Why not take the plunge?

Since a bi-lateral, double lung transplant  is the "cure" for cystic fibrosis many have asked how come I don't just go ahead and get this procedure done.  There are plenty of times when my sentiments are the same.  I'm tired of being in limbo, struggling to maintain my health only to have infection drag me down again.  Enough already, out with the old, in with the new, let's get on with the next chapter in this book of my life.

Like most problems in life the answer of transplant is not simple.  The variable and complexities are many but can be narrowed down to a prime directive that dictate who gets lungs and when:  The doctors' priority is to keep you alive, so simply put, when you can live longer with transplant then without then they are ready to give you new organs.  Statistically speaking, the average lung recipient lives five years after transplant.  Ugh, the harshness of math, cold and calculating yet conveniently clear and comfortably measurable;  the language of science is black and white.  Other considerations for transplant such as quality of life, cost of care and the psychological/emotional impact of chronic illness are left to drown in the murky,  muddy waters of  feelings, beliefs and ethical dilemmas.