The transplant journey can be complex — both physiologically and psychologically.
Having this procedure performed without a blood transfusion requires the same support as any other transplant. As a care partner, you’ll play a vital role before, during, and after surgery to ensure optimal bloodless transplant recovery.
Here’s how to support a loved one during bloodless surgery, and what care partner responsibilities after transplant will help in the healing process.
What Is a Bloodless Transplant?
A bloodless transplant is a procedure that doesn’t require a blood transfusion. During surgery, the team works to minimize blood loss and avoid the need for a transfusion.
This advanced surgery allows UPMC to provide a transplant while meeting the needs of people unable to accept blood transfusions for religious, ethical, or blood safety concerns.
This process has similar principles to patient blood management, a process that helps manage and preserve a person’s blood.
What does a transplant care partner do?
A care partner is a person who is invested in your physical, mental, and emotional well-being and has the capacity to participate in your transplant journey.
Care partners are an essential part of the transplant journey. If you are preparing for a bloodless transplant, it’s crucial that you know the responsibilities of a transplant care partner so you can find the right person for the job.
What are the responsibilities of a transplant care partner?
Before your transplant, your transplant care partner will need to:
- Accompany you to all scheduled appointments during the weeklong transplant evaluation.
- Meet with the transplant team to understand the transplant process.
- Participate in the pre-transplant education class.
For a bloodless transplant at UPMC, you and your care partner will also meet with the UPMC Patient Blood Management team. Patient blood management is a patient-oriented approach to avoiding unnecessary blood transfusions.
After your discharge from the hospital and for two to three months afterward, your transplant care partner will need to:
- Be near you 24 hours a day.
- Help with daily chores, activities, and medications.
- Monitor your recovery and notify the transplant team at UPMC if you have any complications.
- Remain within an hour driving distance of UPMC.
How to support a loved one during bloodless surgery
As a care partner, it’s important to be an advocate for your loved one in every step of the process. Support not only includes making sure they show up for appointments and get the rest they need. It also means providing emotional support both before and after surgery.
Many patients receiving a bloodless transplant will have executed a Durable Power of Attorney document, naming a primary and secondary agent. Whether or not you are named an agent, it’s helpful to have a copy of this document as a reference to your loved one’s medical wishes.
Remember that the care partner role is a time-sensitive job. It will require knowledge and understanding of the bloodless transplant process and procedure.
How to find a care partner
If you need to find a care partner, start by asking close family members or friends. Be sure to tell them your story and why you need this help. But also inform them of the expectations of being a transplant caregiver.
You can also have a team of care partners if the care process is too much to ask of one person. That could include asking relatives, close friends, or even a neighbour to step in.
Your transplant care team may also be able to provide you with resources to help you on-board a care partner.
If your care partner changes during the transplant process, you should immediately inform your transplant care team.
Supporting your bloodless surgery recovery
A care partner is essential for any transplant surgery. A bloodless transplant is not different. With the right care team in place, they can support your bloodless surgery recovery, making sure you get the care you need before and after.
For more information about UPMC’s bloodless medicine and surgery services, please visit Center for Bloodless Medicine & Surgery | UPMC | PA