Counsellor with transplant patient experience

[ScruffyRosie]

My husband had successful liver transplant surgery 6 months ago. At the same time he was battling liver ill health, he lost the sight in his dominant eye due to a retinal detachment. He now has better vision in his other eye, and is hoping to be able to drive again (he has been off the road for over a year). To add to the mental stress he is under, he has just been made redundant (he is 61). We feel (he is in agreement) that some outside mental support would be helpful. Does anyone know of a counsellor (any where in UK is fine) who may be able to help please? thank you,

[AyrshireK]

Can the transplant unit not give you pointers? Either the t/p Social Worker or t/p Psychiatrist (even the co-ordinators) might be able to help with contacts.

Katie

[ScruffyRosie in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you

[Yellowsydney]

Speak to his transplant coordinators, most liver transplant centres have easy access to specialist councillors. I was sent someone to talk to whilst still in hospital after transplant because I was traumatised, having nightmares and hallucinations, although this was mostly down to oxycontin.If you use Facebook please feel free to join our friendly and knowledgeable Facebook page called 'liver transplant support uk' thousands of people that have been in your situation.

Hilary xx

[ScruffyRosie in reply to Yellowsydney]

Thank you

[Oldbits]

So sorry to hear when things had improved with the transplant. When my husband was very ill and being considered for transplant he had health anxiety, lost his mum to dementia and was also made redundant! It was the tail end of lockdown so many were still not offering services face to face. We found a lovely lady who did councelling on the phone and over the internet. She dealt with life changing illnesses amongst other things but we had to pay. It may be worth looking locally to you and checking their qualifications or asking your gp surgery if they have any recommendations. As others have suggested contacting your transplant team/coordinator aswell. She helped him come to terms with it all, hubbie said it was good to talk to someone who wasnt involved and woudnt judge.

[ScruffyRosie in reply to Oldbits]

Thank you

[Transplantboy]

You and your hubby will be going through the emotional roller coaster of starting a new life. Myself I live by myself and sometimes I wish I had a partner to share day's where I felt I was losing it,before seeking some help,which at first was private and at £80 for 30mins I wasn't working as had lost my job at 59,so now I have a wonderful mental health nurse who is very supportive to my struggle I get every other day,I am now so much stronger with the freely available support both of you can get from nhs. Money is required daily for other thing's and nhs staff are truely professional in the support that they offer. Best of health and happiness to you both ❤️

[ScruffyRosie in reply to Transplantboy]

Thank you