Dealing With Pretransplant Stress

Waiting for a transplant can trigger a patient's feelings of stress and anxiety. To help manage stress, the patient should:

• eat right, take prescribed medications, and follow a daily exercise program. The transplant team will create a plan based on his medical needs.

• keep up with studies, work, and leisure activities, to the best of his abilities. The patient shouldn't have to put everything on hold.

• share his feelings if he feels depressed or uneasy. The transplant team can answer questions, and help alleviate fears. The social worker is more than a good listener -- he or she can put the patient in touch with a support group in the area.

• find a creative outlet, enjoying a hobby to the fullest. This will distract and help a patient relax. Or the patient could pursue a new interest - something that will absorb pent-up energy and leave positive feelings of fulfillment. The patient should ask his doctor for guidelines on these activities.

• spend time with family and friends. Good company will take a patient's mind off waiting. Laughter really is the best medicine.

• learn relaxation techniques, like reading and listening to music or relaxation tapes.