Pediatric Issues

The transplant is over. It is truly a time to celebrate. There are challenges ahead, yes, but helping your child survive and thrive after transplant is a wonderful thing. Each milestone reached is special. What you once dared not dream of, has become a reality. Both you and your child can celebrate a second chance at life.

The recovery period starts when you bring your child home. It's tempting to think that everything can get back to normal right away, but unfortunately that's not quite true. 

The recovery phase of treatment can be frustrating. It seems to take forever and progress for many can be slow. Family and friends may not understand the course of the recovery, even with repeated explanations. This lack of understanding may be difficult, because you may need the support of family and friends as much now as you did when your child was in the hospital.

You will have to set limits on visitations. Until your child's immune system has recovered, visitors with colds or other mild illnesses will have to stay away. This includes friends of your child's siblings, which can create tension. Even adults with a cold sometimes don't understand why you can't invite them into your home.

Make no mistake: you will be exhausted. Be prepared for that. Be patient and work through the exhaustion by grabbing rest where and when you can. Even a ten minute nap can do wonders.

The reason to be vigilant about exhaustion is that it is common for parents, who held up well while the child was in the hospital, to emotionally crash several weeks or months after the child is home. You've been under a lot of stress and the long recovery period and the possibility of problems can be difficult to manage. Recovery is a great time to use your network of friends and family to give you a moment's rest. You will come through this if you take care of yourself.

Protecting your child's health long-term

Although the hospitalization may be over, you will be dealing with side effects of the treatment for many months and, in some cases, many years after transplant. It's important to understand what complications you should be watching for both in the short and long-term, and how they are treated.

We recomment you view BMT InfoNet's webcast on protecting your child's health long-term to learn what to expect.

Alive with possibilities

Children who have had a transplant and their parents are no different from other parents and children. They want to have a wonderful future; they want to have a rewarding life.

Celebrate your life. Get started on your dreams. Your future is alive with possibilities.