DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – Michael Young of Grand Prairie never set out to make medical history. The 59-year-old simply made it a point to take care of himself, follow his doctors' orders and diligently adhere to his medication.
In June, Young will become one of a small group of lung transplant patients who have survives 20 years past their surgery.
"I think it's because I walked a lot when I first got the transplant," said Young. "I still walk. I've done everything the doctors told me and I tried to keep a real positive attitude."
Young received a new right lung in June of 1992, after being diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Doctors made the diagnosis at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas.
It wasn't that Young didn't think he was sick, up until his diagnosis his family doctor thought Young was suffering from pneumonia. When he didn't recover from his symptoms, Young was referred to a pulmonologist.
Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center performed the single-lung transplant.
Since the procedure Young said, "I've enjoyed life a lot more since the transplant. Things aren't as important as everyday living."
Dr. Michael DiMaio, Associate Professor and Director of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Research at UTSW, explained why patients who receive donated hearts, kidneys and livers typically live longer than lung transplant patients.
Read more: http://www.cbs19.tv/story/17527086/north-texas-lung-transplant-patient-making-history
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