Ask Daniel: How did you want friends and family to support you? Wondering how to best support someone close to you who has received a diagnosis? Daniel shares what he found most useful when he was going through the early stages of aplastic anaemia. Expand Further information you might find useful... The AAT has a free advice booklet for young people whose friend has been diagnosed with aplastic anameia. Find it here: Ages 5-11, Ages 12-16, For young adults. We also have resources for parents on how to explain aplastic anaemia to your child, and how to support them, which you can find here. Ask a question Need more support? Contact our support team.
Ask Daniel: How was your mental health during treatment for aplastic anaemia? Daniel talks about some of the difficult times he went through mentally when he was having a bone marrow transplant as treatment for his aplastic anaemia, and in the years following. Expand Content WarningDaniel talks openly in this video about some of the difficult times he went through mentally when he was having a bone marrow transplant as treatment for his aplastic anaemia, and in the years following. We are very grateful for Daniel sharing his personal perspective, and believe this video could be useful for people going through similar experiences. However, it may be best avoided if you currently prefer to hear positive stories, and may be a difficult viewing for someone anticipating treatment. We are here for you. The Aplastic Anaemia Trust is here to support anyone affected by aplastic anaemia through your treatment and beyond. Contact our support team. You can find out more about the Britain Get Talking campaign that Daniel mentions here. If you're struggling with your mental health it can help to talk to a professional who understands. We recommend these expert services: Samaritans: 116 123 (24 hour helpline) or visit samaritans.org Mind: 0800 123 3393 or visit mind.org.uk SANEline: 0300 304 7000 or visit sane.org.uk
Ask Daniel: What should I pack when I go into hospital for a Bone Marrow Transplant? Daniel gives his tips on what to pack for your time in isolation. Expand Further information you might find useful... Most patients, like Daniel, advise a stash of snacks! Some steroids you may be on may mean your blood sugars are higher than normal, which is means your diet for diabetic patients may need careful monitoring - it's important for everyone to take the advice of your doctors and nutritionists as everyone is different. When you're packing snacks, it's also important to stick to a neutropenic diet. Find advice here. If you're snacking or eating more sugar than normal, frequent toothbrushing and good oral hygiene are also super important, and will offset any issues you have with your gums as a side effect of ciclosporin. The AAT has a resource for young people giving advice on preparing for hospital stays. Find it here: Ages 5-11, Ages 12-16, For young adults. Ask a question Need more support? Contact our support team.
Ask Daniel: What was your bone marrow transplant experience like? Daniel tells the story of his bone marrow transplant experience - how he felt before and afterwards, and the things that surprised him along the way! Expand Further information you might find useful... The AAT has a fact sheet about bone marrow transplants which contains lots of expert information, find it here: Ages 5-11, Ages 12-16, For young adults. Ask a question Need more support? Contact our support team.
Ask Daniel: Will my brother's bone marrow transplant be safe? Daniel has received a question from Fadi about her brother who is likely to receive a bone marrow transplant. Expand Further information you might find useful... Daniel recommends our Facebook Support Group, which is a wonderful place to receive support from our community, you can join here. The AAT has a fact sheet about bone marrow transplants which contains lots of expert information, find it here: Ages 5-11, Ages 12-16, For young adults. Ask a question Need more support? Contact our support team.