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This and That and Talk - My Transplant
Transplants | Last Active: 3 days ago | Replies (1670)Comment receiving replies
After my transplant in 2009, I had a take home booklet of safe do’s and dont’s. I remember reading that as a transplant recipient, I should avoid caves due to mold, fungus…
Has anybody else heard of this? Does anyone know whether it is safe to go on a cave tour as a transplant recipient?
Replies to "After my transplant in 2009, I had a take home booklet of safe do’s and dont’s...."
Oh, but, I’m in the composting field…which I’m not supposed to be around for the same reason. But, I have to work. So, I wear a mask and sanitize. So, perhaps talk with your providers about that option.
@rosemarya HI Rosemary, Sorry, my friend, caves are on the naughty lists for transplant patients as is gardening or anything to do with dirt because of fungus and molds. Especially disrupted dirt, stagnant areas, etc.
We have very low resistance to fungal infections.
Sadly, I know of 3 fellow bone marrow transplant acquaintances who have contracted fungal infections from gardening the past 2 years. One passed away from Fungal Meningitis, another died from a Blastomycosis and a 3rd friend recovered but is still having serious lung issues due to fungus. This is all from Pre-Covid.
My transplant team remains adamant that there is to be no gardening, not even pulling up a weed, even with a mask. We had our yard and gardens completely redone this past month. I couldn’t leave the house or have windows open. I know it’s the pits!! But it’s a small trade off for having a life, right? ☺️
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I haven’t seen it in any guidebooks I’ve read, but have come across some info on it. Including from the CDC - https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/histoplasmosis/risk-prevention.html
Sad…I love touring caves!