You will need at least 1 support person
All transplant centers will require you to have at least 1 adult who will be your main support person during your transplant process. For many, this may be a family member, friend, or even a member of your religious group who will be a caregiver and help with information during the process.
This person may be the one who:
- Comes with you to visits
- Helps you with your medicines
- Helps with other medical conditions, if they happen
- Takes care of you after your transplant – right after the transplant you may need more help as you recover
Some transplant centers may even require you to have a second support to be backup in case your first support person is not available. You can think of them as your personal transplant champions who are rooting for you during your transplant process!
Some people have extended support members as well who can help.
You may have a patient navigator
You may ask your transplant center if they have a patient navigator. A patient navigator acts as a bridge between you and the transplant center. They can help you with any issues that keep you from getting the care you need. They may or may not have a healthcare-related background.
A patient navigator is different from a transplant coordinator. A transplant coordinator is a health care professional who coordinates the evaluation and preparation of kidney transplant candidates, treatment, and follow-up care.
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