Staying Healthy

As you recover from a bone marrow or cord blood transplant (also called a BMT), much of your time and energy will be focused on your health. You can take steps to help your body recover and to avoid complications.

Rebuilding your strength

• Get enough rest.
• Eat well.
• Exercise — Exercise can make your body stronger if you do not overdo it. Walking is a good choice for many people. Talk to your doctor about what kind of exercise and how much is best for you.
• Take all your medications at the right times.
• See your doctor for regular follow-up care.
• Find ways to stay in good spirits. A positive attitude is a powerful tool for healing. Do whatever helps you feel better — that could be to spend time with friends, listen to music, engage in prayer, meditation or other spiritual practices, or do creative work, such as writing or painting. See Dealing with Changing Emotions for other ideas.

Taking care of your skin

• Come into your home
• Use the bathroom
• Change a baby's diaper or wipe a child's nose
• Touch a pet
• Blow your nose
• Touch a telephone, doorknob or other object used by many people

In addition, a daily bath or shower using mild soap can also help prevent infections. If you have a central line or catheter, you will be told how to take care of it and how to watch for any signs of infection around it.

Your skin may look darker, either in patches or all over, for a while after your transplant. This can be caused by chemotherapy or radiation therapy. This change will go away over time. If your skin is dry or sensitive, put on skin lotion after your bath or shower. Your doctor may prescribe special lotion or recommend lotion you can buy over the counter. If you see any signs of a rash or other changes in your skin, tell your doctor about it.

Caring for your teeth

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush. (If your gums are sensitive, your doctor may recommend special toothpaste or brushing without toothpaste.)
• Floss daily unless your transplant center tells you not to floss. If your white blood cell and platelet counts are low, flossing could lead to infection or bleeding.
• Use a mouth rinse or fluoride treatment, if you are instructed to by your transplant center.
• Have regular dentist visits to watch for problems.

• Eating certain foods that do not irritate your mouth.
• Sipping water throughout the day.
• Using a saline rinse or over-the-counter product such as Biotene.
• Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candies.

If you do have dry mouth, you have a higher risk for problems with your teeth. Be sure to have your teeth checked regularly.

Staying out of the sun

• Wear sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. Put it on any skin not covered by clothing. This includes your face and neck and the backs of your hands. If you wear sandals, be sure to apply sunscreen to the tops of your feet.
• When you go outside during the day, wear a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves and long pants. Stay in the shade if you can.
• Try to avoid being outside in the middle of the day when the sun is the strongest.
• Follow these guidelines whether the day is sunny or cloudy.