[HungrywithMM]

Did you get a food-related infection post transplant?

by HungrywithMM on Wed Apr 20, 2016 7:42 am

After 8 months of induction, I will be undergoing autologous stem cell transplant and am currently planning for return home thereafter. Infection prevention is obviously a primary goal. There is a lot of emphasis on home hygiene and care with food handling.

Has anyone actually acquired an infection from foodstuffs (eating) after transplant?

My trial of cooking using "sterile" technique has proven difficult and anxiety-producing. Are prepackaged foods and microwave cooking the way to go before Day 30?

[Mike F]

Re: Did you get a food-related infection post transplant?

by Mike F on Wed Apr 20, 2016 1:19 pm

When I got home, I had a variety of home cooked meals including stuff like homemade pizza, pasta dishes, soups, etc. I had no tummy issues whatsoever.

[Davidg]

Re: Did you get a food-related infection post transplant?

by Davidg on Thu Apr 21, 2016 9:43 am

The most recent research on this issue suggests that the risk is actually very low (the paper below even refers to some research that indicates low-bacteria diets might actually increase the risk of other infections).

"Boyle, N.M. et al, Bacterial Foodborne Infections after Hematopoietic Cell Trans­plan­ta­tion," Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, November 2014 (full text)

So probably no need to be too anxious about it. That said, I would probably steer clear of the Brie de Meaux for a little while

Good luck !

[Mike F]

Re: Did you get a food-related infection post transplant?

by Mike F on Thu Apr 21, 2016 12:15 pm

Thanks for that, David. Intuitively, it seemed to me that the dietary restrictions were overly severe. Nice to have some data.

[HungrywithMM]

Re: Did you get a food-related infection post transplant?

by HungrywithMM on Thu Apr 21, 2016 8:41 pm

Davidg:

Thanks for the article!! It serves as "print Valium". I know nutrition is important for recovery. I was starting to develop a fear of cooking and eating. The article you referenced puts foodborne infection into perspective and does mitigate my anxiety. I do intend to follow the low microbial diet recommendations and will be sure to practice good hand-washing. Wish me well!

[Davidg]

Re: Did you get a food-related infection post transplant?

by Davidg on Tue Apr 26, 2016 12:20 pm

Well-ness duly wished