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Repeated viral infections
Hello all,
I'm approaching 8 months post transplant and although generally I am doing well I have been suffering from repeated viral infections over the past couple of months.
Thus started in February when I developec a cough and cold like symptoms, no temperature. A swab in the bone marrow clinic showed a RSV infection. This cleared after about 3 weeks but within 2 days I was coughing again. I had my first re-vaccination at this point; the next day I started to feel really under the weather, heavy limbed and woolly headed but again no temperature. I had another swab which showed a Flu B infection. Thd flu jab obviously did it's job as my symptoms really were very minor and I quickly recovered. I then managed a week without a cough but I caught another RSV infection which took another 3 weeks to clear. I was then 10 days free of cough but have just started coughing again and feeling really weary. I had my second vaccination just before these symptoms started so I don't know if the two are linked or this is just a coincidence.
In the grand scheme of things I guess these are minor irritations but I feel really frustrated by the situation.
I was wondering if anyone else had experienced anything similar?
Thanks,
Rob.
P.S. I had a matched unrelated donor transplant with RIC conditioning.
I'm approaching 8 months post transplant and although generally I am doing well I have been suffering from repeated viral infections over the past couple of months.
Thus started in February when I developec a cough and cold like symptoms, no temperature. A swab in the bone marrow clinic showed a RSV infection. This cleared after about 3 weeks but within 2 days I was coughing again. I had my first re-vaccination at this point; the next day I started to feel really under the weather, heavy limbed and woolly headed but again no temperature. I had another swab which showed a Flu B infection. Thd flu jab obviously did it's job as my symptoms really were very minor and I quickly recovered. I then managed a week without a cough but I caught another RSV infection which took another 3 weeks to clear. I was then 10 days free of cough but have just started coughing again and feeling really weary. I had my second vaccination just before these symptoms started so I don't know if the two are linked or this is just a coincidence.
In the grand scheme of things I guess these are minor irritations but I feel really frustrated by the situation.
I was wondering if anyone else had experienced anything similar?
Thanks,
Rob.
P.S. I had a matched unrelated donor transplant with RIC conditioning.
Comments
What you describe is pretty similar to my experience. I am 2 years post transplant and have a fairly regular frequency of viral infection.
Has your medical team checked your immunoglobulin levels? Mine are still below the normal range and I had regular top ups for quite a while after transplant which I think helped. I am trying to wean myself off them now as I want my immune system to stand on it’s on two feet, but they can help if the infections are persistent.
Hope this helps,
Greg
Regards,
Rob.
I think this winter has been a bad one for flu infections going around. I've had it myself since before Christmas and even now I've got a cold of sorts and am coughing some not too pleasant stuff up most mornings. Working in an office full of people coughing and sneezing probably hasn't helped, but at 5 years post transplant I am hopefully a little more resilient to infection.
I had the flu jab and take penicillin daily but I still got a chest infection, so I went to the GP and was referred for chest X-Rays and put on a succession of antibiotics. I had a check up with my consultant a couple of weeks ago and she told me the X-rays showed pneumonia in one of my lungs, which the GP never told me! Thankfully the infection has now cleared up but I feel like I've had a lucky escape.
I'm looking forward to the weather warming up and drying out as I think the cold damp conditions we've had this winter have not been healthy for anyone, let alone those of us who have gone through stem cell transplants.
It just shows we can't get complacent about infection at any stage and need to be cautious. I hope you're feeling better soon and can continue your recovery unhindered.
All the best,
Steve
Thanks for posting, I am the nurse specialist in patient services.
I just wanted to add that 8 months post transplant is still early, your immune system will be recovering so what your experiencing is normal, although frustrating for you. You might always be slightly more vulnerable to infections in the winter but as time passes this should improve. Its is recommended that you should have the flu vaccination yearly in order to help with this. Keeping yourself fit and eating well is essential so bear this in mind too.
If the infections persist I agree with Greg, you should ask to have your immunoglobulins checked. Sometimes these are low and infusions to top them up can help.
Hopefully the worst of the weather has passed and you will now begin to feel better.
Keep us posted
BW
Hayley
Regards, Rob
Rob.
How is your throat these days ? It is a worry but we all remain hopeful living in hope not fear ( well if I am honest most days
I don't want to tempt fate but I have been cough free for about a month now much to the relief of family, friends and work colleagues.
I think the lovely weather has been a help both in terms of some of these viruses disappearing and also mood enhancement. Everything feels better when the sun is shining.
Best wishes to you and Bob.
As for the sunshine it’s surpassed itself recently although I know Bob is struggling at times in the heat but there are worse things to struggle with lol