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Fever + GI issues after stem cell transplant
My husband was released at day +12 following his auto transplant. He was readmited 2 days later with fever, diarhea and vomiting. We were wondering if this is unusual and what the cause was?
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blair77 - Who do you know with myeloma?: My husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: April 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 43
Re: Fever + GI issues after stem cell transplant
My diarrhea lasted 2 days while I was in the hospital and the vomiting started in the hospital and lasted for several weeks after discharge. I never had a fever, but they were always monitoring me for that. Even though your husband was judged recovered enough to go home, that doesn't mean that his blood counts had returned to normal levels nor that his immune system was robust. He is still at great risk for all kinds of problems. So, there probably wasn't anything in particular that was done wrong, just he was more susceptible to developing an infection of some kind. The fact that they readmitted him should make you feel somewhat better that they are on top of things and quickly.
I know that I had a doctor's appointment scheduled for 2 days after I was discharged and for 2 times per week for 2 weeks and then every week for about 6 weeks and then every other week and then once a month. I know how anxious I was when the time between appts began to get longer. The one time that I called the oncologist on call over a weekend I had a return call within the hour and my problem was addressed satisfactorily until I could get in to see my oncologist at my regularly scheduled appointment on the following Tuesday.
When you feel that something is developing don't delay in calling your oncologist, the one on call, even your primary doctor if you need. One, or all, of them will give you the help that you feel you need. It sounds as if that has happened this time.
The best to your husband and his recovery from this latest problem and his continued recovery from the transplant, and to you in supporting him during this anxious time for you. Take care of yourself, too. Get friends or family to come and give you some respite from seeing to your husband's needs and go for lunch with a friend or a movie or shopping or whatever that gives you a break and some you time that is pleasurable.
Nancy in Phila
I know that I had a doctor's appointment scheduled for 2 days after I was discharged and for 2 times per week for 2 weeks and then every week for about 6 weeks and then every other week and then once a month. I know how anxious I was when the time between appts began to get longer. The one time that I called the oncologist on call over a weekend I had a return call within the hour and my problem was addressed satisfactorily until I could get in to see my oncologist at my regularly scheduled appointment on the following Tuesday.
When you feel that something is developing don't delay in calling your oncologist, the one on call, even your primary doctor if you need. One, or all, of them will give you the help that you feel you need. It sounds as if that has happened this time.
The best to your husband and his recovery from this latest problem and his continued recovery from the transplant, and to you in supporting him during this anxious time for you. Take care of yourself, too. Get friends or family to come and give you some respite from seeing to your husband's needs and go for lunch with a friend or a movie or shopping or whatever that gives you a break and some you time that is pleasurable.
Nancy in Phila
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NStewart - Name: Nancy Stewart
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 3/08
- Age at diagnosis: 60
Re: Fever + GI issues after stem cell transplant
I had a similar problem, with spiking a fever and having severe GI issues about t 7-10 days after transplant. I was readmitted to hospital and kept overnight. when IT Was determined that my fever had subsided, and that I did not test positive for C. diff, I was sent home again. The thought was that I had experienced a reaction to the neupogen shots I was taking to boost the growth of blood cells. Fortunately this was not a serious problem.
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Nancy Shamanna - Name: Nancy Shamanna
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self and others too
- When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2009
Re: Fever + GI issues after stem cell transplant
My dad had terrible stomach cramping and diarrhea-we immediately notifed his medical team, they acted promptly and it turned out to be C Diff-common w/the mixture of meds. They wrote a prescription and it resolved within a few days.
Re: Fever + GI issues after stem cell transplant
I had C-diff during my stay. After my discharge I had nausea for about a week after I was discharged, 18 day stay, and had an off and on fever. The fever eventually turned out to be a low grade pneumonia.
As for the cause, I think the answer to that is simply it's a result of low immunity, a loss of good bacteria in the digestive system and a general lack of tolerance after the SCT.
As for the cause, I think the answer to that is simply it's a result of low immunity, a loss of good bacteria in the digestive system and a general lack of tolerance after the SCT.
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Wayne K - Name: Wayne
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself, my sister who passed in '95
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 03/09
- Age at diagnosis: 70
Re: Fever + GI issues after stem cell transplant
I was in the hospital for 19 days with my ASCT. Day 7-12 I had a fever, vomiting and severe diarreha. It was awful. Much better now.
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Phillips
Re: Fever + GI issues after stem cell transplant
Dad also had the same problem. No matter whatever meds he took, the fever and GI problem were still persistent. We even consulted our Doc to perform endoscopy. But few days before we did it, his fever was gone. When the fever was gone, our Doc said no endoscopy was needed. Eventually, the nausea went away and Dad was feeling normal.
Melphalan is really hard on the digestion system. I think when the counts have come back to normal, the system has not. It takes another 2-3 weeks for the system to recover. In our case, Dad was discharged at +21 days, and it still took another 2-3 weeks to recover.
I hope since you're discharged earlier, then you'll be recovered much sooner than Dad. +12 days is very short--congratulations! Feel better soon! Patience is a virtue! Keep it positive!
Melphalan is really hard on the digestion system. I think when the counts have come back to normal, the system has not. It takes another 2-3 weeks for the system to recover. In our case, Dad was discharged at +21 days, and it still took another 2-3 weeks to recover.
I hope since you're discharged earlier, then you'll be recovered much sooner than Dad. +12 days is very short--congratulations! Feel better soon! Patience is a virtue! Keep it positive!
Re: Fever + GI issues after stem cell transplant
Hi Blair. I had a fever, vomiting, and GI issues post melphalan. I couldn't keep down any of the meds you are supposed to take, let alone water or food. My daughter insisted that I be admitted to inpatient care, where I stayed for nearly a week. Once my white counts came back up, I was fine.
I have had residual GI issues since the transplant (2010). I've always had a sensitive stomach, so this doesn't surprise me. I'm just careful with what I eat now and recently started probiotics to see if they will help. The jury is still out on that one.
I have had residual GI issues since the transplant (2010). I've always had a sensitive stomach, so this doesn't surprise me. I'm just careful with what I eat now and recently started probiotics to see if they will help. The jury is still out on that one.
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darnold - Name: Dana Arnold
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: May 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 52
Re: Fever + GI issues after stem cell transplant
Just an update: mike was released after 2 days in patient...turned out it was a GI bug. He is now day +49 and doing GREAT!!
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blair77 - Who do you know with myeloma?: My husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: April 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 43
Re: Fever + GI issues after stem cell transplant
We are waiting for the other shoe to drop. We just completed Day 2 of Melphalan.
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LadyLib - Name: LadyLib
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Spouse
- When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 42
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