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[Violet]

I had a BMT July 2012. In addition to the expected problems due to my immature immune system, I spent 31 days sedated on a ventilator with pneumonia. I have suffered and treated chronic depression my entire adult life. This past years events have magnified this. I talked to my transplant doctor prior to the transplant knowing chemo affects this. I've had a very rough time with this. Has anyone experienced this? Any suggestions?

[Neil Cuadra]

Violet,

When you have two separate medical conditions, such as MDS and chronic depression, or in this case the aftermath of a transplant and chronic depression, you need specialists who will work together. Neither of these is a health condition you have to handle by yourself, and a team approach will serve you best.

A hematologist isn't likely to know the best ways to treat depression, while psychiatrists and psychologists and other mental health practitioners aren't going to be experts on bone marrow failure or the effects of transplants and the drugs taken after a transplant. It will help if you make sure that all of your providers of care and counseling know how to contact each other and have your permission and encouragement to do so.

[K Dance]

Violet,

I will pray for you to gain some kind of peace through your challenging journey! Hang in there, you seem to have persevered through a deep valley.

Peace to You!

K Dance