Bone Marrow Transplant: Your Inpatient Stay

As you prepare for a bone marrow transplant, you may be worried and unsure of what to expect. If you’re anxious about your hospital stay, that’s completely normal. Being prepared can help ease your fears. This article will help explain the basics of your inpatient stay. It will also offer advice on what to bring to the hospital and how you can feel as comfortable as possible during this time.

What is an inpatient stay?

An inpatient stay means you will be in the hospital overnight. Your care team will let you know how long you should plan to be there. Most people who have a bone marrow transplant stay in the hospital for at least a few weeks. The length of your stay will depend on how the transplant goes and how your body responds.

You will have a private room during your entire stay. Your immune system will be unable to fight off any new infections during this time because of the transplant treatments. Being in your own room will help reduce the risk of infection. While this can feel lonely, it’s necessary to keep you safe. Your room may also have a special air system to make sure no unclean air gets into your room.

What can you expect during your stay?

Preparing for the transplant

The first part of your stay may include a pretransplant treatment such as chemotherapy (chemo) or radiation. This is called conditioning. That's because these treatments help prepare your body to accept new stem cells. The exact type of treatment you receive depends on your diagnosis and overall care plan. You may have some common short-term side effects of chemo and radiation. Your care team will be on hand to help you while you recover.

The transplant

Once the pretransplant treatment is finished, you will move on to the transplant phase. The bone marrow transplant consists of new stem cells given to you through a central venous catheter. This is a long flexible tube that is placed into a large vein in your chest. This will help the new stem cells reach your bone marrow through your bloodstream. Once the stem cells reach your bone marrow, they should start to create healthy new blood cells.

You will most likely be awake and in your hospital bed for the transplant. You’ll be given medicine to help with side effects. The preserving agent used if stem cells are frozen causes many of the side effects. These can include a strong taste of garlic or creamed corn in your mouth. It can help to drink fruit juices and eat ice pops or hard candies. Your body may also smell like this for a few days. But it will slowly fade away. Your care team will do everything they can to keep you comfortable.

After the transplant

During your recovery from the transplant, you will be very closely watched by your care team. You’ll have regular check-ins, blood work, and other tests done every few hours. This is to make sure your body is accepting the new stem cells and your bone marrow is making new blood cells. It often takes 2 to 6 weeks to start seeing a return to normal blood counts. It may take 6 to 12 months or longer for blood counts to get close to normal. And for your immune system to work well.

You will need to be careful to prevent infections. Your body is very vulnerable to germs during this time. You may be given antibiotics to help prevent infections. You will most likely be eating a special diet. And you will need to pay extra attention to your body and oral hygiene during your stay. Your care team will advise you on this before you check into the hospital.

Tips for what to bring

Your care team should give you a full list of items to bring to your inpatient stay. Here are a few common suggestions:

  • Comfortable and warm clothing such as pajamas, sweatpants, and sweatshirts
  • Plenty of socks and underwear
  • A warm hat and slippers
  • A cozy robe
  • Things to help pass the time, such as books, word games, and puzzles
  • Cell phone and charger
  • Electronic devices to listen to music or watch TV
  • Photos of family and friends

You will also be given a list of items not to bring. This may include plants, flowers, some foods, and certain personal care products. Ask your healthcare team for more details.

Be sure to give yourself enough time to prepare for your inpatient stay, both mentally and logistically. Ask a family member or friend for help with your packing list if you feel overwhelmed.

Making a plan for visitors

You’ll likely only be allowed a limited number of visitors during your stay. This might be just your primary caregiver. Ask about the visitor policy before your hospital stay. This will help you can make a plan with your loved ones. Children under a certain age are often not allowed to visit. It depends on your treatment plan and the hospital’s policies. You’ll also want to limit your contact with any germs or possible infections. Visitors should not visit if they are sick. They may also need to wear personal protective equipment to keep you safe. This can include a mask, gown, or gloves. Remember, this is all to give you the best chance of a healthy recovery.

Finding support

A long inpatient stay may make you feel like your life is on hold. That’s understandable. When your loved ones can’t comfort you in person, it can feel lonely. But there are lots of ways to find support and stay connected while you’re in the hospital. Here are a few:

  • Stay in regular contact with your care team. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or raise concerns. They are there to help you through the entire process.
  • Choose a primary caregiver before you go into the hospital. This person will need to be aware of your full treatment plan. They will help care for you when you get home.
  • Join a patient support group. Or connect with people who have received inpatient treatment before. They can offer helpful advice and wisdom. Support groups are available in person or online.
  • Use your phone to send texts or emails, make calls, or record video updates for loved ones. Ask them to record their own audio or videos clips for you to play when you’re feeling lonely.
  • Decorate your hospital room with photos of family and friends.
  • Try your best to manage any stress, sadness, or frustration you feel. Meditation, breathing exercises, and other mindfulness tools can help. The treatment center may have a counselor, social worker, or chaplain that can offer support.

Above all, be patient with yourself and your body. Try to have hope and a positive outlook. Know that your healthcare team and loved ones are there to support you.