Hi!
I will be starting my autologous stem cell transplant next week. I have always enjoyed a lot of outdoor activities. We live on a lake, so I like to be out on the pier, swim, boat, sit in the yard. I ride a horse, so I like to be out in the arena or out in the forest on the trails, I hike, ski. Anyway, you get the picture.
My question is: How long after my stem cell transplant before I can safely be doing things outdoors?
I hear about exposure to mold, fungus. Here in the summer we get a lot of seeds, pollen in the air (my table tops will be green with pollen at one point in the year). I know that I won't be able to swim in the lake this summer. But, can I hike in the forest, ride my horse outside (if someone else grooms her? - I know to stay out of the barn with the hay dust, etc). Could I take my bike on dirt trails? Or do I need to stay on concrete?
We are in a rural area, so their are farm fields in surrounding areas. I am just confused about how cautious I need to be. Anyone have any experience with this sort of situation?
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Re: Outdoor activities after auto stem cell transplant
A lot of that depends on how well you recover after the auto transplant.
My husband, 47, had his auto transplant in October 2015. After he was released, his bloodwork was good enough he could certainly go outside and to public places without a mask on. The doctor told him he could not work in the yard. After 100 days, the doctor still didn't want him mowing the lawn.
Up until the 100 days, if my husband did have to interact with foliage (pull some weeds), he wore a mask.
So much will depend on your recovery progress.
My husband, 47, had his auto transplant in October 2015. After he was released, his bloodwork was good enough he could certainly go outside and to public places without a mask on. The doctor told him he could not work in the yard. After 100 days, the doctor still didn't want him mowing the lawn.
Up until the 100 days, if my husband did have to interact with foliage (pull some weeds), he wore a mask.
So much will depend on your recovery progress.
Re: Outdoor activities after auto stem cell transplant
Hi Debbie,
Interesting question. Unfortunately, I don't have any answers for you, but I, too, hope that someone else will.
My autologous stem cell transplant is scheduled for late in March 2016, and it's my greatest hope that I will be able to hike with my dog and ride my mountain bike in the forest adjacent to my home (at least for short stints) as soon as I check out of the hospital. I intend to stay away from the indoor pool and gym that I normally go to (YMCA) for at least 4-6 months as the place is full of germ laden children.
It seems that it might be a challenge for us to keep active (good for both mental and physical recovery) when so many activities seem to be off limits.
Karen
Interesting question. Unfortunately, I don't have any answers for you, but I, too, hope that someone else will.
My autologous stem cell transplant is scheduled for late in March 2016, and it's my greatest hope that I will be able to hike with my dog and ride my mountain bike in the forest adjacent to my home (at least for short stints) as soon as I check out of the hospital. I intend to stay away from the indoor pool and gym that I normally go to (YMCA) for at least 4-6 months as the place is full of germ laden children.
It seems that it might be a challenge for us to keep active (good for both mental and physical recovery) when so many activities seem to be off limits.
Karen
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KarenaD - Name: Karen
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: November 4, 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 54
Re: Outdoor activities after auto stem cell transplant
Hi,
I am 4 months post autologous stem cell transplant and anxious to get back to doing many of the things I enjoy. Unfortunately, many of those things involve dirt, and I know that is a big concern with fungal infections.
It is a hot summer, we live on a lake, and I'd love to just be able to jump in. But, I've been keeping my head out of the water. I'd like to know a time frame of other people's experiences with relation to exposure to water in lakes, dirt in farm fields, horses, etc. That sort of thing and how soon you were able to get back to doing those things?
Thanks!
I am 4 months post autologous stem cell transplant and anxious to get back to doing many of the things I enjoy. Unfortunately, many of those things involve dirt, and I know that is a big concern with fungal infections.
It is a hot summer, we live on a lake, and I'd love to just be able to jump in. But, I've been keeping my head out of the water. I'd like to know a time frame of other people's experiences with relation to exposure to water in lakes, dirt in farm fields, horses, etc. That sort of thing and how soon you were able to get back to doing those things?
Thanks!
Re: Outdoor activities after auto stem cell transplant
Hi Debbie:
It is important to start physical activities. However, you do need to start slow and carefully. In our case, six months post autologous stem cell transplant, we were able to take a week's trip overseas to the Cayman Islands. There, we researched that the ocean water quality was very good. We stayed away from crowded pools, and some of the beach areas where there was a lot of people. I have heard others state that pools that have a very good treatment program, and are not too crowded, are also good. So I think the issue with the lake would be is it "pristine" or is it crowded. Some of the overcrowded lakes in our part of the country I would not think would be too wonderful for shortly after a stem cell transplant.
Another issue, has your white blood cells, and other numbers, come all the way back, and are you feeling strong. Again, with the dirt, I think a slow and moderate approach would work. My wife loved to garden, and has done a little, starting more than six months after her stem cell transplant. We were advised that she should not handle dog waste (she liked to walk the dog). I am not sure when that recommendation ended, but it at least included the first six months after her transplant.
It is important to start physical activities. However, you do need to start slow and carefully. In our case, six months post autologous stem cell transplant, we were able to take a week's trip overseas to the Cayman Islands. There, we researched that the ocean water quality was very good. We stayed away from crowded pools, and some of the beach areas where there was a lot of people. I have heard others state that pools that have a very good treatment program, and are not too crowded, are also good. So I think the issue with the lake would be is it "pristine" or is it crowded. Some of the overcrowded lakes in our part of the country I would not think would be too wonderful for shortly after a stem cell transplant.
