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@rosemarya

Hi, @shepn7. If you lived near me, I would invite you over and we would sit in my backyard swing and share conversation while sipping on some iced tea. However, since that is not possible, I would like to suggest that you not be hard on yourself. Grief is an individual response and the time to let go of it is as varied as is the suggestions that you have been offered here.

I am aware that all of the suggestions that you have received are related to your feelings with your liver donor. I am also aware, as you mentioned in your first post, that you have experiences the loss of 3 special people within a short span of time. You are carrying a heavy burden that is likely compounded by your body's reaction to the post transplant medications. From my experience, my emotions can get out of whack (for lack of a better term) when I am under a high level of stress. Have you considered the possibility that the timing of your transplant anniversary and the deaths of your loved ones are part of your ongoing grief?
I want to share the Loss & Grief Discussion on Connect. It is a safe place where you can meet people who have experienced loss and grief. As a member on Connect you are welcome to read and to join any conversation. Your comments and questions are welcome anytime.
-Loss and Grief: How are you doing?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/loss-and-grief-how-are-you-doing/
Shepn7, Have you discussed your grief with your transplant team? How is your physical health since transplant?

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Replies to "Hi, @shepn7. If you lived near me, I would invite you over and we would sit..."

@rosmarya I spoke to my transplant team and they gave me the info for a transplant support group over Zoom. I only went to a few sessions. Everyone was over 60 and I'm considerably younger and at a very different point in my life, so I had a really hard time relating to them. It was also very overwhelming to hear the utter nonchalance with which they spoke about their donors. Most everyone in the zoom meeting has been on dialysis multiple times and had multiple transplants. I know transplanted kidneys don't last forever, but the idea of being that sick again and having to go back on dialysis is terrifying to me. I was sick for such a long time, and waited over 4 years for a transplant---and facing the reality that I will be that sick again and have to go through the whole process multiple times in my life is jarring and disheartening.

My health has been ok, I guess? I gained a lot of weight after my transplant. Ive been trying to lose it through diet and exercise, but it has and continues to be difficult.

I'll check out the loss and grief board. Thank you for the information.