"It has its ups and downs": adolescents' quality of life after heart transplantation

Abstract

Participants described life after transplant by saying, "It has its ups and downs". Major themes included these: (1) I am normal and I am not normal, (2) I am grateful and I am resentful, and (3) I am managing and I am not managing. The themes reflect the dichotomous nature of the adolescents' experiences and provide insight into the complex needs of adolescents after heart transplant.