Another issue, has your white blood cells, and other numbers, come all the way back, and are you feeling strong. Again, with the dirt, I think a slow and moderate approach would work. My wife loved to garden, and has done a little, starting more than six months after her stem cell transplant. We were advised that she should not handle dog waste (she liked to walk the dog). I am not sure when that recommendation ended, but it at least included the first six months after her transplant.
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JPC - Name: JPC
Re: Outdoor activities after auto stem cell transplant
Hi Debbie,
JPC has given you some good advice. I'll just add a little bit based on my experience.
For me, all restrictions were lifted after my +90 day checkup, even though my immune system was still not up to a normal level. Regarding swimming, I would think you'd be fine swimming in a lake at this point. My doctor was fine with me swimming in the ocean even before Day +90. His concern was the possibility of an infection from other people in a crowded swimming area like a pool.
On the dirt, I was not supposed to mess with dirt before Day +90, but we had a ton of weeds in a little garden area. They annoyed me so much that I couldn't help myself and I went to work pulling them up somewhere around Day +60. I felt guilty and a little worried about it afterward, but had no ill effects. I made out better than the weeds did.
Of course, the best idea is to ask your doctor what s/he thinks about you doing these activities. But it's great that you're doing well 4 months out from your stem cell transplant, and feel like getting back into these activities!
Mike
JPC has given you some good advice. I'll just add a little bit based on my experience.
For me, all restrictions were lifted after my +90 day checkup, even though my immune system was still not up to a normal level. Regarding swimming, I would think you'd be fine swimming in a lake at this point. My doctor was fine with me swimming in the ocean even before Day +90. His concern was the possibility of an infection from other people in a crowded swimming area like a pool.
On the dirt, I was not supposed to mess with dirt before Day +90, but we had a ton of weeds in a little garden area. They annoyed me so much that I couldn't help myself and I went to work pulling them up somewhere around Day +60. I felt guilty and a little worried about it afterward, but had no ill effects. I made out better than the weeds did.
Of course, the best idea is to ask your doctor what s/he thinks about you doing these activities. But it's great that you're doing well 4 months out from your stem cell transplant, and feel like getting back into these activities!
Mike
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mikeb - Name: mikeb
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2009 (MGUS at that time)
- Age at diagnosis: 55
Re: Outdoor activities after auto stem cell transplant
Thank you for sharing your experiences! Very helpful information!! It is such a gray area, and I find very little information. Even the doctors aren't absolutely certain about some of these things.
I am a very active person and do so many things outdoors. This week the temp is supposed to hit 98, I may dip my head under the water. The lake is clean, particularly out in the middle where it is deep. LOL – maybe I will hold my nose and shut my eyes!
As for the horse, I may need to leave her grooming to some other people. But she will definitely need to have someone hose her down if it gets so hot this week. Yes, I feel strong and really good – pretty much back to 'normal' – and am itching to do the things that I have always done before.
I am a very active person and do so many things outdoors. This week the temp is supposed to hit 98, I may dip my head under the water. The lake is clean, particularly out in the middle where it is deep. LOL – maybe I will hold my nose and shut my eyes!
As for the horse, I may need to leave her grooming to some other people. But she will definitely need to have someone hose her down if it gets so hot this week. Yes, I feel strong and really good – pretty much back to 'normal' – and am itching to do the things that I have always done before.
Re: Outdoor activities after auto stem cell transplant
Hi Debbie,
I am not a doctor, but if you are feeling well and your numbers look good, I definitely think you should start doing all those things you like.
I am three months post auto transplant, and I started swimming (indoor pool, lake and sea) once my Hickman was removed and the skin had healed completely two months post transplant. I avoided handling the cat's litter tray the first two months, but brought two guinea pigs home one month post transplant that I have taken care of myself since, without problems. If you enjoy gardening, using gloves could be a good idea, to avoid getting wounds on your hands that could potentially get infected.
Like you write, doctors can't give a clear answer, but I don't think that is reason to avoid all those outdoor activities you enjoy so much. I believe the benefit is greater than the risk!
I am not a doctor, but if you are feeling well and your numbers look good, I definitely think you should start doing all those things you like.
I am three months post auto transplant, and I started swimming (indoor pool, lake and sea) once my Hickman was removed and the skin had healed completely two months post transplant. I avoided handling the cat's litter tray the first two months, but brought two guinea pigs home one month post transplant that I have taken care of myself since, without problems. If you enjoy gardening, using gloves could be a good idea, to avoid getting wounds on your hands that could potentially get infected.
Like you write, doctors can't give a clear answer, but I don't think that is reason to avoid all those outdoor activities you enjoy so much. I believe the benefit is greater than the risk!
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Myosotis - Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: November 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 37
Re: Outdoor activities after auto stem cell transplant
I am 9 months post-transplant (auto) and feeling great. Should I be continuing to take precautions about the exposure to dirt and mold spores after transplant? I have a horse and have been avoiding all contact with the barn. I even had to put down my beloved mare a month ago, who injured herself, and felt so bad that I hadn't been able to be with her this past year.
How long after a transplant should one take precautions and avoid dirt / hay / manure, etc? I know most myeloma patients probably don't spend as much time in a barn or dusty environment as I do, but gardening, hiking in the forest, dirt biking, etc?
How long after a transplant should one take precautions and avoid dirt / hay / manure, etc? I know most myeloma patients probably don't spend as much time in a barn or dusty environment as I do, but gardening, hiking in the forest, dirt biking, etc?
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