The most important problems a bone marrow recipient can face are infections, hemorrhage and rejection of the transplanted bone marrow. Throughout the hospital stay of the patient, the transplant team will take all measures, especially including a very specialized room, to combat such problems. Before conditioning chemotherapy is started for the patient, prophylactic antibiotic treatment is given to prevent infections and the patient is closely monitored regarding potential signs of infection. If an infection develops, it is treated with intravenous antibiotics.

Most common sources of infection;

• Catheter
• Blood
• Lungs
• Mouth
• Urinary tract
• Anus-rectum

Risk of bacterial infection decreases after the bone marrow starts functioning in the recipient. However, patient’s immune system will be suppressed by and due to chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other medications for several weeks. This interval may vary depending on the type of bone marrow transplant and the conditioning regimen. The risk of infection, especially viral and fungal ones, will persist within this period. If a catheter is left in the body after the patient is discharged, the risk of infection, particularly bacterial infections, will continue.

• Always wash your hands after you come back to home.
• Wash your hands after every visit to the bathroom.
• Wash your hands every time before you touch a food.
• Wash your hands every time before you eat.
• Help the people you are living with to gain the habit of washing their hands.
• Warn every visitor to wash his/her hands.
• You can use an antibacterial cleaning solution after washing your hands.
• Having a mild shower every day may also decrease the risk for infection.
• You will need to use a mask for 3 months.
• Use paper towels to dry your hands.
• You should not use razor while shaving your body hair due to the risk of laceration.
• Do not use odors such as perfumes or colognes for 1 year.
• Use anti-dust blankets and pillows in your house.
• You need to change your bedclothes once in every three days.
• Your shoes must be soft and comfortable.

Proper nutrition not only improves your immune system, but it also strengthens your body. You may need foods with higher protein or calorie than you get used to after the bone marrow transplant. Moreover, there are some foods you need to avoid for combating the risk for infection. Your dietician may help choose foods that are easier to eat, if you suffer from mouth sores or other eating problems after the bone marrow transplant. Do not share certain materials such as, forks, spoons or glasses even with your family members. Additionally;

• All food should be cooked appropriately.
• Now, it is necessary to be very careful when foods are stored.
• If possible, all foods should be consumed at once without any leftovers.
• Hot foods should be kept hot and the cold ones should be kept cold.
• Do not consume foods if you are not sure about how they are cooked.
• Wash the materials that are washed in dishwasher with hot water and dry them.
• The person who cooks foods should have no laceration or wound in hands or respiratory tract infection.
• Do not eat in restaurants in the first 100 days.
• Consume vegetables and fruits of that season. Immerse them in 1.5 liters of water that is added two caps of vinegar and wait for 15 minutes before you consume them.

• Non-pasteurized milk.
• Raw or partially cooked eggs
• Fresh or homemade cheese
• Fresh vegetables and fruits (nuts are preferred)
• Homemade fruit juices
• Barbecued meat, clams, grilled sheep’s intestines, kebab, pita, giblets etc.
• Fast-food
• Packed Yoghurt
• Spicy, peppered and sauced foods
• Raw hazelnuts, nuts etc.
• Instant soups.
• Raw onion and garlic
• Drinking tap water or spring water.