Hi everyone thank you for allowing me to join this community.
I am 56 yo, have been diagnosed with MDS -5q about 3 years ago, but my latest yearly monitoring BMB shows increased blasts and a SCT is now recommended, before my MDS evolves into AML. Just wanted to see if anyone has any idea what the post transplant picture looks like in Glasgow, where I am going to have my treatment, I was told I would have to stay there for 4 weeks, even longer if I get infections/complications etc. What does it look like? Do you live by yourself in a room alone, are you supposed to have a carer looking after you? and Could y please point me to threads that discuss what the experience is like pre and post transplant? Are you allowed to exercise? (and can you even if allowed??) Thank you again
Maria
Hi Maria Amma943 and a warm welcome to this corner of the community.
I am Mike and I help out around our Stem Cell Transplant group……. for some context I was diagnosed way back in 1999 at 43 with a rare (8 in a million) incurable but treatable type of Cutaneous T-Cell NHL (a type of slow growing Low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma) ……. eventually reaching Stage 4a in late 2013 when a second, also rare (4 in a million) type of aggressive Peripheral T-Cell NHL (a type of fast growing High-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma) was then presenting so although my Lymphoma ‘type’ is different I most definitely appreciate the challenges of this journey rather well.
Especially as I have had 2 Allo (donor) Stem Cell Transplants (Allo SCT)……. Both done in The Beatson across the Clyde from the QE where you will be.having your Allo SCT.
It’s the same team as I had so you will be in very safe hands.
From talking with others who have had an Allo SCT at the QE you will be in your own room and I am rather sure that you don’t leave your room but you will have a dedicated nurse covering you day and night…… and I am rather sure you do get visitors as long as they are well…… but these questions need to be given to your Transplant Coordinator…… have been shown the unit yet?
I was in for 28 nights for my first SCT back in June 2014 then 29 nights for my second SCT in Oct 2015….. I am now 9 years 5 months out from my second SCT, turn 70 at the end of the year and living a great life.
Preparing for going through the time in the SCT Unit is important so do have a look through this old post as it’s the place where group members have collected the things that helped them go through there time in the SCT unit
…… and thus post looks at Life after a SCT - A Survivor's Guide
……. My story is rather complicated so you can see my story in this link > See my story
Any questions do ask ((hugs))
Oh that's so helpful, thank you for responding!
No I have not been shown around, I live in Dundee and I have been given a Video call with one of the consultants, where I will be asking all my questions.
Just trying to visualize what it will look like, I have read some of the posts here, it seems everyone has their own unique experience that varies widely from person to person....
Thank you I will check the links you provided and will get back with more questions 
M
Hi again…. The QE is the main Allo SCT unit for Scotland so folks from all over Scotland will go there for their Allo…… you will see from my story that we are in Inverness….. so must have done the round trip 25 round trips - 6000+ miles over 2 years.
You will most likely have to go over to the QE and meet some of the team and you should then meet your Transplant Coordinator who will be your contact and place to get answers.
Do you have a donor yet?
I managed to do everything fine myself….. eat, exercise, showers…… the more you keep your body and mind active the quicker you will recover.
My wife was able to stay in a family room next to the SCT unit in The Beatson but I don’t think there is this facility in the QE…… a question for your list of questions…… and she was allowed to come and go as she wanted.
Another question for your list is around the following……. I was required to have a complete change of day time and night time cloths every day!!!!…… it looked like we were leaving for a world cruise when we left Inverness.
My wife would go across to Edinburgh for a few nights each week to our oldest daughters and do all the washing and see our granddaughter……
There is more info in this LINK…… the whole SCT process is fascinating….. yes challenging but all do-able.
Great that your sister is a match….. my brother was a perfect 10/10 match for me so this helps to reduce some of Stem Cell rejection issues 
Only about 20% of people can end up with a matched sibling donor…. the rest have to trust the world wide donor register to come up with someone.
My 2 Allo SCTs were completely different….. the problem I had was I was being treated for 2 rare, very different types of T-Cell Lymphoma at the same time…. it was a road that the team in Glasgow had not navigated before so we tried one approach that did not work but the second did.
Any questions just ask
