Expectations After Organ Transplantation
While good health can seem like a miracle after years of illness, transplant surgery is not a cure for everything. Financial problems do not disappear after surgery, nor do addictions or marital problems.
Transplant surgery is a cure for some patients, but unrealistic expectations can leave a recipient feeling depressed and overwhelmed. A healthy organ does not cause immunity to the normal problems that people face every day; it provides a chance to face the challenges of life as a healthy person.
Physical Changes After an Organ Transplant
There are physical changes that transplant patients face after surgery that go beyond the immediate recovery period. Many patients find themselves dealing with weight gain and fluid retention, a normal reaction to the anti-rejection medications necessary after transplant.
Along with a rounder face, these meds can cause mood swings and emotional changes that are difficult to predict and harder to deal with. The symptoms typically diminish once the proper dosage is determined, but being aware that this is a normal part of therapy helps patients tolerate the effects in the short term.
Support Groups & Volunteerism After Organ Transplantation
Because of the unique nature of transplantation, many patients are drawn to others in the same circumstances. Support groups are an excellent way to find others who have had the same experiences and challenges that are unique to organ recipients. Groups are available nationally, with online meetings and groups local to transplant centers for adults and pediatric patients.
There are also websites devoted to the transplant community, allowing patients and families to discuss all aspects of donation and transplantation.
Many families of recipients and donors find volunteering for organ procurement organizations and transplant services to be rewarding and an excellent way to stay involved in the transplant community.
The added benefit of volunteering is that most volunteers have a personal connection to transplantation and are happy to share their experiences. There are volunteer groups for mothers of donors, for families of recipients and a variety of other people affected by donation.
More Information: All About Organ Transplants
References Green A, McSweeney J, Ainley K, Bryant J. In my shoes: children's quality of life after heart transplantation. Progressive Transplantation 2007 Sep;17(3):199-207 Helping Your Child Adjust Post-Transplant. The United Network For Organ Sharing. 2008. http://www.transplantliving.org/pediatric/adjust.aspx
Staying Healthy With Your New Transplant. The United Network For Organ Sharing. February 8, 2008. http://www.transplantliving.org/afterthetransplant/stayinghealthy/stayinghealthy.aspx
