Hello. I am just home after a very gruelling Stem Cell Transplant. I stil have diarohea. (Probably not helped by hearing my elderly mother is dying) but I just wondered if this was normal and would be so pleased to hear it does get easier.
2 Likes
Hi Clare, firstly well done for getting through your Transplant, and welcome home ! Home is the start of the gradual process of returning to “normal” life. It is gradual , so don’t try to rush it ! As I survivor of 2 Stem Cell Transplants I can vouch that I also suffered from Diarrhoea at various stages of the treatment. It is very normal. Did you suffer with it in hospital ? It can be caused by your body reacting to one of the (many !) medications that you are still taking. My Diarrhoea didn’t last too long - so I hope yours clears up quickly. Yes, it will get easier - so hang on in there!
5 Likes
Hi @clarebear191 I am so pleased that you have found us and @Quentin has given you his experiences which I cannot do.
Does your medical team know about your diarrhoea, in case they can tweak your medication?
I think there is nothing like my own home and bed, although emotionally there is quite a difference from being cared for in hospital to being home.
I am so, so sorry to hear about your elderly mother, I cannot imagine what it is like for you.
Perhaps remember what you and your body have gone through medically, emotionally, physically and practically.
The Blood Cancer UK support line is there for you on 0808 2080 888 and I expect you might have a nurse contact number from your medical team.
Be ever so kind to yourself, slow and steady wins the race and please do keep posting.
1 Like
Hi @Quentin wonderful to hear from you again, I have missed you.
Your experience has helped a fellow forum member and that shows the value of our forum.
How have you been and how are you getting on?
Be very kind to yourself and look after yourself.
1 Like
how lovely to get your kind email. I must say Blood Cancer UK is amazing - had 2 v nice emails from other patients last night.
My stem cell transplant was a bit tricky with infections and a blood clot. It is wonderful to be home but I’m a bit scared too as my diarohea isn’t great and of course v tired.
My 96 year old mother passed away last night which is a relief in a way as we’d kept her going through so much.
I’ve told myself that she has gone so that I can now concentrate on me and getting stronger.
thank you v much Erica
Clare
3 Likes
Oh @clarebear191 I am so sorry to hear that your mother passed away last night, my thoughts are with you.
Be ever so kind to yourself I find emotional, physical, psychological and practical issues can wear me out as much as medical issues.
Look after yourself, you have so much going on, take it slow and steady building yourself back up and please do keep posting.
1 Like
thank you so much for your kind response Quentin. sorry for delayed reply. Amazing you have been through 2 x stem Cell transplants - don’t think I could ever face another. thank you for reminding me not to rush it…and yes I had awful diarohea in hospital. the good news is that things suddenly seem to have improved a bit and tum feeling a bit more settled. Patience is not my greatest virtue and I really need it right now!
3 Likes
Thank you v much Erica. Mum did pass away. I’m telling myself the timing was right at 96! and am trying to focus on getting me strong again.
2 Likes
Dear @clarebear191,
I am sorry to read of your Mum’s passing, although expected it can still be a shock when it happens. Take your time to process thing. I agree, now is time for you to focus on you and it sounds like things are gradually improving, remember to continue taking things day by day.
Please remember we are here for you if you need anything at all, our phonelines are open.
Take good care of you,
Heidi (Support Services Nurse)
5 Likes
So sorry to hear of the news of your mum. My husband had a transplant in June for Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). He suffered from diarrhoea and feeling sick for a while post transplant. Thankfully it did get better and he took his anti sickness medicines religiously for quite a while!!
The main thing we try to remember is to always tell your medical team any changes that could be Graft-versus-host-disease, they tell us it is much easier to rule out any issues and get on top of it quickly with medicines and monitoring so make sure you keep asking them about it if you’re worried.
Sending love, you are doing a great job!
2 Likes