Grandkids are his whole world: How to handle after liver transplant?

Our grandkids (5) are very supportive. Some are older than yours but they get it.

@craigcraig thank you.. hearing from people is reassuring.

I can relate! I have 5 grandchildren ages 16-5 who are my world. I had a kidney transplant 11 months ago. The first few months we used video calls and lots of texts. We progressed to lots of drive-by’s. Then moving to meeting at the park on weekends. Recently, I resumed picking some of them up from school. They are great at handwashing and wearing masks. Lots of love and patience with the healing process helps a lot! 🥰

@gigi32, you ask " Just wondering how others have handled after transplant with their grandchildren?"

I hope you saw the helpful post from @vstates66 regarding how to manage your husband's being immunocompromised and still seeing and interacting with your grandchildren. That is certanly a known situation for which you can plan. I like the staggered approach over time that worked for @vstates66 and family.

I found this article about talking to children about upcoming transplant. It is related to bone marrow transplant, but easily transferrable to organ transplant too.
- Preparing Family and Friends: Helping children cope: https://bmtinfonet.org/transplant-article/preparing-family-and-friends

@gigi32, is Gigi what your grandchildren call you? Are the grandkids aware of your husband's upcoming transplant?

@colleenyoung thank you I will read that. The older kids understand what is happening. Our son has talked to them. The younger ones just know papa has to have something fixed but don’t know they won’t be seeing him for awhile.❤️

Good morning from Canada 🇨🇦
I one had my liver transplant in October 2020 right in the middle of covid. I didn't have grandchildren at that time but I was very close to my nieces. Two children. And they used to come by and do drive-bys. So they would come in sit in the driveway. My husband and I would go out. I would have my mask on and we would talk to the kids through the window and we do finger hugs or air hugs and finger touches on the glass. You know stuff like that. It feels impersonal but really it's not. It's what you make of it. And that first 6 months flies by so fast and it you do it gradually. It's like a graduated return to work program. You start with video calls! My I have a grandson now he's 1-year-old and I see him by video calls because he lives in Ottawa. He is across the country. That is so much fun. I just get to watch him be him. It's like being in the room. No I can't touch him but it's like being in the room. Then you graduate to drive-bys or you could do drive-bys and video calls. Then it's in the house and maintain the 6 m rule. Wear a mask and after 6 months as long as your grandchildren haven't had live vaccines. There should be no issue with hugs and kisses and tickles that's smooches and lovey's. ❤️❤️❤️

Hello,
I had a kidney transplant in Feb of 2020 and had a 14 yr old son still living at home (2 older kids living elsewhere). I was careful to maintain the 5 ft rule during the first few months, while my Immuno meds were at their highest. After a few months they lowered the medication, and I was able to return to teaching at my dance studio(where there are a lot of kids). It’s usually quite easy to maintain five feet. And I exhale or hold my breath when I hug:) Not sure how scientific that is, but it seems to work.

@gigi32,
Our granddaughter came to us after I had been transplanted for 3 years. And so, it was our son and daughter-in-law who were willing and able to monitor when it was safe for us to visit the baby during those early infant/toddler shots and sniffles. As she grew to a toddler, she knew all about washing hands and handcleaner which she called, "Han(d)itzer". With only one grandchild, it has been easy for us to rearrange schedules when sickness strikes.
Enjoy your new life with those beautiful grandchildren!

@rosemarya thank you rosemary.. it us true he in kart is doing this for more time with them. Everyone’s ideas have been helpful!

I had no grandchildren before my transplant in August 2024, but now have 4 grandsons ranging from 2 - 17 months. I lost 50 pounds after the operation while my body cannibalized muscle to do the internal repairs. The medicine made me feel like I was on a roller coaster. In the span of minutes my emotions would swing wildly. So the first couple months had me acting irrationally and I was not a people pleaser. The first 6 months your husband will have to really protect himself from colds and hernias while he builds strength and stamina. His body will also have to acclimate to the medicine. After that, things start to gradually feel better and better. By the end of the first year, I was starting to feel like my old self. Today, 19 months post transplant, life is good. I get on the floor and play with the sneezing, sniffling babies and haven't had any issues other than a few colds. There was a time I was apprehensive about getting sick, but my DNP gave me some tough love and great advice. She said, live your life and we will deal with whatever comes. Enjoy those kids!