After your bone marrow transplant
When the new stem cells enter your body, they travel through your blood to your bone marrow. In time, they multiply and begin to make new, healthy blood cells. This is called engraftment. It usually takes several weeks before the number of blood cells in your body starts to return to normal. In some people, it may take longer.
In the days and weeks after your bone marrow transplant, you’ll have blood tests and other tests to monitor your condition. You may need medicine to manage complications, such as nausea and diarrhea.
After your bone marrow transplant, you’ll remain under close medical care. If you’re experiencing infections or other complications, you may need to stay in the hospital for several days or sometimes longer. Depending on the type of transplant and the risk of complications, you’ll need to remain near the hospital for several weeks to months to allow close monitoring.
You may also need periodic transfusions of red blood cells and platelets until your bone marrow begins producing enough of those cells on its own.
You may be at greater risk of infections or other complications for months to years after your transplant. You’ll have periodic lifelong follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor for late complications.
Read more about : Bone Marrow Transplant Side Effects and Risks
Recovery
After the last session, the doctor will continue to check the blood each day to determine how well the transplant has worked. They will test whether new cells are beginning to grow in bone marrow.
If a person’s white blood cell count starts to rise, it indicates that the body is starting to create its own blood, indicating that the transplant has been successful.
The amount of time that it takes for the body to recover depends on:
. The type of transplant
. How well the immune system recovers
. How well the body accepts the new, healthy cells
Many other factors can affect recovery, including:
. Underlying medical conditions
. The use of chemotherapy, radiation, or both
. Where the transplant was performed
. The closeness of the donor match
Some people are able to leave the hospital soon after the transplant, while others need to stay for several weeks or months.
The medical team will continue to monitor the person’s recovery for up to 1 year. Some people find that effects of the transplant remain for life.
Read more about : Heart transplant
Medications
If your bone marrow transplant is using stem cells from a donor (allogeneic transplant), your doctors may prescribe medications to help prevent graft-versus-host disease and reduce your immune system’s reaction (immunosuppressive medications).
After your transplant, it takes time for your immune system to recover. During this time, you may be given medications to prevent infections.
Diet and other lifestyle factors
After your bone marrow transplant, you may need to adjust your diet to stay healthy and to prevent excessive weight gain. Your nutrition specialist (dietitian) and other members of your transplant team will work with you to create a healthy-eating plan that meets your needs and complements your lifestyle. Your dietitian can also give you food suggestions to control side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, such as nausea.
Some of your dietitian’s recommendations may include:
- . Following food safety guidelines to prevent foodborne infections
- . Eating a wide variety of healthy foods, including vegetables; fruits; whole grains; lean meats, poultry and fish; legumes; and healthy fats, such as olive oil.
- . Limiting salt intake
- . Restricting alcohol
- . Avoiding grapefruit and grapefruit juice due to their effect on a group of immunosuppressive medications (calcineurin inhibitors)
After your bone marrow transplant, regular physical activity helps you control your weight, strengthen your bones, increase your endurance, strengthen your muscles and keep your heart healthy. As you recover, you can slowly increase your physical activity.
Taking steps to prevent cancer is even more important after your transplant. Don’t smoke. Wear sunscreen when you’re outside, and be sure to get the cancer screenings your doctor recommends.
About Iranian Surgery
Iranian surgery is an online medical tourism platform where you can find the best Bone Marrow Transplant Surgeons in Iran. The price of a Bone Marrow Transplant surgery in Iran can vary according to each individual’s case and will be determined based on an in-person assessment with the doctor.
For more information about the cost of Bone Marrow Transplant in Iran and to schedule an appointment in advance, you can contact Iranian Surgery consultants via WhatsApp number 0098 901 929 0946. This service is completely free.