The most important thing for bone marrow transplant patients to do is to find the right transplant center and enlist the help of a support person or network. A good transplant center will not only provide superior medical care, but will be comprised of a supportive and knowledgeable staff to help patients navigate the uncertainty of bone marrow transplantation and the necessary treatments which may be needed following the procedure.
It is important for bone marrow transplant patients to choose and tour their center before the procedure takes place. There are various ways to go about finding a transplant center, although most patients rely on doctor referrals or insurance requirements. The location in which a patient lives may also affect the centers he or she has to choose from.
Once a potential center has been found, bone marrow transplant patients should tour the facility and get to know some of the staff members they will be dealing with during their stay. This takes away some of the apprehension of staying in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people. It is also important for patients to enlist the help of friends or family members who can aid them with daily tasks after the procedure is over.
Bone marrow transplant patients who do not have friends or family members living close by may want to consider hiring professional help. Insurance may cover the cost of a home care nurse or aid with a doctor’s written referral or prescription. It is important that patients take things slowly while recovering from the procedure or undergoing additional treatments to combat their illnesses. This means things like housework or childcare may have to be handled by someone else.
To avoid additional stress, bone marrow transplant patients should discuss costs and payment arrangements prior to undergoing the procedure. This will prevent excessive worry over finances during treatment and recovery, since everything will already be in place. To do this, patients may need to speak with their insurance companies about coverage for the procedure itself, options which may be available during the recovery process or for additional treatments, as well as what will happen in the event of a complication.
Patients are urged to express any concerns or fears to their physicians. Having as much knowledge as possible about what will happen during the transplant as well as afterward will help alleviate fears and allow the process to go more smoothly. This confidence and peace of mind will help patients stay relaxed and recover more easily.
