Going through a transplant can change a person in many ways. Give yourself time to deal with the emotional impact of the transplant. Recovery is more than a physical process. It also requires a mental shift from seeing yourself as sick to seeing yourself as healthy.
Some people cannot stop thinking about their illness and treatment. The memories make them feel vulnerable or depressed. Some people have second thoughts about the decisions they've made. Others are burdened by fears of relapse. If you have any worries that upset your life or cause you to have trouble sleeping, consider speaking to a professional therapist or to members of a support group. They can help you work through your concerns. The important thing is to find a coping method that works best for you.
Physical and emotional stress can impact your sexual health. It is common for illness and fatigue to negatively impact both sexual drive and function. Patience and open communication can help you and your partner talk about changes and work toward solutions.
Self-help books, tapes, and videos can also help you relax. Relaxation techniques, prayer, meditation and journaling can all be effective tools for dealing with stress, coping with fears and other emotional problems. Continue to explore and practice new strategies that appeal to you.
Overcoming fear
Even after you have beaten your disease physically, you might still be dealing with it emotionally. Many people worry that their disease will return; this feeling might never go away completely. Some days the fear may be manageable, almost forgotten, and other days it might seem overwhelming. There are ways to cope.
Stay informed
The more you understand about your disease and recovery, the greater your sense of control. Logic cannot control emotions completely, but knowledge can help calm irrational fears. Understanding your resources and having an emergency action plan can help quiet nagging worries about "what if."