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Immune System

I am a little confused about how the immune system works and was wondering if anyone out there knows the answer to the following.

I had a transplant back in May and was on immunosupressants for several months. I have now been off these drugs for a month and in that time have had 2 colds, when I was on the drugs I was fine.

I am still signed off sick and do not come into contact with many people and those that I do have not shown signs of colds.

I know some immunity is built up by having had the infection before and this I will have lost, but I don't understand why now that the immune system is being allowed to increase I am suddenly plagued by colds (okay so 2 might not be a plague but it feels like it!!).

I am seeing my consultant in a few weeks and will ask him but was wondering if in the meantime anyone on the site had any insights.

Apart from the colds I am doing really well and hope to return to work before the end of the year.

Hi
I am 2 years post SCT and whilst I can't answer your questions technically I can at least share my experiences.

I never suffered from colds pre transplant but have had 2 or 3 'whoppers' since. The colds lasted nearly 3 weeks and I had to have antibiotics each time. I think our immune systems are just generally weakened and never fully recover. I have had other bugs as well. I think we can expect never to be the same again but at least we will hopefully be leukaemia free.

I think that the post transplant period is quite tough and I guess I didn't really realise how prone I would be to infections etc. I went back to work after 6+ months and then got another problem and was off work for 7 months! It does happen.

I too, was off immunosuppressants very quickly, barely 2 months, I couldn't tolerate them at all.

I am leukaemia free but have other problems, see my web site www.caringbrige.org/visit/susanleigh

I hope that you continue to do really well and I think you just have to accept that colds etc will be more frequent. Just keep washing the hands. Please contact me if I can help more;

regards
Susan

Susan

Hi My son Rio had his BMT in June 2008 and has had colds lately. I guess it's just that time of year. Your immunity will build up gradually, but it's got a way to go after being completely wiped out! This post - transplant phase is a long old slog and I know we certainly underestimated how longlasting the effects would be and how big an impact it would continue to have for so long. But keep on keeping on - it all improves with time and you are well on the way!
kestrel