Kidney Transplants
Coping
While hospitalized, you may experience some frustration with
the confinement. These feelings, while common, need to be
shared with your treatment team. They can provide you with
helpful information regarding your situation.
After hospitalization you may experience concern over the
possibility of rejection. This usually decreases with time
as you learn to live with yet another of life’s uncertainties.
You will notice many positive changes following your transplant.
Along with these changes, patients usually experience an increased
sense of well-being. Adapting to these changes will take a
significant amount of your time and energy. You will, however,
learn many new life skills while adapting. Needless to say,
each family member will also be affected by these changes.
As you feel better physically, you may find yourself dealing
with other issues, such as employment, family role changes,
body image and cost of medicines. Your transplant team, and
specifically your social workers, can assist you in dealing
with these concerns. They are aware of other resources and
support groups that can help you and your family to cope.
As time goes on, you will learn to manage life with your
new kidney and the changes that happened because of it. And
you will be pleased with yourself - an emotionally, mentally
and physically stronger you. |
