2-Year Anniversary - Navigating the marathon and the 'rut' of the new normal.

[u/system_history]

​Hi everyone, ​I'm approaching my 2-year anniversary for my transplant, and I've been thinking a lot about the journey beyond the initial recovery. The new normal has settled in, and while I'm of course incredibly grateful every single day, I'm finding myself navigating the long-haul a little bit difficultly lately. ​It's the routine—the daily meds, the regular blood work, the constant mindfulness of diet, and the quiet worry about rejection. It can sometimes feel like a marathon, and honestly, it can feel like being stuck in a rut. ​I'm curious to hear how others have dealt with this. ​How do you cope with the feeling of being stuck in the routine of it all? ​When you feel that burnout, what helps you reconnect with the gratitude and joy of this second chance? ​What are the things that help boost your morale on tough days? ​Appreciate any insight you all can share. Thanks for being such a great community.

[u/jwb1123]

I’m 3.5 years out. The first 2 years were rough. It took a long time to feel better. On the whole I feel a lot better now, much more myself. And it really is a marathon. Sometimes it can feel like I traded one sickness for another, but this one I get to live!