Transcript Managing the pyschological impact of a transplant

MANAGING THE PSYCHOLOGICAL
IMPACT OF A TRANSPLANT
Chiara De Biase
Head of Patient Experience
Anthony Nolan
Introduction
• Looking back
• The stages of transplant
• Managing your feelings
• Managing those around you
• Moving forwards
Let’s step back a moment….
• Do you remember the moment when everything
changed?
Now look around you
• The person beside you
• The other people in the room
• That same uncertain road travelled
• Message of this session…
Before a transplant
• But I’m well!
• I won’t see my ….. for
weeks
• What if it doesn’t
work?
• How poorly will I be?
• What’s the point?
• I can’t afford the time
off
• Am I strong enough
for this?
During a transplant
• Isolation
• Sleep deprivation
• Medications
• Waiting
• Loss of control
• More waiting…
After a transplant
• Relief
• Will I get GvHD?
• More frustration and
waiting
• I need to get back to
work
• Has it worked?
• I can’t concentrate
• Will it continue to
work?
• I don’t feel very
sociable
Why it’s ok to feel sad
• You’ve suffered a great loss / disappointment
• Loss of
–
–
–
–
health
independence
job
social life
• Uncertainty breeds anxiety
Pressure to be positive
• Pretending to be ok is exhausting
• Maybe others are struggling to cope
• Pretending ends up pushing you apart
To talk or not to talk
• What works for you?
• Don’t be afraid to ask
for time or space
• Try an explain how
you feel
Impact on friends and family
• “recovery at home is a family experience”
• Just before and three months after
• Impact of the recovery on their own lives and
needs
• Strong relationships are adaptable
• Positive growth…
What helps?
Exercise
Healthy diet
Stop
smoking
Help others/
volunteer
Healthy
weight
Be creative
Relaxation
Where to get further help
• Friends and family
• Your GP
• Your CNS
• Formal help
• Support Groups
• Anthony Nolan Patient Team
• Anthony Nolan Online Community
Finally
• A reminder of where you’ve been
• Where are you now?
• Where will you be next?
• Basic toolkit
• Acknowledge the magnitude and be kind…
Question Time