[Beacon Staff]

Weekly Poll - Return To Work After Stem Cell Transplant - 2013

by Beacon Staff on Wed Aug 21, 2013 10:22 am

This week's poll is about how long it takes to recover after a stem cell transplant enough to return to work at least part time.

A few clarifications:

First, this question is for any myeloma patient who worked up until having a stem cell transplant.

Second, if you have had multiple transplants, either in a row or at multiple different times, please answer based on your first stem cell transplant.

Third, please answer how long it took you to return to work based on the day of your transplant (as compared to the day you stopped working in preparation for your transplant or the day you were released from the hospital).

Fourth, if you are a caregiver or family member of a myeloma patient, feel free to answer on their behalf.

As always, feel free to post comments, thoughts, or feedback in the space below. They can be very useful to other readers.

In particular, if you started back to work part time and then resumed working full time later on, please describe that below.

Likewise, if you received multiple stem cell transplants, please describe how your recovery varied with each transplant.

In case you are interested, we ran the same poll a year ago. The results from that poll can be viewed here:
https://myelomabeacon.org/forum/weekly-poll-return-to-work-after-stem-cell-transplant-t1018.html

[JBarnes]

Re: Weekly Poll - Return To Work After Stem Cell Transplant

by JBarnes on Wed Aug 21, 2013 12:50 pm

Ya the transplant was a couple three weeks of misery but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I went back to work part time six weeks after transplant and full time two weeks later. I'm a desk jockey so I didn't have to do any physically demanding jobs. I would think the type of job you have to impact this recovery time. Jerry.

[WeatherNurse13]

Re: Weekly Poll - Return To Work After Stem Cell Transplant

by WeatherNurse13 on Wed Aug 21, 2013 1:47 pm

I am 6 months post transplant and still not back to work. Had several complications and am having therapy for a non functional muscle causing problems with my right arm. My lack of immunity to childhood diseases is keeping me from returning to work as a RN in the special care nursery. Trying to make the best out of the situation.

[Delta Girl]

Re: Weekly Poll - Return To Work After Stem Cell Transplant

by Delta Girl on Wed Aug 21, 2013 11:58 pm

I was blessed my job allowed me the benefit to telework when I returned because my immune system was still low. I physically returned part time about 5 weeks out. The most important thing is that you get healthy. Keep the #Faith myeloma warriors!

[janner]

Re: Weekly Poll - Return To Work After Stem Cell Transplant

by janner on Mon Aug 26, 2013 1:32 pm

I returned to work part-time 5 months after the actual transplant. I lasted about 6 weeks, got sick with pneumonia and had to be hospitalized. I had to retire on medical disability.....fatigue induced sicknesses and susceptibility to infections was too much to overcome. Being able to handle my time and energy level has been very beneficial - I am 13 years out from first transplant. (had second one in 2004 for amyloid kidney).

[Jacque]

Re: Weekly Poll - Return To Work After Stem Cell Transplant

by Jacque on Tue Aug 27, 2013 1:03 am

I am grateful for the last seven years in remission. I really battle with fatigue and leg cramps. My immune system seems to be better after fighting off sinus infections for five years. Haven't had to be on an antibiotic for two years. Yeah. I developed fibromyalgia after my stem cell transplant. Sometimes I can't figure out what is from the fibromyalgia and what is from the stem cell transplant. But I know I will not be going back to work. That I am sure of. I am also 64 and not very hireable. I am enjoying Mr grandkids. I have to pace myself and rest. That is my life now.