A special type of X-ray called a DEXA scan shows the density of your bones and whether you are at risk of osteoporosis. High iron levels can be treated in two ways: Venesections: This is when a pint of blood is taken from your body to help remove excess iron. This requires calories and energy. The initial risk can be reduced through good lifestyle choices, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise. Taking steroids to control your immune system and reduce the effects of GvHD can also cause certain side effects, especially if they need to be taken for a long time. They can cause blurred or misty vision and make it difficult to do everyday tasks, like driving. Avascular necrosis is when bones in the joints break because of poor blood flow. You can also read more in our 7 Steps: The Next Steps booklet. Heart problems can affect anybody but there’s a slightly higher risk of developing a condition if you’ve had a stem cell transplant. A bone marrow transplant replaces your damaged stem cells with healthy cells. Your body isn’t very good at removing this iron and it can cause serious health problems if left untreated. Your lung function will be tested at your check-up appointments and an X-ray or other scans may be necessary. Medication can help with the pain but most people with avascular necrosis will need surgery. Fortunately, osteoporosis is often reversible. They can happen if you have chronic GvHD or if you’ve had a lot of infections during or after your treatment. Information published: 13/11/18 Changing your diet may be enough to control your symptoms but you might also need to take insulin daily. It can be very painful and result in difficulty with walking and other activities. This section provides information on the following late effects, listed from the most to least common. It usually takes about 3 months, but it’s also normal to take more or less time. The cells in your mouth, stomach, intestine, hair, and muscles will all regrow. It can leave you feeling tired, achy and depressed but is easily treated with daily hormone tablets. Roughly one third of transplant patients have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) in the years after their transplant. More information on cancer screening is available here. The time it takes to recover after a transplant varies. It could take a few years for cataracts to develop, so it’s a good idea to get eye tests regularly. Although it’s generally not painful, your bones become weaker and could fracture easily. There are two main problems that affect your bones. Your risk will also be increased if you needed long-term steroids before your transplant, or to treat GvHD afterwards. Being physically active, and taking calcium and vitamin D supplements, can help prevent and treat it. If you notice any skin changes, particularly in any moles you have, you should have it checked out by your doctor. There are two main causes of bone pain after transplant: Osteoporosis: Older adults, patients with multiple myeloma, and young women who go through early menopause after transplant are at higher risk for osteoporosis. Your platelet count can take a while to get back to normal after a stem cell or bone marrow transplant. You may also have access to a ‘late effects’ clinic. Your medical team will test your blood sugar levels regularly and discuss your options with you in more detail. Your doctor may prescribe medication called bisphosphonates that will help too. The health of your heart will be monitored at your yearly check-ups. The NHS website has help and advice on spotting the early signs of skin cancer. Your medical team can check your iron levels by measuring a protein in your blood called ferritin. Checked out by your doctor will perform a thyroid function test at your check-up appointments and an X-ray other... 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