Transplant at Birmingham

[Platelets2022]

Hi has anybody else had transplant at Birmingham QE hospital? I have one scheduled soon and very frightened. Diagnosed with AML in Nov 2021. Completed 4 cycles of chemo as an in-patient in Shropshire for 4 weeks at a time + 50 days conditioning chemo ( Flag-Ida).

[2003UK]

Hi, no I have had a transplant at Birmingham QE, but I just wanted to say look after yourself.

I am not surprised that you are frightened, that sounds so natural to me, but perhaps tell your treatment team how you are feeling and I hope it will help. I get frightened at the unknown especially.

Be kind to yourself.

[Platelets2022 in reply to 2003UK]

Thank you for your kind words.Take care.

Joanne

[Jm954]

Hiya, I haven't had a transplant there (might need one in the future though) but I have spent a week on the Haematology Transplant ward at the QEH back in March/April this year so I can offer an insight into what it's like.

There's no doubt that a transplant is a tough treatment but the staff, all of them, are nothing short of fantastic - both caring and very competent. The doctors are amongst the best in the country with plenty of experience of transplant patients so don't be frightened - you're in safe hands.

The longer stay transplant patients were given the 'outer rooms' which are barrier nursed for a single patient and have en suite facilities. They also have a fantastic view of the city of Birmingham which is surprisingly green and pretty.

They will encourage you to get out of bed and walk up and down the ward if you can. Myself and a couple of the transplant patients spent a fair amount of time walking up and down the ward which helped our recovery. I can't remember what they call it but there are posters up in the ward telling you how far so many laps of the ward is.

The food is not too bad, I found the Asian/carribbean food more interesting than the standard menu but you need to ask for it or they will assume you want the standard one. The other thing is that the long stay patients can ask for nicer things for breakfast and the staff will go and get them for them. The normal breakfast is carbohydrate based and prepped on the ward - toast, cereals, yoghurt but I'd recommend you ask for some protein, especially eggs.

If you have any specific questions let me know and I'll try to answer them.

Wising you all the very best

Jackie

[Platelets2022 in reply to Jm954]

Hi Jackie,

Thanks for your insight into the workings of the ward. I am in there now in a side room with a nice view. I may ask for the alternative menu as I am vegatarian there may be more choice on the asian one. Just waiting for a hickman line to be fitted so I can have some chemo ahead of transplant next week.

Take care.

Joanne 🙂

[Jm954 in reply to Platelets2022]

Joanne, I'll be thinking of you!

x

[Platelets2022 in reply to Jm954]

Thank you 🙂

[Christiana_]

Hia.

I had a bone marrow transplant under the most fantastic Dr P and his team at Heartlands 10 years ago (the department isn’t there now so everything is run from QE) along with him I think? I had t-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma so was on the Leukemia treatment path culminating in BMT.

As you will have heard many people say before me, there are a huge range of symptoms linked to any drug/treatment but we’re all so different and respond differently. I learnt, during my time, that it’s so much about your mindset, having a positive outlook and positive people there for you. For me, I was really poorly with lymphoma, it was this generous gift from an anonymous donor or the end. So I took it really slow. One day at a time. Sometimes half a day at a time. If this is your chance of life then grab it by both hands and don’t let go!!!! There is so much that could be said about symptoms, strategies etc but perhaps it’s best to take it as YOU find it. Keep asking questions as things arise. There’s bound to be someone on this forum who’s had it or knows of someone who’s had similar. ❤️

The team are really fantastic in Birmingham. Tell them how you feel. Let them know each time they give you something new or if you’re feeling overwhelmed. My experience is that they will bend over backwards to help you (and your family) if they can.

I particularly love Jackies post giving you some practical insight into how the ward runs. That info is invaluable.

[Jm954 in reply to Christiana_]

That is such a lovely, supportive reply. You've said it all, perfectly x

[Platelets2022 in reply to Jm954]

Thank you Christiana. Some very useful tipd in your post.