Physical recovery post-blood stem cell transplant

Recovering from transplant takes time. Some complications are common. Your transplant team will help you understand possible complications and treatments to reduce them.

Explore the information on this page for an overview of physical health and recovery after transplant.

Engraftment is an important milestone after your transplant. Engraftment is when the blood stem cells you received on transplant day start to grow and make healthy blood cells.

You will likely need to take many different medications after transplant. These medicines are very important in your recovery. Here are some tips to help manage your medicines.

Good nutrition is important for your recovery and overall health. But some foods might not be safe for you to eat as your immune system gets stronger. These tips can help guide you as you make food choices.

GVHD is a common side effect if you receive cells from a donor. It happens when the cells from the donor (graft) see your cells (host) as different and attack them. GVHD can be very serious so it’s important to know the symptoms of GVHD so you can notify your doctor immediately.

Even if you are feeling well, continuing with your checkups is important because complications can occur months after transplant. Late complications mean they start 100 days or more after transplant. If you have late complications, treatments are available so tell your doctor about any symptoms you have. When problems are found early, they can be treated better.

Here are some tips to manage symptoms of common late complications:

Dryness, itching, irritation: Avoid eye strain and rest your eyes. Use preservative-free artificial tears, a humidifier or warm compresses. For more difficult symptoms, ask your doctor about medicines for your eyes or “punctal plugs,” which help your tears last longer.

Severely dry eyes: Ask your doctor about specially made serum eye drops or bandage contact lenses if other treatments haven’t helped.

Cataracts: For early or mild cataracts, try new glasses or better lighting. If your sight gets much worse, ask your doctor about cataract surgery.

High cholesterol or high blood pressure: Eat a well-balanced diet with less fat and follow an exercise program. Take any medicines as prescribed by your doctor.

Pain and dryness: Avoid eating very spicy and acidic foods. Ask your doctor about special rinses and lubricants, which may relieve mouth sores.

Rashes: When going out into the sun, wear hats and long sleeves to protect your skin. Check with your doctor before using any new skin creams or lotions.

Scleroderma (hard, tight skin): Scleroderma affects the skin and joints, making them less flexible. Medicines, exercise and physical therapy may help increase blood flow, strength and flexibility. .

Avascular necrosis (also known as osteonecrosis): With avascular necrosis, a bone in a joint doesn’t have enough blood flow. This causes the bone to break down and you may feel joint pain. Your doctors may treat this with medicine, crutches or braces, and range of motion or stretching exercises. In more severe cases, surgery can repair or replace the joint. .

Osteopenia: Ask your doctor if you should take calcium and vitamin D supplements or have a test for weak bones. Weight bearing exercise, such as walking, can build bone strength. .

A new cancer could be a result of your treatment. During your regular checkups, talk to your doctor about your risk for new cancers. When a new cancer is caught early, there may be more treatment options available and those treatments can be more effective. Be an advocate for your health by:

• Following cancer prevention recommendations from the American Institute for Cancer Research (Opens in a new tab)
• Asking your doctor if you need cancer screenings (like a mammogram)

With so many doctors involved in your care, it may be difficult to determine who you should call for different concerns or questions you may have. Ask your doctors these questions so you know who to call:

• Who will manage which parts of my care?
• How are your roles different?
• How will my transplant center share information with my primary care doctor?
• How will my primary care doctor share information with my transplant center team?
• How will information be shared with me?

NMDP offers free after transplant care guides that you can share with your doctor. The guidelines give information on the recommended tests and exams for your checkups at 6 months and each year after transplant.

My NMDP is a free mobile app that helps you manage your care after transplant and access these guidelines, as well as:

• Tracking your wellness and symptoms
• Connecting with others going through their own transplant journeys
• Accessing education articles
• Getting support from our Patient Support Center

Explore the full range of services we provide including group support, emotional and spiritual support, tips for healthy living after transplant and more.