Findings. We classified the experiences into three types: common, innate and unrealized.
Analysis of the transcripts revealed four themes, all with associated sub-themes.
The first theme, guilt and concrete issues, includes anguish when thinking about
survival by hurting a potential donor and problems associated with donor and cost.
The second theme, let it happen includes leave it to fate; ambivalence; and worry about
the donor candidate and whether he/she will change their mind. The third theme, pain,
includes extreme physical and mental pain for me and the donor; and worry about
cost. The fourth theme, balancing gains and losses, includes grateful for and hoping to
enjoy my new life; burden of new body; difficulty in adapting to modified life plan; and
changes in family relationships.