Sam learnt that transitioning to adult care doesn’t mean going it alone. It just took him a while to figure it out.

Sam felt like he had to take on everything himself. From the age of 15 he started taking his 4-hour trips to the Children’s Hospital alone, Mum and Dad no longer welcome.

He reported the doctor’s feedback to his parents, the good stuff only.

He was offered to talk to a psychologist but didn’t think he needed it.

When he eventually moved to an adult hospital, he felt the cocoon of the children’s melt away. He didn’t like the new adult hospital. Although he continued to go to his appointments, they were rushed. His focus was to get in and get out as quickly as possible, not ask any questions or take up any time.

When his health eventually started to decline, he decided it was time to work things out with his health team, his family and friends. That was his turning point.

Listen to the Podcast to hear all about Sam’s journey.

Different perspectives:

Everyone’s experience is different. Yesterday I spoke to Jacob, who also lives in a regional town and travels hours to get to his appointments. I asked him about his experience in transitioning from paediatric to adult care. His response? “It was pretty smooth. I took my parents with me and continued to ask lots of questions.’

I asked Jacob for his advice on transitioning. “There’s nothing to really fear. The doctors all have you in their best interests and I appreciated being talked to like an adult. Maybe they talk to you a little more abruptly and put a little less sugar on it, but when it comes to your health, that’s what you want.”