What Every Patient Needs to Know - UMC

Preparing for Your TransplantSection 2• Financial arrangements. Make financial andinsurance plans or take leave from work orother duties.• Manage expectations. To avoid questionsand stress later, find out the hospital’s visitinghours, limits on visitation, storage, parking,hygiene requirements, and cafeteria hours.• Saying no. Being a caregiver is a greatreason to cut back on other responsibilitiesand de-stress your life. You have enough onyour plate.A transplant is a life-saving gift for both therecipient and the caregiver. It is what you havehoped for during the long wait and time ofillness. Transplant is not only life-saving; it islife-altering.A transplant will help the patient become moreindependent so he can return to work and otheractivities. For the caregiver, transplant may meana big change in roles. This can bring on feelingsof sadness, resentment, and stress. All of this isperfectly normal and can be resolved with opencommunication and a little adjustment time.If more is required, talk to your transplant socialworker about counseling and support groups.I’m readyfor the rightlungs at theright time.– Lung candidateReceiving “The Call”Answer your phone at all times of day and night,especially if it’s from the hospital. If they call totell you that an organ is available, you will likelyhave to stop eating and drinking to get ready forsurgery. You may wish to shower or bathe. Youmay be asked whether you have a cold, cough,fever, or other infection. Your doctor will explainwhich medications and treatments to stopor continue.You will be asked to go to the hospital withina certain window of time. Plan ahead and havedirections to the hospital handy, and find outwhere to park. Ask where your caregiver will stayduring the surgery. Bring the bag you packedand your insurance card. Your caregiver shouldalso bring his or her packed bag. When youarrive at the hospital, be ready for medical testsand possibly a long wait for surgery.You may feel a surge of adrenalin, excitement,eagerness, a peaceful state of readiness, or asense of dread, shock, and disbelief. You mayalso feel sadness for the family who lost someoneat the same moment you are thrilled to receivethe gift of life. All of these feelings are normal.After receiving the call, contact your supportperson to make sure he or she can be with you.Your support person can help you contact otherclose family or friends and take care of children,pets, and other matters such as paying bills.18