Surviving a Heart Transplant (#506)

One and a half years after a heart transplant, a patient is still conflicted about having someone else’s heart. He doesn’t feel like himself.

• Listening skills
• Asking effective questions
• Responding to non-verbal cues
• Demonstrating reflection and empathy
• Gaining trust
• Moving the story forward

Ian Paige had a history of heart problems from an early age. After receiving a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy he was scheduled for a transplant and then waited eighteen months. It is now one and a half years since his surgery and he is healthy enough to return to work but not sure that he wants to do that. He has come in for a routine follow-up appointment but wants to talk about more than just his heart-health.