T+11 (Medical Update)

The contents of this blog post include explicit descriptions of the various transplant side effects I am experiencing. I worried about straying into TMI (too much information) territory but decided, in the end. to continue to be as open and transparent about my journey as possible. Proceed with caution.

As I mentioned in an earlier blog post, there are variety of side effects associated with the stem cell transplant process. In my case, two side effects have kicked in over the past week: mucositis and constipation.

As described in the blog post entitled “T+5 (Quick Update)“, mucositis is the inflammation of the mucosa, the mucous membranes that line the entire gastrointestinal tract including the throat and the mouth. The mucositis is sufficiently advanced that eating is quite painful. My food choices are best summarized as “soft and bland.”

What does the mucositis feel like? In the throat it is reminiscent of a bad sore throat. The mouth, on the other hand, is a mix of mouth sores (very painful) and tender gums. Any contact with food that is not smooth and soft is excruciating. Similarly, any level of spice or acidity makes my mouth feel like it is on fire.

I am determined to continue to eat and to minimize weight loss. Tracy is helping by bringing me food that is both appealing and easy to swallow. Examples include smoothies, rice pudding, regular pudding, and plain pasta. I combine the pasta with broth to make a simple, easy to swallow soup.

If I eat slowly, using small bites and frequent sips of ice water, I am managing to consume reasonable quantities of food. Each meal takes nearly an hour but, since I really don’t have anyplace to go, it really doesn’t matter.

While constipation is uncomfortable, it is what happened when I passed several very solid stools that is real problem. Passing these stools inflamed several small hemorrhoids that normally cause me no problems. Based on my experience during the last transplant process, I expect that the hemorrhoids will remain inflamed for several weeks.

Not only are the inflamed hemorrhoids painful, but, they are also so swollen that I am experiencing a small amount of anal leakage. The little bits of stool that leak end up trapped in the hemorrhoid. I have woken more than once over the past few nights feeling like my butt was on fire!

Through trial and error during the last transplant process, I devised a method of quickly cleaning the hemorrhoids and anus that does not further inflame them. Once clean, an application of lidocaine cream quickly eliminates the burning sensation.

In addition to dealing with the hemorrhoids and constipation, I am also receiving periodic transfusions to deal with the loss of red blood cells and platelets. More about transfusions in a future blog post.

So far, the side effects that I am experiencing can be best classified as “annoying discomfort.” Further, they were expected and I was prepared mentally to deal with them. With any luck, the side effects will remain in the discomfort category.

Thanks for listening,

Mike