Bone Marrow Or Stem Cell Transplantation
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
A bone marrow or stem cell transplantation is a procedure to remove stem cells from blood or bone marrow. The stem cells are put into your body. Stem cells are able to become other cells, such as red blood cells. Stem cells can also travel to your bone marrow and can become new bone marrow cells.
AFTER YOU LEAVE:
- Antirejection medicine: These help keep your body from rejecting the new stem cells.
- Antibiotics: These fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
- Pain medicine: You may be given a prescription medicine to decrease severe pain. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take more pain medicine.
- Steroids: These decrease inflammation and help stop your body from attacking the new stem cells.
- Antifungal medicine: This medicine helps kill fungus that can cause illness.
- Antiviral medicine: This is given to prevent or treat an infection caused by a germ called a virus. Antiviral medicine may also be given to control symptoms of a viral infection that cannot be cured.
- Take your medicine as directed. Call your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Follow up with your primary healthcare provider as directed:
You may need to return for more blood and urine tests. You may also need radiation, chemotherapy, or another bone marrow transplant. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
Prevent an infection:
- Wash your hands often: Use soap and water. Use germ-killing gel if soap and water are not available. Wash your hands after you use the bathroom, change a diaper, or sneeze. Wash your hands before you touch your face, and prepare or eat food.
- Use safe food practices: Wash all fruits and vegetables before you eat them. Cook meat thoroughly. Store extra food and leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours after preparation.
- Practice good hygiene: Bathe every day. Tell your primary healthcare provider if you notice sores on your skin. If you are female, always wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom. Do not use tampons. Tampons may increase your risk of an infection.
- Avoid others who are sick: This includes people who have a cold, flu, infection, or rash. You may want to avoid crowded places, such a malls and elevators.
Contact your primary healthcare provider if:
- You have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- You have a fever, gain weight, or get a rash.
- Your heart rate is faster than normal.
- You have sores, swelling, or redness in your mouth.
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow.
- You have a cough that does not go away.
- You have blood in your bowel movement or urine.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Seek care immediately or call 911 if:
- You have a seizure.
- You suddenly feel lightheaded and short of breath.
- Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
- You have chest pain. You may have more pain when you take a deep breath or cough. You may cough up blood.
- You have weakness in an arm or leg.
- You become confused, or have difficulty speaking.
- You have dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss.
© 2014 Truven Health Analytics Inc. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. All illustrations and images included in CareNotes® are the copyrighted property of A.D.A.M., Inc. or Truven Health Analytics.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Bone Marrow Or Stem Cell Transplantation (Discharge Care)
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