Gerard S.

My message is to trust your providers and, just as important, to "Stay Strong". Physical activity has really played an important role in my recovery and well-being.

Tell us how GVHD is affecting your life.
Today I am 7 years post-transplant. At 6 months, I had an episode of late-acute liver GVHD. This was difficult as GVHD liver can be deadly. The treatment was difficult (very high dose prednisone) with Sirolimus & Tacrolimus for 18 months. During the immunosuppressant taper, I developed chronic GVHD of fascia and muscle, mainly in my legs but affecting all parts of my body. This was painful and difficult, but once I was diagnosed and treated, I had significant symptom relief. Treatment lasted another 2 years. I am GVHD free today!

What is your message of hope? What inspires you to continue the fight against GVHD?
My message is to trust your providers and, just as important, to "Stay Strong". Physical activity has really played an important role in my recovery and well-being. Daily stretching was so important to keep my muscles and joints as healthy as possible. I also do a lot of walking, hiking, cycling, skiing, and weightlifting. I still work 3 days per week but will fully retire in 6 weeks! BMTinfonet has been a wonderful resource for educational material, live symposiums, videos. I also attended a moderated support group to help understand other GVHD experiences and where I sit on the GVHD "Spectrum". Our support group still meets monthly on our own. We are all friends. Also, I would not have made it this far without the love from my wife, family, and friends! So Happy to be Alive!