“To die will be an awfully big adventure.”
— J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan
When Palliative Care Is Needed
It is confronting to realise that the transplant process may not be suitable for everyone. The transplant team may determine that for a variety of reasons, transplant may not be the best option for you.
These reasons can range from age-related comorbidities, frailty, past history of cancer or other life-threatening illnesses or infections.
It’s important to keep in mind that each case is looked at individually. Transplant doctors will explain the reasons to you and your family with care and compassion.
What Is Palliative Care??
Supportive and palliative care is important for those who are facing end-of-life decisions. It’s important to have honest conversations with your loved ones about what is best for you and your family. Discuss your quality of life and your wishes in the event that you are either not suitable for transplant or if a donor is not found in time.
Your team will put you in touch with a social worker. They will assist you to create or update your Will, an Enduring Power of Attorney, and an Advanced Health Care Directive.
“Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely.”
— Buddha
You will meet the Palliative Care Team whether you are accepted onto the list or not. They get to know you and form a relationship with you and your family. The palliative care team will be involved in managing your pain and discomfort. Throughout your journey you can rely on this amazing team to keep you informed, supported and well cared for. Have faith. Like a midwife helps us labour into this world the palliative care team assist you in passing.
Why Is Palliative Care Important?
I met the Palliative Care team early 2023 when I was told I was terminal in January. They were always available if I needed advice and I felt very supported. They arranged a social worker/counsellor to meet with our daughters.
I was hospitalised during this time to complete the heart transplant work up, listing and eventually the heart transplant. Therefore, my pain and symptoms were managed on the ward by the medical team.
A social worker and pastor often visited me during my admissions. They assisted Steve and me in initial funeral arrangements and “getting my affairs in order” as the saying goes.
There were times while I was waiting for my heart transplant that I needed to return to hospital as I was not managing my symptoms at home. When my end stage heart failure symptoms were more stable, I was able to go home intermittently. I always had the security that the palliative care and medical teams were there to catch me each time the suffering was unmanageable.
If you are at home the Palliative Care Team may work in unison with your medical team to care for you and support your needs. If you want to investigate more services perhaps visit Palliative Care Australia.
“To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.”
— J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
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Wednesday
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I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s beautiful value enough for me.
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Hi, Alexander
Thank you for reaching out and for your very kind words. They mean a lot. I am just starting out as a blogger. I will release 2 new posts each week so the blog will contain more content in time. I hope you and our W W community find support and assistance from each post as we journey through our own challenges.
Good luck to you, Alexander.
Love and light
Wednesday.