Transplant Support Group in Rochester?

@2gallonhabit, since March 2020 in-person support groups have moved online to Mayo Clinic Connect here and monthly meetings on Zoom.

See all monthly Zoom support groups here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/events/

I will look into an update on the Rochester support group to see if there is any further update.

Thanks@colleenyoung ! It doesn't look like there are any online kidney events planned. Thanks so much for checking into Rochester groups!

@2gallonhabit, as suspected, the in-person meeting is now a Zoom meeting on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:30pm Central time. Please reach out to your social worker via the patient portal to get further information and the details for joining the Zoom meeting.

@2gallonhabit, I hope you be able to join the Zoom meeting on Tuesday.

I didn't see the reply until the mtg was over this week but am def putting it on the calendar for next week!

Hi all. Mayo gave me the following info re: Virtual support groups for Transplant Recipients, as well as for their Caregivers. I went to the Transplant Recipients group yesterday and the loose topic was Self Esteem and Body Image after Transplant. This is the direct link to info/registration: https://giftoflifehowieshouse.org/upcoming-support-groups/

@2gallonhabit, Self Esteem and Body Image sounds like a very good topic! What did you learn that you think is helpful for other transplant recipients?

Since you are in Rochester, Do you know if there are support groups on location on the Mayo Campus or thru the Gift of Life House in Rochester ( https://gift-of-life.org/ ) since Covid? I think that there were some in the past.

I look forward to hearing from you as you continue your recovery!

Hi @rosemarya. Word is that while other transplant groups have resumed in-person support groups, the kidney group has not been restarted post-Covid. I meet w a social worker later today so will confirrm/find out when/where the other groups meet.

The conversation expanded from the initial topics (& unfortunately I missed the first half) so by the time I joined they were talking about survivors guilt (i.e. the conflict between being happy for the transplant yet realizing someone died to give you the gift).

I shared a conversation I had with a couple I met in the Gonda subway. They lost their 20 year old grandson over a year ago. He had made the decision to donate. While, yes, there was sadness about his death there was also pride knowing that he decided to help others once he had passed. He lives on because of his decision. So if you struggle with contacting the donor's family because of the grief they may be feeling, don't forget that they may also admire their loved one for helping others to have a second chance at life.

Vicki, I am so happy that you were to able share a conversation with this couple. I know that you were able to speak to them as only a recipient can, just as they spoke as only a donor family can.
I think that you were meant to be there. Those parents will remember your loving message forever❤️