Dears,
My mother had a stem cell transplant about 2 months ago. After she was released from hospital she looked good and started recovering in a good way, but before three weeks she infected with rota virus, so she get diarrhea and it was strong after one weak. She redo the test for two times and it gives clean results, but the diarrhea is still exist, and two days ago she start have a stomach and vomiting.
We visit the emergency department today and they do the tests and release her because the results was good and clean and they say it could be from rota infection or the high-dose chemo from 2 months ago.
I do not know what to do. She has a lot of pain and cannot eat.
Is this normal in this period after a stem cell transplant?
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Re: Vomiting & diarrhea 65 days post stem cell transplant?
I had my transplant in 2009 and I suffered similar GI issues (nausea and total lack of appetite; I couldn’t stand the smell or thought of food). It lasted for about six months. The only relief were popsicles and Compazine (prochlorperazine) for the nausea. However, it will pass given time.
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jharrington1355 - Name: JGH
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2007
- Age at diagnosis: 52
Re: Vomiting & diarrhea 65 days post stem cell transplant?
I’m sorry to hear about your Mum. Really, your Mum’s haematologist / oncologist should be managing this. Or, a really good GP.
My experience of two stem cell transplants, one in 2010 and one a year ago in 2017, left me with GI upsets after both. This last transplant in 2017 was managed by going on a low dose of prednisone for a few months until gradually weaning off once things had settled. Although the worst of the GI had settled, I still experienced severe cramps and intermittent diarrhea. This has calmed remarkably through having 2 teaspoons of psyllium husks daily in a smoothie. I still have to be careful not to eat anything too rich, which can still cause vomiting and diarrhea. But, most of the time I’m now fine (in the gastro area).
At one point, not necessarily related to the GI, I had a CT scan that showed a small pocket of infection. This was subsequently treated. I guess I’m thinking your Mum’s doctor needs to make sure she no longer has any infection; this might need a CT scan. And, it might not hurt to try a low dose of prednisone. I think psyllium husks would be too harsh at this stage.
I did also use anti-nausea medications but they weren’t effective. After my transplant in 2010, it took at least six months for my stomach to settle. This time it's taken much longer. However, a transplant can be a pretty rugged experience, so its not surprising that we get knocked around, some people more than others.
While you’re sorting this out, your Mum needs to stay well hydrated, which can be hard when you’re nauseous and vomiting. Perhaps consider a readmission to the hospital while this is going on, because you need support and you don’t want your Mum to get sicker. Unfortunately, you sometimes have to advocate quite strongly to get the care required.
Best wishes.
My experience of two stem cell transplants, one in 2010 and one a year ago in 2017, left me with GI upsets after both. This last transplant in 2017 was managed by going on a low dose of prednisone for a few months until gradually weaning off once things had settled. Although the worst of the GI had settled, I still experienced severe cramps and intermittent diarrhea. This has calmed remarkably through having 2 teaspoons of psyllium husks daily in a smoothie. I still have to be careful not to eat anything too rich, which can still cause vomiting and diarrhea. But, most of the time I’m now fine (in the gastro area).
At one point, not necessarily related to the GI, I had a CT scan that showed a small pocket of infection. This was subsequently treated. I guess I’m thinking your Mum’s doctor needs to make sure she no longer has any infection; this might need a CT scan. And, it might not hurt to try a low dose of prednisone. I think psyllium husks would be too harsh at this stage.
I did also use anti-nausea medications but they weren’t effective. After my transplant in 2010, it took at least six months for my stomach to settle. This time it's taken much longer. However, a transplant can be a pretty rugged experience, so its not surprising that we get knocked around, some people more than others.
While you’re sorting this out, your Mum needs to stay well hydrated, which can be hard when you’re nauseous and vomiting. Perhaps consider a readmission to the hospital while this is going on, because you need support and you don’t want your Mum to get sicker. Unfortunately, you sometimes have to advocate quite strongly to get the care required.
Best wishes.
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kefrewin - Name: Karen Frewin NZ
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 53
Re: Vomiting & diarrhea 65 days post stem cell transplant?
Thank you for your help and support.
We went to the emergency department again two days ago and they did all the necessary checks and finally they found a bacterial infection in her colon and give her Nidazol (metronidazole) and another antibiotic. She is now good and can eat and drink without vomiting, but still feels some fatigue and stomach ache sometimes.
Hope she gets better soon.
We went to the emergency department again two days ago and they did all the necessary checks and finally they found a bacterial infection in her colon and give her Nidazol (metronidazole) and another antibiotic. She is now good and can eat and drink without vomiting, but still feels some fatigue and stomach ache sometimes.
Hope she gets better soon.
Re: Vomiting & diarrhea 65 days post stem cell transplant?
Thats good news. It sounds similar to the infection I had; it’s not unusual. I hope she now recovers swiftly.
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kefrewin - Name: Karen Frewin NZ
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 53
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