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.

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