My recovery

Hi again , I am sitting here nodding my head..... 2 years out from Stem Cell Transplant, for some is still in the post process recovery phase.... crazy but unfortunately true.

SCT is life changing, but in some many ways both good and not so good.

You are doing exactly what I did following my second Allo SCT (Oct 2015) and I would honestly say it did take me a full 3 years to get back to a normalish life..... but still have some medical ‘treatment left overs’ but at the same time I am in some respects in a better condition than I was 20 years ago in my early years with my skin NHL .

We have collected some post SCT thoughts in this thread in our dedicated SCT Group Life after a SCT - A Survivor's Guide.

A few things my consultant said sticks in my.

Late 2013 “Mike this has to work as you have 0% chance of getting past a few years”...... catches your attention that one.

Then on the day I got out after my second Allo SCT “Mike, going through a SCT was like doing a boxing match and a marathon every day I was in hospital and this was done without any training”.......... “The recover may be very long and very hard”

Yes she was so true but Sep 2016 I was told I was in remission for the first time in 17 years..... so I am living the dream.

Thank you  so much  Highlander it helps me no end,knowing that I'm  doing the right things and your advice is a great help,I'm  actually seeing  my  consultant  next  month for the 1st time since lock down, so I'll  ask for more advice. 

Thanks  again  Highlander

Hi fatigue can be a long term issue even without a SCT, it has been for me over the years and the last time it was bad I went to see the GP and she did a vitamin D blood test and it turned out my levels were very low so I was put on a daily dose of vitamin D. I must admit it has helped a lot and whilst it may not be why you are still finding it challenging at times, its worth getting it checked just in case. 

John 

Thanks  John for your advice about  my recovery, I've  been in regular contact with my GPS and consultant and,I've had the test as you mentioned and,I take regular  vitamins  daily  as well as a b12 injection  to help me along but,as you've said its a roller coaster of a ride,so good and bad days.

Thanks again  John

Hi Cornishman, I had SCT in 1998 it took a while to get back to reasonable fitness and my consultant said at the time that the best I might achieve was about 90%.  Early years I used to hit a definite wall if I overdid things but as time went on I became fairly fit if not fitter (for me)   It is a slow process just keep doing what you are doing and be patient with yourself.  I can understand how frustrating as you want to be your old self and getting used to the  new you is difficult.  Hang on in as it was all worth it. 

Hi Bowelsbehavingbadly

Thank you so much for your reply it helps me to hear,about other people's  experiences with SCT,it will be 2 years for me in September so,as you've mentioned a slow recovery and,yes I'm  a little  fusstrated about trying to get back to my new normal but,you advice  helps thank you again 

Cornishman