Patients who are waiting for (or have received) a transplant can have many different feelings.
Managing a chronic illness is hard. Patients often struggle with mood, irritability, depression, guilt, strong reactions to difficult situations, anxiety, and dependence on others.
Some patients struggle with body image, pain, discomfort, loss of independence or autonomy, loss of privacy, and financial stress. Many patients feel anxiety about not knowing when they will receive a transplant, having to live in a hotel or another place away from home, and leaving the hospital after surgery.
After transplant surgery, patients might worry about their body rejecting the organ, infection, and money. Also, some medications can cause irritability, changes in mood, and even anger. Ask the transplant team if you are worried about a medication side effect.
You might be confused about the patient’s emotional reactions or not know how to respond. Try to remember that these are common feelings patients have as they cope with needing, waiting for, receiving, and recovering from a transplant. Watch for mental health changes in the transplant patient. Tell the transplant team if you are worried about the patient.
Remember that you also must take care of yourself and your own mental health. Being a caregiver is stressful. Ask the transplant team about support for patients and caregivers.
Advertisements & Sponsors
