Psychological

Receiving a transplant is something which many people with end stage organ disease look forward to, and yet when the transplant occurs patients describe a large variety of emotional responses.  Some of these emotions are ones which patients and families report being exactly what they expected, whilst there can be other feelings that somewhat surprise them.

These feelings can include:

• Joy, Elation, Relief or Fear

• Hope for the future

• Frustration  or Pain

• Feelings of grief for the donor family

• Guilt that a donor family is grieving when the patient and family are celebrating a new transplant

• Anxiety about accommodation, finances or work matters which might need to be attended to quickly

• Worry for the future or Excitement for the future

• Anxiety about the transplanted organ rejecting or failing altogether, either now or in the future

• Other feelings not identified in this list so far.

Feelings are normal and our way of processing our experiences and the ways we respond to things.  The type and extent of feelings experienced are sometimes an simplification of the usual feelings one has.  For example, if someone often feels :"flat" they might feel even more "flat" after the surgery.  Or is someone is more naturally exuberant or outgoing they might feel even more so foe a while after the transplant.  Also, different medications can affect your mood.

There is no such thing as "normal" feeling after the transplant.  The feeling is simply a barometer of what you are trying to process and make sense of.  Without feelings or thoughts, we would be unresponsive to anything, be unable to make judgements and would have no idea what to do next.  Feelings enable us t get in touch with what the mind is processing, help us to identify what aspects of out life and psyche need more support, and to identify which aspects of us are doing well.

Often people will say that they should not express their feelings or should try and suppress them altogether.  Many people don't want to seem "silly" or to "waste the time" of others by expressing their feelings. Sometimes people think it is a sign of weakness to express their feelings.  Whereas the expression of feeling and even asking for help is in fact a sign of strength, maturity and willingness to move on.

Feelings are normal.  What is not normal is when sad, negative, despairing, destructive, abusive or suicidal feelings dominate your thought patterns.  When there is a sense that things are just not right, it is vital that you take responsibility for obtaining help and support.

How do you go about getting help?

You can obtain help in several ways:

1. Ask your transplant unit doctor or nurse to contact one of the transplant unit social  workers or the psychiatrist.

2. Discuss your concerns with your GP, who in turn could refer you to the above mentioned social worker or psychiatrist: or who could refer you to a local private or community-based counselling service.

3. You can phone your Hospital Social Work department directly, leave your name and details: and one of the transplant unit social worker's will return your call and arrange your first appointment.

Cost of Help?

There is no cost to see a social worker or psychiatrist at a public hospital.  If you choose to see a private private practitioner, there is likely to be a cost, but you would be advised about there at the time of your appointment or when you make a bookin

by Cathy Martin, Social Worker, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Qld