Support Groups and Counseling

[BlueDevil]

I guess it has been somewhat apparent from my posts in this area that I am having a tough time dealing with the logistics and need for a transplant.

My question: What sort of experience have you had with support groups, and are they really worth the trouble? I have access to one here, but for certain reasons I am loathe to going.

I am also giving some serious thought to seeing a therapist to help deal with some of the issues. Has anyone gone down that path?

Either way, I've got to do something, as this is truly eating away at me. I can't enjoy anything. I don't want to get out and do much of anything, and I haven't been this depressed in years.

-- Tim

[Reenie]

Tim, I'm sorry I don't have any answers for you but I want you to know that I'm glad you are seeking help. You're in my thoughts.

Reenie

[Cynaburst]

Tim -

I know that Rob and Hailey were going to a support group here at UCLA that they found really helpful. Hopefully he will soon be well enough to give you some additional support and resources, but in the meantime, I think you should check out your group there. Also, I am a firm believer in mental health professionals. This is a big deal that you are going through, and anyone who was able to go through it without having issues would have something really wrong with them. I found that after my brain surgery a weekly meeting with a psychiatrist (who was basically just sympathizing with me for therapy) and some Paxil really got me out of the doldrums, and believe me, I was there.

Good luck, and remember that this group is also an amazing resource. Let the people who have gone there before help you in your journey.

Cynthia

[Scott Stanley]

Tim,
I found that going to a support group both pre and post transplant helped out alot. There are people there that can answer your questions, because almost all of these people have had the soame problems or know of others that have. I still go to group when I am up in Rochester for check-ups and go to monthly meetings in Omaha.

As for therapy. I found out it is helpful to talk to someone other than family or friend. The therapist is someone that can help you with emotional problems or answer questions that you really can't ask or talk to friends or family about.

I hope I have helped you a little.


Scott

[JohnM2]

Hello Tim,

My experience with support groups is not in connection with my HCM issues, rather it is for my Prostate Cancer problems a few years ago.

Back in 2001, I had surgery for Prostate Cancer, and a week later I attended my first meeting of the local Prostate Cancer support group. I quickly came to wish that I had attended meetings of the group before, long before, I had had the surgery. When hints that the prostate cancer had not been completely excised by the surgery, and I went on to radiation and hormone therapy, I was very glad of the support I received from the group.

I have also found that when I am able to give some support or help to others, I'm also helping myself.

I hope these comments are of some help.

Cheers

John

[Midge Rollins]

Tim, like Scott I go to one in Rochester whenever possible. I tried one here in town and it was not what I was looking for. They can be very beneficial and can help answer questions. Hopefully the one you have access to would have a professional leading it. They may be able to direct you to someone for some counseling. Get all the help you feel you need. It is not an easy road to travel and everyone questions do I really want to do this. Good luck.