Talking with someone who has been through the same experience can lend a unique type of support to patients during this difficult period. Transplant physicians can usually recommend a social worker who can link patients with various support groups and services. Often patients find that a professional therapist is very helpful. A therapist can provide a safe environment for the patient to express his or her anger and frustrations, and may have creative suggestions to help a patient cope with his or her stress. Transplant physicians can usually refer patients to therapists experienced in dealing with the complications of BMTs.
Patients cope with changes in appearance in different ways.
Some find it helpful to keep pictures of themselves taken before their illness on hand as a reminder that the physical changes are temporary. Others prefer to avoid reminders of their changed physical appearance al together. Because the immune system is suppressed during GVHD recovery, a patient's ability to socialize and interact with the public is limited. Face masks may be required when venturing out of the home and special care must be taken to avoid crowds, people who are ill or those who've been exposed to illness. Patients do not, however, need to feel like a prisoner in their own home.