My tips for a safe holiday before and after transplant
Don't be afraid to say no or ask for accommodations
Families will gather this week to celebrate Thanksgiving here in the U.S. But how do you safely navigate a large family gathering when colds, the flu, and COVID-19 are all circulating?
When I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in 2017, a lot changed in my world. Family gatherings, which I’ve always enjoyed, became more challenging as my IPF progressed. When I started using supplemental oxygen, my wife, Susan, and I switched from flying to ground travel. In 2020, COVID-19 came on the scene, forcing us to spend Thanksgiving and most other holidays in our home.
After I received a bilateral lung transplant in July 2021, we started easing back into family gatherings. We developed a checklist, albeit mentally, that we still run through today. Either of us can back out of an event if we feel uncomfortable about it. Over the years, we’ve learned who in our circle of family and friends is vaccinated against both COVID-19 and the flu. We also ask if anyone coming is sick or has recently been ill. This is usually the main factor that influences whether or not we attend.
Both family and friends have been very accommodating about food at larger gatherings. We learned that the key is simply asking for these accommodations. For example, if the gathering is a serve yourself type of meal, it’s OK to ask if I can prepare a plate before everyone else does.
If it’s a buffet or pot-luck meal, we let the host know our restrictions. I’ve found that people are very accepting when I explain my restrictions and ask if I can bring my own meal. The thing to remember is that a host has invited us for our company, and no one’s ever been offended by my request.
For a more commercial setting, I’ll use Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) Summit events as an example. The meals are served buffet-style, but the PFF arranges for plated meals from the kitchen to be available for post-transplant patients upon request. I’ve since adopted that strategy when attending private events like weddings. I’ll find the head waiter and ask for a plated meal from the kitchen. I don’t need to provide my entire medical history, just simply tell them that it’s for health reasons.
My advice for occasions like this is to simply live your life. Enjoy family gatherings. Eat that extra slice of pie.
Note: Pulmonary Fibrosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Pulmonary Fibrosis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to pulmonary fibrosis.
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