Questions about caregiving for my girlfriend for transplant at Mayo

@nick420, Hi, and Welcome to Connect. As her significant other, I would expect that you will want to be involved in as much of your girlfriend's journey as possible. As her care giver, you will be an essential part of her transplant care team. My husband was my caregiver when I got my liver and kidney transplant at Mayo Rochester in 2009. As my caregiver he knew as much as I did about my transplant as I did. The caregiver has a critical role and the transplant team at Mayo will include you in all aspects of the transplant process - pre transplant, surgery/recovery, and post transplant. Your girlfriend will have a transplant nurse who will be available to communicate with you, too.

It sounds like you are beginning this journey, so I want to share a couple of links with you.
- Transplant Discussion where members have shared their experiences and tips : Transplant Caregiver Advice: Got Tips to Share?
https//connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/transplant-caregiver-advice-got-tips-to-share/

- This Transplant Blog was created from the ideas shared by members in the Transplant Caregivers Advice: discussion.
What to Expect as a Transplant Caregiver
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/transplant/newsfeed-post/what-to-expect-as-a-transplant-caregiver/

Nick, What organ will your girlfriend be receiving? Which Mayo location will she have her transplant? Has she been evaluated for transplant yet?

Hi @nick420, I'd like to add my welcome. I added your question to the Transplants group as well here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/transplants/

As your girlfriend's caregiver, you will get plenty of support from the Mayo Clinic transplant team, including the transplant social worker. I'm sure you will have many questions along the way. They will be there for you as much as for her.

@auntieoakley just posted something that underlines how much Mayo cares for the caregiver in another discussion here https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/697723/
She wrote: "When my husband was having his transplants at Mayo, the nurses would tell me “ he will be here for a few hours, he is in good hands, go do something you enjoy.""

I think you actually said it all. You are her significant other. You are significant. 🙂

I don’t know what kind of a transplant you girlfriend is getting, but my husband had two stem cell transplants at Mayo and they were amazing. Pre-transplant they met with both of us, and explained how things would progress. Then came the binder of information and a couple classes on how to take care of his port dressings, nutritional information, etc. I was given the tools to track everything to relay calories and drink to the doctors. I was treated as an integral part of his team.
Has she been scheduled yet?

I just donated my kidney at Mayo Rochester. My son just received a kidney at Mayo Rochester. My brother was my caregiver post op and my wife was the caregiver to my son. Each donor and each recipient needs a separate caregiver at Mayo. It worked out well for all of us.

God bless all of you for your sacrifice, healing and for a great future together.

I cannot but think you are all SuperHeros! That being said, you may have a long road ahead. Do not give up, there is a light at the end of the tunnel! Initially, juggling meds, sleep and nutrition are mind boggling,then it evens out. Please, please, caregivers, make time for yourselves so you can give it back to your people. Best wishes to you all.