← Return to Neuropathy from chemo and stem cell transplant

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@jan8

Still on Acyclovir. Have had two series of vaccinations and more end of this month. I do have GVHD and am on Jakafi. When I first got the rash, he put me on prednisone and didn't help. That's when he said it wasn't GVHD related. How can I find out if its shingles? I'll take a look at the link above.
Thanks!!

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Replies to "Still on Acyclovir. Have had two series of vaccinations and more end of this month. I..."

Having shingles on a leg would be unusual. But if it is shingles the rash would contain fluid filled blisters.
Is the rash spreading or just in one area? What does it look like?

I still think it’s a good idea to see a dermatologist. I can’t remember where you had your transplant. Were you at a larger institute with collaborative care that your transplant doctor could refer you to a Derm specialist or neurology specialist?
I had an ongoing issue with my tongue and my transplant doctor referred me to oral dermatologist. Wondering if getting a referral to one of your clinic’s specialists could be an option for you. It’s an awful feeling to not get the support you need right now!

You’re only a year out from transplant and from my experience ‘odd’ things can still pop up from time to time. I’m 5 years out from transplant and recently, out of the blue, had a strange eruption on my ankle. The dermatologist diagnosed it as granuloma annulare. It was treated for a couple weeks and disappeared. A reminder that my immune system, though strong, isn’t as robust as my original immune system. 😉 Anytime something changes in our health when we’re newly transplanted, our first thought is that it’s related to that experience. And it usually is…but not necessarily gvhd. Just a bi-product of a weakened immune system.
The fact that the rash or pain didn’t react to the prednisone is a pretty good indicator that it isn’t Gvhd. Neuropathy can feel anywhere from tingly, to a deep burning feeling, or stabbing type pain which can be unbearable. Generally chemo induced neuropathy doesn’t have a rash associated with it though.
I hope you find some answers soon! This ‘whatever it is’ sounds like it’s really negatively impacting your life. The past year was bad enough…you should be moving on to much more positive days years ahead.
I’d at least start with a dermatology appointment.
Are you able to take any pain meds?