Supporting a Heart Transplant Patient

Imagine the trauma of learning that your heart is going to be removed from your chest and someone else's is going to try to take its place...AND that your own body is going to try to reject it.  Scary can't begin to describe it.

Now imagine that you are the advocate for that patient. What is required?

Quick Answer: Staying Power!

Every good advocate knows there are fundamental needs to assist the patient

*  A Patient Notebook

* A complete and thorough Medicine List (including OTC & Supplements)

* Ability to drill down on medical discussion and ask appropriate questions

* Compassion and empathy

* Physical skills to aid with dressing, bathroom and general living.

With a heart transplant patient this is going to be protracted engagement. It is normal to attend pre-transplant appointments — which may take months, or yes, years.

So with ten years of pre-transplant support and gathering data and now 25 years post-transplant care. I can honestly say I learned a thing or two. I am happy to share the hard-won wisdom here...just ask your questions and let's keep the conversation going.

You can also check out my book «Surviving the Hospital — Six Secrets Every Patient Should Know» which makes an excellent gift to patients facing a hospitalization to wrap their mind about some of the patient responsibilities in the process.

My mantra is that prepared patients achieve better results. If I can help a fellow advocate better prepare the patient for the journey — that is what I am here to do.

Val Barschaw, Author/Advocate/Hospital Hero  :)