Is it a good idea to ask other candidates and recipients what to expect?
This is a very good idea. Others who have been through similar circumstances can sometimes explain things in a way that a professional cannot. Even if you don't learn anything new, it is a great way to make new acquaintances. Many people like to talk about their experience, especially if they think that it might be helpful to you.
However, we would suggest that you keep a couple of points in mind. Do not assume that what you hear applies to you. It may or it may not. As we have emphasized throughout this book, there are as many differences as there are similarities in one's experience with transplantation.
Take any advice you receive with a grain of salt. We do not suggest that you ignore advice. But consider what you hear along with that from other sources of information. Never weigh a co-patient's advice over advice from your transplant team. Remember that the team's advice results from their work with dozens or even hundreds of other transplant patients. A co-patient's advice may be well intended, but is founded on a more narrow perspective.