Recovering from a stem cell transplant

Some people find their stem cell transplant recovery relatively straightforward, but for others it can be very difficult and demanding.

Your recovery is likely to affect many aspects of your life, which is why we have sorted our information on recovery into three sections: Body, Mind and Life.

Every person’s recovery is unique and these pages are here to help guide and support you throughout this journey.

Body

Learn how to manage the physical side of your recovery – from fatigue and infections, to hospital check-ups and other possible transplant side effects. You can also find out more about graft vs host disease (GvHD), why it happens, how it can affect different organs at different times and possible treatments.

Click on the links below to read more information, support and advice on the following topics:

• Physical side effects of transplant
• Managing fatigue
• Dealing with infections
• Graft versus host disease (GvHD)
• Hospital visits
• Having a donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI)
• Late effects after transplant

Mind

Learn how recovering from a stem cell transplant could affect your mental health – from the emotions you might feel and how your relationships could be affected, to worries about body image and memory.

Click on the links below to read more information, support and advice on the following topics:

• Your mental health after a stem cell transplant
• Memory and concentration
• Body image
• Your relationships with others
• Taking control of your recovery and living well
• What if my transplant doesn’t work?

Coping with these challenges can be tough. You can read more about strategies and support which may help you below:

• Coping with mental health issues
• Talking therapies
• Charities that support you and your mental health

Life

Learn more about how you can get yourself back to a ‘new normal’ after your stem cell transplant. Read information and advice on topics like exercise and diet, financial support and returning to work or education.

Click on the links below to read more information, support and advice on the following topics:

• Diet after a stem cell transplant
• Exercise and keeping active
• Help with your finances
• Returning to work
• Returning to education
• Travelling abroad
• Trying something new
• Going out, drugs and alcohol
• Getting in touch with your donor

You can also read our advice for family members who are caring for someone who has had a stem cell transplant.

Sarah's story

In this animated video, Sarah tells her story of her leukaemia diagnosis and how she managed life after her stem cell transplant.