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Social Support

 

How Can Your Social Relationships Change After Hand/Arm Transplantation?

Social considerations during the decision-making process

  • Some people may feel that their upper limb loss damages their body image or self-image, leading them to feel self-conscious during social interactions. 1-6

  • Some people may want to pursue hand/arm transplantation to reduce public attention and improve their social interactions. 7,8

  • If people expect that the hand/arm transplant will help them improve their social interactions, they need to clearly communicate this expectation (along with other expectations) to their health care providers. This can help ensure that their expectations align with their treatment goals and are attainable. 9-11

  • It is important for people considering hand/arm transplantation to feel that their social network is listening to their treatment goals and be careful when members of their social network try to persuade them to do something they are not comfortable with.
 

Angie Duckworth, Transplant Social Worker, talks about the importance of having good social support when pursuing a hand/arm transplant.

 

Why is it Important to Have a Strong Social Network Before and After Hand/Arm Transplantation?

The presence of strong, supportive social networks (e.g., transplant team, family, and friends) can positively affect hand/arm transplant recipients’ health practices and health outcomes.¹² Recipients with a supportive social network are more likely to:

  • Take prescribed medications as directed
  • Participate fully in their rehabilitation following surgery
  • Attend their health care appointments
  • Accept their hand/arm transplant as part of their body and identity

Hand/arm transplant recipients will more easily accept the hand/arm transplant as part of their body and identity if the people closest to them respond with positive feedback. 7,13-16

 

References