Infections

Hi Kizi, I'm 2 years SCT and have been hospitalised 5 times with chest infections,3 of those leading to pneumonia.   One time I had RSV virus, pneumonia and covid all at the same time and was really ill. However, my consultant said its obviously because of my compromised  immune system that I wS picking up these infections.  I had and have been extremely careful when going out and at one point didn't want to go out at all.! However, I was told it was seasonal and am almost dreading this winter but the doctor said to me you haven't just gone thru all this treatment to now stay indoors, so live your life but be wary of the environments yiu go into.  I always carry hand sanitizer with me and am always wishing my hands. I hope I may have been help to you.  Stay safe and take care.  Diane aka Bunky

• Thank you so.much for your quick response  i take hand sanitiser wherever I go  I am very careful  like yourself I do not want to go out for fear of getting ill again but I dont want to live like a recluse I know itnis to do with our immune system I am on lenolidamide isatuximab and have to take dex because I reject treatnent I am on maintenance treatment your  response has helped that I am not alone .

Christina aka kizi 

Glad I could be of help.   I'm on Lenolidomide too so onwards and upwards.  Keep positive,  you're never alone on here! X

Thats true it's a good forum and helpful 

Take care  and onwards and upwards 

Hi Kizi.

This is just a thought: do you have low neutrophils? If you can see your last blood test results, the normal range is something like 2.0 to 7.5. When my neutrophils are low, below 1.0, that indicates a severe vulnerability to infections. When they are that low, I am prescribed injections of G-CSF to boost them again. Typically I am prescribed 3 syringes, for me to inject myself with over the following 24 hours.

G-CSF does cost the NHS a bit, so you may have to ask your doctor nicely, but that is what the NHS is for!

Oh I didn't know that.  I am due a consultation in 3 weeks so will enquire about that.  Its always good to know and have something on standby so thanks for that! So will definitely ask.  Thank you again

Hi I am notvsure about the neutrophils  but I have an appt with my consultant on monday so I will ask about this they have stopped my treatment at the moment as I was to weak to get it .

Oh dear, well I hope you're soon strong enough to carry on with the treatment.  I will be thinking about you. 

Hi Kizi.     I am nearly 2 years post stem cell.  Had one bad infection with close to hospitalizations but managed with close GP.  Help keep it at bay with antibiotics.   I also still wear a mask in  crowded places and hand sanitizer close by.    I read somewhere that it can take 12-18 months post stem cell to get your body immune system back to normal ( normal for.  M. M. Patients)    We still ask visitors to home to hand sanitize       Kevin  

Hi Kevin 

I use a mask and sanitizer all the time   I don't socialise  very often but I feel i need to start socialising more  .like yourself I ask visitors to sanitize . It puts you off mixing incase it happens again.