Patient stories

Being away from the security of the hospital might bring up feelings of helplessness and anxiety. On this page, we share advice on managing these feelings, getting in control of your recovery and maybe even trying something new after a stem cell transplant.

Changes to our bodies are an important part of recovery, but the way we see these changes can mean different things to different people. On this page, we explore the idea of body image and how it might relate to your mental wellbeing.

Change in cognition (memory and concentration) is a common side effect of a stem cell transplant, but it is not widely discussed or understood.

After having a stem cell transplant, you might develop graft versus host disease (GvHD). This page will help you understand what this means, when you might get it and what signs to look out for.

Our immune systems contain types of white blood cells called lymphocytes – these cells fight infection. But after a stem cell transplant, some people might need a ‘top-up’ of lymphocytes. On this page, we explain how the procedure works and why you might need it.

We all have different experiences of recovery. Some of us might need to visit the hospital more often, or for a much longer time than others. On this page, we look at how each stage of recovery might relate to hospital appointments and visits.

Fatigue can be a short-term effect that improves after a few months, but some patients still experience it more than a year after their transplant.

Within a few weeks or months after your stem cell transplant, you might experience some side effects which will improve naturally or with medication. On this page, we explore the possible side effects on your body in the earlier stages of recovery.

By the time you’ve recovered enough to go home, you might feel a bit overwhelmed and experience lots of different emotions. On this page we offer advice on preparing to go home and what to expect going forward.

During the first few weeks of your recovery, while still in hospital, you’re likely to experience some side effects from your treatment. On this page, we explain some of the side effects and their possible treatments.