Once transferred to a regular room, recovery begins. You and your support person must begin to learn new medications and how to take care of your wound. Your support person must be present for most of the day, but can return to the hotel at night. Most patients who have an uncomplicated hospital course may be discharged from the hospital 5-10 days after surgery. If you live more than an hour away from Nashville, you will need to stay in a local hotel for 2-3 weeks after release from the hospital. You will be required to have blood drawn several times a week and see a surgeon in clinic once or twice a week during the first few weeks after transplant.

Good and bad days

Your recovery time will be mixed with good and bad days. This is to be expected. Keep in mind that no two people recover the same way. So, although talking with other patients and families may be helpful, it can also be confusing. If you have concerns about how you are doing, ask the nurse or your doctor. Ask questions, even if they do not seem important. Read more...

It is helpful for you to recognize the emotions you might face as the weeks and months go by. First, you may undergo a grieving process as you adjust to the fact you have "lost" an old way of life. Although everyone reacts differently, it may take up to a year to feel like your old self. During that time it is normal to feel angry at times. It is also normal to be sad at times. Expect yourself to go back and forth between these feelings. However, if you feel like you have been mad or sad for a while, you should call the transplant social worker. Read more...

How others treat you

How you think of yourself as a person and how you think other people view you is important. There might be a period of trial and error as your support person learns that supporting you in taking your medicines, doing exercise and following a correct diet is important. However, it does not mean doing everything for you or treating you like a child. This should be a time of sharing and becoming closer to family and friends. Remember that it is possible to have a support person and still be independent. Read more...