Parent Problems
Your transplant has been difficult on your parents. They've watched you endure painful procedures, and may have felt unable to comfort you. Now that you're home, they may be extra cautious about your health—you might think they're overprotective. Moms or dads may also fight more due to stress or being overly tired themselves. As you recover, they'll start to relax and get better, too. Here are some other things you can do to relieve the tension:
• Do your part to care for yourself. Take your medicine and eat when you can to take strain off your parents.
•It's important to tell parents about your aches, ills, or extreme fatigue. So they don't over-react, be specific when describing your symptoms. For example, are you really tired, or just very bored?


"Benedril makes me crabby. I don't want to talk or have anybody talk to me. I tell people when I feel that way so they'll come back at a better time."





Age 10, 1 month after transplant
Getting Along Again
There may be days when you realize you're the one overreacting or lashing out at family unfairly.
• Remember, medications may cause moodiness.
• It's also common to feel angry at people who are well. You may be taking your frustrations out on others because you're anxious to get better. If you do blow up, try to calm down before the argument gets out of hand. Take time to cool off, then apologize if you've said things you're sorry about.

Sometimes good things can come out of bad. The rough times your family may be going through can actually improve your relationships. As you try to understand each other's feelings and talk through your problems, you may all grow closer.

"My siblings either didn't talk to me, or they babied me," Cristina says. "When they were too nice, I wanted them to act more like normal. But now I wish it was back to that," she laughs.