Dear ‘Angry & Grateful’

Why Am I Still Angry After My Transplant?

Dear Transplant,

I thought getting my transplant would make me happy. Instead, sometimes I'm angry.

I'm angry about everything I went through before transplant. I'm angry about the medications, appointments, restrictions, and fear. Sometimes I'm even angry at my own body.

Then I feel guilty because I know how fortunate I am.

— Angry & Grateful

Dear Angry & Grateful,

Nothing is wrong with you. Gratitude and anger can exist at the same time.

A transplant can save your life without erasing everything you experienced getting there. Years of illness, fear, disappointment, and uncertainty don't disappear the day you receive an organ.

You are allowed to celebrate your transplant and acknowledge that the journey was hard.

Instead of judging your feelings, talk about them. A transplant social worker, counselor, peer mentor, support group, or trusted person can help you work through them.

Remember: being grateful doesn't mean pretending everything was easy.

Your transplant gave you another chapter. You get to decide what you write in it. Remember This: You can be grateful and still have hard days.

OTS Connection: You don't have to navigate transplant emotions alone. Connecting with people who understand can make the journey feel less lonely.