GVHD Series Part 2: GVHD of the Gut Experts and patients give their advice to help you manage symptoms
If you have trouble eating or digesting due to Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) of the gut, there are simple steps you can take to improve your recovery and help you feel better. |
Dr. Navneet Majhail, offers tips on how to manage GVHD symptoms
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Start by recognizing the symptoms "For patients with acute GVHD, about half will also have GVHD of the gut," says Dr. Navneet Majhail, Medical Director of NMDP/Be The Match and Director of the Bone Marrow Transplant Program at Cleveland Clinic. "Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and abdominal pain. It's important to report any of these to your doctor right away. The sooner symptoms are identified, the sooner treatment can begin."
See what you can do to help manage symptoms. Read more >
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Finding ways to express your gratitude: When you want to thank your donor
"I have no idea how to thank you or how to really begin the conversation with you ... It's kind of impossible to truly express our gratitude ... You made a choice that many people don't make. Your choice, self-sacrifice and prayers saved our daughter's life."
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Clara after receiving a bone marrow transplant from her perfect match, John
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How you choose to thank your donor is a personal decision. Even if a face-to-face meeting is not possible, there are ways to express your gratitude. Just ask Brooke. When her infant daughter Clara received a transplant for AML, she wrote an anonymous note to Clara's donor.
A letter is one way to express gratitude. There are also many other ways to thank your donor>
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Up next in our GVHD Series: Reader's Choice
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Vote now on the topic you'd like to see in our next issue. The topic with the most votes will be featured in our GVHD series.
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Events Teleconference Living Now: Your role in managing your chronic GVHD August 22, 2013 Register now >
Be The Match Walk+Run Find a Be The Match Walk+Run near you Search >
Need Support? We're here for you. patientinfo@nmdp.org >
Connect with Others Be part of our patient Facebook community. Join >
Post-Transplant Guidelines Do you need help navigating your care after transplant? Learn more >
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