General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I can't believe this: To get on Heart Transplant list, one needs to be nicotine free 6 months. [View all]ismnotwasm
(41,971 posts)Look at it this way; there are for more people in need than there are organs. The criteria is designed for survivability. It's not perfect--for instance, people with substance abuse or alcohol abuse problems need to be sober for six months before being listed-- is that too much time or not enough?
I have seen exceptions made when people are running out of time.
Nicotine is an ugly drug that adversely affects a number of systems. This can't be overstated. That being said there is more to being listed that being drug free.
One of the primary criteria is good social support, a record of medical compliance, Health insurance of some sort--Medicare covers transplants---I'm sure this young lady was told to quit smoking, and I suspect there is more to the story, because part of the work up process is a psychological evaluation.
Another option, but unfortunately only for those who can afford it is check into different transplant centers. Some will accept a candidate another will reject.
And, transplant meds are many and complicated and expensive, you have to fully understand what you're taking, or at least understand who to ask.