Holidays: Celebration or Challenge for Transplant Families

Transplant Recipients _I want to bring this discussion to your attention because it contains a wealth of helpful tips by transplant patients which can help you and your loved ones enjoy the Holiday celebrations -
Holiday celebrations and festivities can be a challenge for transplant patients and their families. The twinkling lights and music are everywhere enticing us to get out to shop and celebrate. Soon, we will be receiving invitations to family and social gatherings with all of the special foods and beverages. It is no wonder that some of us approach the holidays with trepidation about a season that is supposed to bring joy and cheer.

What are your plans?
Are a new transplant recipient - What questions do you have about celebrating the Holidays with family and friends?
Are an experienced transplant recipient - How will you navigate the Holidays?

Merry Christmas 🎁 during this holiday my 94 year old mother has a event at her house she has 27 grandchildren which half of them are usually sick but the parents still bring them so all together around 40 people in a small living room and my choice for my health is I stay home unfortunately, last Christmas I was in ICU for a few days and I visited my mom after Christmas and discovered she was deathly sick from her party and immediately taken to the hospital, see I was right, couldn’t watch her because I was recovering from a major surgery from a hernia repair more fun . I d say if you have a small family your good mine is very large 38 stockings on the mantle. Again Merry Christmas and stay safe

@rosemarya One advice I can offer is remember about germs and Buffets. Typically in large groups its like a buffet as bowls get passed around. I recommend asking the host to put a plate aside with the items you want ahead of time and then grab it as everyone else sits down to eat. Helps keep those little hands that ultimately get into the food as its passed around. At first it bothered me to ask but after I explained it has become the standard that I'm asked what I want first.

@pgruetz
I'm sure that was a difficult decision for you to decline the holiday event at your mother's home. For us transplant recipients, it is something that we learn to do. We learn to be selective because we understand the consequences connected with getting sick.

I'm ready to celebrate my 16th Christmas with my Liver/Kidney transplant. I remain vigilant, and like you, have declined invitations that I really would have enjoyed attending. However, I am healthy and happy to be alive, even with our smaller events!

Today I'm preparing some special recipes for Christmas with my husband one of our sons. And tomorrow we will attend Mass together. I usually have a special seat near the piano/organ and away from the congregation, however I'm taking some time off and not playing my violin. I will sit with my guys in a regular pew. I am a bit nervous because of the Christmas crowd, but I will wear my mask, choose a seat on the aisle, and be ready to move to a space in a doorway if I feel the need.

I hope that you enjoy a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year!

@pgruetz
I'm sure that was a difficult decision for you to decline the holiday event at your mother's home. For us transplant recipients, it is something that we learn to do. We learn to be selective because we understand the consequences connected with getting sick.

I'm ready to celebrate my 16th Christmas with my Liver/Kidney transplant. I remain vigilant, and like you, have declined invitations that I really would have enjoyed attending. However, I am healthy and happy to be alive, even with our smaller events!

Today I'm preparing some special recipes for Christmas with my husband one of our sons. And tomorrow we will attend Mass together. I usually have a special seat near the piano/organ and away from the congregation, however I'm taking some time off and not playing my violin. I will sit with my guys in a regular pew. I am a bit nervous because of the Christmas crowd, but I will wear my mask, choose a seat on the aisle, and be ready to move to a space in a doorway if I feel the need.

I hope that you enjoy a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year!