Quote:
Originally Posted by sbk007
I can relate, as I'm in the same boat. No family, no friends close by, etc. & they want me to get an SCT. Yet a typical example of the misconception that everyone has family and friends to support them thru a transplant is right smack on the bethematch website. If you read "Caregiver" which is a prerequisite to qualify for the transplant, its assumed it will be a family or some huge network of friends and family, and neighbors. There's no "If you don't have family, neighbors and friends" then do this pathway. Your not alone. Good Luck, and I hope it all works out for you.
|
I see your point. The Be The Match
What to Think about When Selecting a Caregiver page talks about either having one family member or close friend be your caregiver or having
multiple family members or close friends share the responsibility.
What if you have none of those choices? You could talk to a social worker at the treatment center and perhaps learn of resources in your area. Perhaps they have a system of volunteers to help transplant patients. You aren't the first one to face this problem.
Perhaps there are some useful ideas on the Be the Match
Role of the Transplant Caregiver page, where they talk about organizing a support team and give links to websites for that topic. You still need to find people to help, but perhaps they could be less-close acquaintances like neighbors or coworkers or community volunteers who each help a little.
Having no caregivers can interfere with your chance of success, so it's worth considering any approach that might work.
If anyone learns more about the choices for transplant patients without an obvious caregiver, please post about it.