safety query for bone marrow transplant recipient

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

 

Today I had a conversation with a prospective patient who had a bone marrow

transplant 4 years ago for leukemia - I forget what kind she said she had. She

is now coming off the immuno-suppressive drugs and other meds the doctors use to

prevent transplant rejection. In talking with her, I remembered a presentation

I had done a couple of years ago to the Leukemia Association in San Diego.

Several of the members there raised a question as to whether acupuncture would

be possible for transplant recipients, since it can stimulate the immune system

- and possibly risk rejection of the tissue transplant. Herbs were also a

concern, as transplant patients were instructed to avoid plant matter because of

the risk of contact with molds or other vectors which might cause infection

during immuno-suppression.

 

I asked this woman to speak with her doctor before coming to see me, and to

ask her doctor whether it is safe for her to now have acupuncture. She will

come to see me on Monday, at least for an evaluation if not also for treatment.

 

Has anyone faced the question of acupuncture and herb safety for transplant

recipients? If so, what info have you found, and if you have done treatments,

what impact did they have on the transplant, if any? Also, am I covering myself

by having her ask her doctor and noting her reply in my charts, or should I

speak with her doctor myself?

 

Thanks so much,

 

 

 

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