You have had a bone marrow transplant. It will take 6 months or more for your blood counts and immune system to recover fully. During this time, your risk for infections, bleeding, and skin problems is higher.
Your body is still weak. It may take up to a year to feel like you did before your bone marrow transplant. It is likely that you will get tired very easily. You will also likely have a poor appetite.
If you received bone marrow from someone else, you may develop signs of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Ask your doctor or nurse to tell you what signs of GVHD you should watch for.
Oral Care
Brush your teeth and gums 2 to 3 times a day for 2 to 3 minutes each time. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
Let your toothbrush air dry between brushings.
Use a toothpaste with fluoride.
Floss gently one time a day.
Rinse your mouth 4 times a day with a salt-and-baking-soda solution (mix one half teaspoon of salt and one half teaspoon of baking soda in 8 ounces or 1 cup of water). Your doctor may prescribe a mouth rinse.
Do not use mouth rinses with alcohol in them.
Use your regular lip care products to keep your lips from drying and cracking. Tell your doctor if you develop new mouth sores or pain.
Chew sugarless gums or suck on sugar-free popsicles or sugar-free hard candies. Avoid mouth rinses that have alcohol in them. Do not eat foods and drinks that have a lot of sugar in them.
Take care of your dentures, braces, or other dental products.
If you wear dentures, put them in only when you are eating. Do this for the first 3 to 4 weeks after your transplant. Do not wear them at other times during the first 3 to 4 weeks.
Brush your dentures 2 times a day. Rinse them well.
Soak your dentures in an antibacterial solution (a solution to kill germs) when you are not wearing them.
Preventing Infections
You need to take care not to get infections for up to 1 year or more after your transplant.
Practice safe eating and drinking during cancer treatment.
Be careful what you eat. Do not eat or drink anything that may be undercooked or spoiled.
Make sure your water is safe.
Know how to cook and store foods safely.
Be careful when you eat out. Do not eat raw vegetables, meat, or fish, or anything else you are not sure is safe.
Wash your hands with soap and water often:
After being outdoors
After touching body fluids, such as mucus or blood
After changing a diaper
Before handling food
After using the telephone
After doing housework
After going to the bathroom
Keep your house clean. Stay away from crowds. Ask visitors who have a cold to wear a mask, or to not visit. Do not do yard work or handle flowers and plants.
Be careful with pets and animals.
If you have a cat, keep it inside.
Have someone else change the litter box every day.
Do not play rough with cats. Scratches and bites can get infected.
Stay away from puppies, kittens, and other very young animals.
Ask your doctor what vaccines you may need and when to get them.
Review Date:
6/5/2012
Reviewed By:
Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
