Before transplantation
Various diseases can lead to final organ failure (e.g. ischaemic heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, arterial pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic liver disease, kidney disease, rarer autoimmune and other diseases…). People of all ages can fall ill and affected, including children, adolescents and young adults. The condition of final organ failure can develop over many years, or even decades. In this case, transplant treatment is to be expected, if other therapies and types of treatment are no longer effective.
However, sudden, acute organ failure may occur. In this case, urgent treatment is required, especially for lung and liver failure, as there is no other treatment option.
For such a medically demanding procedure, the person must be in a suitable medical and psychological condition. Several examinations must be carried out before the procedure, including a psychological assessment. Some people wait for the operation at home, others in hospital, depending on the degree of advanced organ failure.
Feelings of anxiety and despair are to be expected when waiting for the suitable organ. It is important that everyone finds their own way to approach the treatment in a positive and optimistic way (support from relatives, friends, reading, meditation, socialising with patients in the hospital room…). The patient’s positive attitude has a stimulating effect on the treatment results.
All organ transplants are performed at UMC Ljubljana, where the doctors are highly qualified and trustworthy. They explain all procedures before, during and after the operation. Special protocols and preparations apply to the transplantation of an individual organ. Before the procedure, the patient must sign a declaration that he or she agrees to the treatment (the so-called informed consent).
After transplantation
In Slovenia, we have excellent results in post-transplantation treatment. Doctors pay close attention to the quality and suitability of the organ for a particular patient before transplantation.
When the body accepts new organ and the condition stabilises, the person can lead a normal life, but with certain rules. It is necessary to lead a health-conscious life, have regular medical check-ups, strictly follow the instructions of the treating specialists and take lifelong immunosuppressive therapy. Co-operation between patients and doctors is the key to successful treatment.
Many return to their (demanding, leading) professions and are active in various fields. The aim of the treatment is to enable the person to lead as active and high-quality a life as possible after the transplantation. There are many good and positive experiences. Complications, including organ rejection, are rare. A person may need more than one transplantation in the course of their life.
Psychological support
After an acute health crisis and a transplantation, questions about the unknown donor may arise and the recipient will be confronted with various new, unfamiliar feelings and emotions, fear and uncertainty. This is completely normal. If a person does not know how to cope with the new feelings, if they are caught up in a labyrinth of dark thoughts, feelings of guilt and great uncertainty, we recommend professional psychological help. With a few consultations and conversations, the mental state can improve significantly or completely. Talk openly about your feelings with your doctor, who will refer you to a clinical psychologist.
Letter of thanks to an unknown donor
All donation and transplantation procedures are anonymous. Slovenia-transplant is not allowed to disclose information about donors to recipients. If the recipient wishes, they can write a letter of thanks to the family of the deceased unknown donor. The letter must be sent to Slovenia-transplant and we will forward it (translated if necessary) to the family of the deceased donor. The relatives can reply to the letter if they wish.
First-hand experience
People with experience describe their feelings before and after the transplantation most vividly and directly. Watch short videos answering questions about the experience of diagnosis, the moment you receive a call about the matching organ, dealing with anxiety, coping strategies, support mechanisms, experiences with medical care and staff. The messages are encouraging and uplifting.
Patient associations
We recommend that you join the association that suits you best. Associations are very supportive, they organise events, outings, sporting events and competitions, referrals, education, professional and lay advice. Socialising and talking to people who have had similar experiences, perhaps even with the same disease, helps and empowers.
List of associations: