How to cope with your emotions
The kidney transplant journey can be a stressful process that presents challenges at various stages. Some of the stressors include the following:
Pre-transplant stressors:
Confronting this life-threatening disease
Knowledge of the discrepancy between needing a transplant and availability of organs
Disease progression and reduction in functional capacity whilst on the waiting list
Changes in personal and work roles with increasing dependency on others
Financial considerations
Post-transplant stressors:
Stressful ICU environment and medication, which can result in severe disorientation and depersonalisation
Post ICU fears regarding outcomes and graft (transplanted organ) dysfunction
Long-term adjustment to immunosuppressant medication
Ongoing worry about rejection and infections
Adjustment to changes in lifestyles and roles
Re-entering the work environment
Financial stress
Pre and post-transplant stressors put you at risk for:
Anxiety
Depression
Post-traumatic stress
Adjustment disorder
As much as you focus on your physical health and wellbeing, you also need to focus and monitor your mental wellbeing.
Should you experience any of the above psychological problems, seek help immediately.
