It can be difficult to wait for a heart transplant.You need to educate yourself about the process and tend to your affairs, but also endure the time it takes until you can get a heart.It can be difficult to balance the needs of your family when you are stressed.With some time, knowledge, and good luck, you will be able to pull through this difficult time in your life.
Step 1: You should sign up for a heart transplant.
If you are eligible to be put on the national heart transplant list, your specialists and peers at the transplant center will determine.If you are a likely candidate for a successful transplant, their goal is to find out.They will place you on the list if they determine you are a good candidate.Whether you have a strong support network that will be able to provide emotional support during the transplant process and whether you are willing to take the steps to maintain your health.Have you stopped smoking for a long time?Whether your health is good enough to survive the process and the transplant.
Step 2: Take a peek at your standing on the list.
The condition of other people on the list will affect your standing.Your need is determined by the needs of others on the list.People who are the best match for a specific heart are more likely to get it.In determining where you are on the list, blood type is important.People with rare blood types are less likely to get a heart.The overall health condition is important.Doctors are hesitant to transplant a heart to someone who might not survive the surgery.There are factors that may disqualify you from being on the list.If your condition improves dramatically, you may be removed from the list.3,000 people get on the transplant list in the United States every year.There are only 2,000 hearts available each year.
Step 3: You can learn about the transplant list.
There is a list of people waiting for a heart transplant.People are taken off the list or added to it over the course of the year.4,100 people were on the list in the United States as of October.Before suitable hearts are found for them, many people die.A wide variety of medical factors determine where people are put on the list.You can't pay to move up on the list.
Step 4: Stay in contact with your doctor.
You need to stay active and up to date with your doctor so that you don't get lulled into a false sense of security.You will deprive your medical professionals of the information they need to make sure you stay healthy while you wait for a new heart.Monitor your condition through diagnostics, regular physical exams, and electronic monitoring.Stay on your medication.Staying on any medications that have helped your condition is the most important thing you can do to manage your health.It is possible that your condition could get worse without your medication.If you are moved off the transplant list, this could result in a life-threatening situation.You should keep a medical alert wristband.
Step 5: Discuss bridge procedures with your doctor.
If you wait for a heart transplant, you may be able to undergo procedures that will make it more likely that you will transfer.The strain on your heart can be alleviated with procedures such as inotropic therapy, a biventricular pacemaker, and left ventricular assist device.Discuss your options with your doctor to support your heart health while you wait.
Step 6: Good health should be maintained.
You have to take steps to maintain your health while you wait for a heart transplant.A decreasing health condition could affect your chances of getting a heart.It could put you at risk of serious illness or death.If you want to file for long-term disability or social security, consider working less.Do not engage in exercise that is not recommended by your doctors.Don't use tobacco products and alcohol.You should watch your nutrition.While waiting for a heart, your doctor may recommend a specific diet or refer you to a nutritionist.
Step 7: If necessary, seek the help of a mental health professional.
You may need the help of a mental health professional.Your condition will cause you a lot of anxiety and it may even put you into a depressed state.A mental health professional can help you deal with these problems.If you can, find a mental health professional who has dealt with people on transplant waiting lists.You should visit several counselors, psychologists, and therapists before choosing one.It is important to pick a provider who you are comfortable with.The guidance of a religious leader can also be considered.
Step 8: Stay relaxed.
Taking a variety of steps can help you stay relaxed.Your overall health may be affected by your blood pressure and stress level.Think about practicing yoga.By practicing yoga, you will be able to work on techniques that will help you breathe better, lower your blood pressure, and put yourself in a better mind frame.You can learn how to meditate.It is possible to foster a better frame of mind through meditation.By meditating, you'll be able to clear your mind.Do not engage in activities that increase your blood pressure.This could include watching sports or movies that are very tense.
Step 9: There are people in your support network.
Spending some quality time with your loved ones is the most important thing you need to do while waiting for a heart transplant.This is important for many reasons.You and your loved ones will need a lot of support during this time.During this period, rely on your friends and family for emotional support.You may feel depressed at times.Your friends and family can give you a lot of comfort.Be strong for your family, if you can.Your spouse or children may take your condition harder than you do.Offer them love.If you have small children, tell them that you will always love them, and nothing can change that.
Step 10: Don't forget to take care of living arrangements.
Making alternate living arrangements will make it easier to spend time with family.If you live far away from specialists who treat your condition, you should consider moving.Being far away from your doctors can be costly.Relocate or arrange housing in close proximity to family.The family may be able to help you in recovering from the transplant.Try to find a location where you can get treatment and be close to family.There are charities that help transplant patients find housing in close proximity to their doctors.
Step 11: A will should be made.
You should take some time to make a will.If something happens to you, having a will can save your family a lot of grief.You need to have a will no matter what.It will be beneficial to use this opportunity to make one.Contact an attorney.Discuss your estate with your partner.When creating a will, always consider the welfare of your children.If you leave funds for non-adult children, you may have to designate someone to look after them.
Step 12: Take into account your expenses.
You may want to think about your medical and funeral costs, as well as other eventualities.You can potentially save yourself and your family a lot of money by doing financial planning.You will not pass away because you are taking steps to plan your funeral.Consider your final costs, such as a plot, casket, and ceremony.Let your friends and family know what you prefer.You might have to pay for your transplant expenses if you don't do an accounting.You should investigate all sources, such as a second mortgage.Free transportation for transplant patients is provided by the Air Charity Network.