
know,” says Couture.
Education Update, Inc., P.O. Box 20005, New York, NY 10001. Tel:
(212) 481-5519. Fax: (212) 481-3919. Email: ednews1@aol.com.
All material is copyrighted and may not be printed without express consent of
the publisher. © 2001.
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