Why Transplant Social Support Is Critical
When people go through the evaluation process, some question why social support is critical. A transplant center will tell you, “it’s required,” but why? I’ve been post-transplant for almost eight years now, and the need for social support is obvious to me. I’ve learned from volunteering at my transplant center that some find this need […]
Living Minute to Minute
When you are waiting for your transplant, things change often causing minute-to-minute living. The dynamics of transplant can be abrupt and drastic and leave you reeling in the process. Being able to adapt is something that everyone must do in their lives. But when you’re living pre-transplant, that adaptability is crucial to keeping you sane. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
5 Ways Waiting for a Transplant Is Like the Carnival
Waiting for a transplant isn’t about getting on the list and then hanging out on the couch until your call comes. I’ve discovered five ways waiting for a transplant is like the carnival and how to ride those rides like a pro. I know what you’re thinking. But Tiffany, carnivals are fun! There are rides […]
5 Helpful Tips for Setting Visitor Boundaries
When someone is sick, hospital (or even home) visitors may not always know when to visit or how long to stay. These five tips for setting visitor boundaries will help you eliminate any doubt for your visitors. Why Setting Visitor Boundaries is Necessary They’ve been there (what seems like) forever and now you’d […]
Transplant Surgery
The thought of going under the knife for your transplant surgery can send you reeling into all of the what-ifs. Knowing some of what you can expect will help alleviate some of the anxiety surrounding the surgery itself. On top of that, it will give you more confidence in a positive outcome. Once again, I […]
The Call for Transplant
The phone rings and it’s the call for your transplant! You’ve waited days, months, or even years and now it’s time. What can you expect to hear? How long do you have to get to the hospital? Every transplant is different, but I’ll cover these questions and more in today’s article. Behind the […]
Advance Directives
It is important to have advance directives in place, particularly while you are waiting for a transplant. If you are not sure what they are or how to go about getting them, I’ll walk you through all of the details. Let me first reiterate that I am not an attorney or a doctor. If you […]
