10 Must-Know Hospital Stay Facts
For someone who has never stayed in the hospital, some things may be a little confusing. Today I’m going to share with you 10 must-know facts to help you navigate your next hospital stay. In the years I’ve been volunteering at the hospital or had family and friends admitted, many questions have come up about […]
Transplant Rejection
Rejection is one of the first things people ask me about when going through transplant evaluation. The thought of organ rejection is scary and, even though that fear decreases as time passes, it never really goes away. Let’s take a look at what rejection is and how it’s treated. What Is It? Your […]
What Someone Exactly Like You Should Do
Going through something medical brings out unsolicited advice in droves, doesn’t it? The sentences all seem to start the same way, “I knew someone exactly like you.” Or, “My friend’s, cousin’s, neighbor’s, nephew-in-law went through the exact same thing.” Then goes their version of your “exact” story followed by, “What you should do is…fill in […]
So, What Do You Do? Purpose Through Passion
Anyone who has ever attended a social event ever in the history of, you know…ever, has been asked, “So what do you do?” This question has the appearance of a run-of-the-mill conversation starter. But in actuality, it’s a means for the person to size you up and decide where you fit in their social structure. […]
The Benefits of Giving Back
Giving back after receiving and transplant can have massive benefits in your life. You had to walk the tightrope that is the transplant wait list and fought for your life along the way. Now, you’re living life (albeit a changed one) thanks to the most generous gift a person could receive. So how can you […]
How to Write to Your Donor’s Family
We can all agree that there are no words to describe how grateful we are for our second chance at life. So how can you sit down and write to your donor’s family to express that gratitude? This person made a decision that saved your life! What could you say that would even come close […]
Social Media Advantages and Pitfalls
Social media has changed how we view our relationships with others in many ways. There are so many advantages and pitfalls of social media. Particularly as a transplant patient. When your life isn’t “normal”, the constant sparkly posts inundating our feeds can be disheartening. Even downright depressing. But it’s not without its advantages too. Updates […]
How to Survive Entertaining for the Holidays (or Anytime)
The holidays can be one of the most trying times of the year. As a transplant recipient, learning how to survive entertaining can make or break your holidays. I’ve got some tips for you, so let’s dive in! This year, the pandemic has us all celebrating in different ways. Instead of gathering around a table […]
Invisible Illness – 5 Quick Tips to Cope
Both before and after a transplant there can be struggles of invisible illness. Fatigue, shortness of breath, and edema are a few examples of challenges transplant patients may experience. So how do we get through it all? I’ve got five tips to help you cope. What Is Invisible Illness? Any illness that can’t […]
How to Deal With Pharmacy Errors
Transplant patients take medications every day to stay alive. Today I’m going to share a story about how to deal with pharmacy errors so that you get your vital medications. Mr. Graft Diaries has pretty dang good medical coverage through his employer. But, like most medical coverage, there are some hoops to jump through. […]
