Social Support During the Transplant Process

Because transplant is such a complex process, most transplant centers require that candidates gather the necessary social support to help navigate the transplant process.

3 min read
Summary
  • Lung transplant can be difficult emotionally, physically, logistically, and financially.
  • People who are going through the process need many kinds of support from friends and family.

Physical, Logistical, and Emotional Support From Friends and Family

People going through the lung transplant process face many unique demands -- physical, logistical, emotional, and financial. There is a lot to learn and do, all while trying to maintain your physical health. Although your cystic fibrosis care team and your transplant team will do all they can to support you during this process, you will also need close support from your family and friends.

Transplant candidates will need help at many points during the process. Because transplant is such a complex process, most transplant centers require that candidates gather social support to help navigate the transplant process. Different transplant centers may have their own requirements. For example, you may discuss how you will get to and from medical appointments pre-transplant and during transplant recovery.

Transplant candidates may come to rely on family and friends for basic help. This could include help with the following and more:

  • Transportation to and from medical appointments
  • Help relocating close to the transplant center, if necessary
  • Household tasks like cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping
  • Medication management
  • Emotional support
  • Help talking with your transplant team and CF care team about your needs and wishes

In addition, it will be important to designate someone you trust to make medical and other important decisions for you if you become unable to do so.

During recovery from the transplant surgery, transplant recipients will be physically reliant on their social support system. You will want to make sure you choose friends and family who you trust and who are capable of providing you with the kind of support you will need. Talking with your CF care team or the transplant team may help you gather specific information about the kind of support you will need and the characteristics to look for in a support person.

There are aspects of transplantation that people don't understand unless they have been through it themselves. CF Peer Connect is a one-to-one peer support program for people with CF and their family members ages 16 and older. Connecting with a peer mentor provides an opportunity to talk with and learn from someone who is also affected by CF and has gone through similar experiences, such as lung transplant.

Other forms of social support from the CF community can be found in virtual community conferences and small-group discussions called CF Circles. These programs provide the opportunity to connect, share, and learn from peers through open and honest conversation.

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Topics
Adult Care | Lung Transplantation
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