Bone marrow transplant has become a common treatment for those with certain types of cancers and other illnesses. Today, you can find many hospitals offering the best treatment and affordable bone marrow transplant costs in India.
Basically, in this transplant, cells are either taken from the patient itself (autologous transplant) or from a donor (allogeneic transplant). We aims to transfer healthy bone marrow cells into a patient after their own bone marrow is damaged or stops working normally.
If you or your loved one recently had a bone marrow transplant or are preparing for it, you have to take care of certain things to make the process smooth. In this post, we will read about the seven things you should do during a bone marrow transplant.
Things you should do in Bone Marrow Transplant
When your doctor recommends a bone marrow transplant, you have to prepare for a lot of things. So, what are the most common yet important things you should do in a bone marrow transplant? Let’s have a look.
Be prepared Mentally
While the transplantation team can tell you what to expect, it’s you who has to address and accept it. Moreover, it also helps your healthcare team understand your fears, questions, or any other feelings you have related to the transplant. Along with sharing your needs and thoughts with the team, talking to someone who recently got a bone marrow transplant done is beneficial. While the waiting time for your BMT may seem daunting, use this time to understand the procedure and get ready for it.
Consider your Lifestyle before a bone marrow transplant.
The candidate often needs to make a few lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking and maintaining a moderate weight. Although that could be difficult for some, it can be helpful for them on the road to recovery.
Managing Financing
Irrespective of the organ transplant one is going to have, the truth is, they are expensive. Although the bone marrow transplant cost in India is less than in other countries, one should prepare for the finances beforehand. Insurance coverage for bone marrow transplants varies largely. However, it helps you to cover the treatment and medicine expenses to a large extent.
Ask Question to your Doctor about bone marrow transplant
Even if you are physically, financially, and mentally prepared, you still have to clear all questions coming to your mind. You can ask the doctor about the risks of bone marrow transplants as well as their benefits. Other questions you may ask include:
- What is a transplant waiting list?
- Type of transplant you are going to have
- Success rates according to your age group
- How long is the waiting list?
- How long do you have to stay in the hospital?
- Precautions you should take and more.
Get your Tests Done
The pre-transplant test includes various tests that offer a complete analysis of the patient’s overall health. These tests help the team identify if there is any other problem before your transplant. Or anything that can cause complications after your surgery. These tests are:
- Blood tests
- Tissue Typing (for allogeneic patients only)
- Chest X-ray
- Pulmonary function tests (PFTs, lung tests)
- Computed tomography scan (CT Scan)
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
- Heart tests such as Electrocardiogram (EKG), Echocardiogram
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Skeletal survey
Look for a Caregiver and a Trusted person to Manage Finances
Find a full-time family caregiver or a team of carers to care for you while you are unable to care for yourself. Prepare yourself and your family emotionally for the transplant and recovery period plan. It is important to manage the expenditures involved with a transplant as well as ordinary household bills while you are unwell.
Sit back and Relax!
Once you have completed the checklist, just sit back and relax. A good hospital with professional surgeons and medical staff will make your journey hassle free. Moreover, you will get better soon.
Although going for a surgery may seem scary, it is not like that. You can have a consultation beforehand, in order to get answers to all your questions. If you have any doubts regarding the hospital, surgeon, or the cost of a bone marrow transplant in India, Lyfboat can help you. Book a live consultation today, and sort out an effective medical plan. To read more about our health blogs please click here!