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Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) Discharge Instructions


About this topic


Bone marrow is a soft tissue that is found inside most bones. It helps make blood cells. Sometimes, the bone marrow makes abnormal blood cells. It may not make enough normal blood cells. Myelodysplastic syndromes or MDS are a type of cancer caused by problems in your blood cells. ‚  
There is no cure for these syndromes. Doctors treat this problem based on the type of MDS you have. Drugs and transfusions are ways to treat the signs of MDS. Chemo, radiation, transplant, and supportive care may be needed in cases that are more serious. ‚  
Older age, past environmental exposure, previous chemo or radiation, or stem cell transplant are some of the reasons that MDS may develop. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Wash your hands often to prevent infection. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill germs.
  • Avoid being near people who are sick. Stay away from crowded places.
  • Cook meats well. Wash and peel fruits and vegetables before eating.

What follow-up care is needed?


  • Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
  • Your doctor may send you to a blood expert called a hematologist. You may also be sent to a cancer expert called an oncologist.

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Fight an infection
  • Prevent bleeding
  • Help blood cells mature
  • Raise the immune system
  • Kill cancer cells

Will physical activity be limited?


You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Low red blood cells
  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Increased shortness of breath
  • Enlarged spleen

When do I need to call the doctor?


Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of stroke. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚  
  • Signs of stroke:
    • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
    • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
    • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
    • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
    • Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Call your doctor if you have: ‚  
  • Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pain in the upper part of the abdomen
  • Feelings of being very tired or weak
  • Skin that looks pale
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Spots under the skin caused by bleeding
  • You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you what I will do to keep from getting sick.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have signs of a stroke.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have skin that looks pale or easy bruising or bleeding.

Where can I learn more?


American Cancer Society ‚  
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/myelodysplasticsyndrome/detailedguide/index ‚  
Aplastic Anemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome International Foundation ‚  
http://www.aamds.org/about/MDS ‚  
National Cancer Institute ‚  
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/myelodysplastic/Patient/page1 ‚  
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚  
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/1139/viewAbstract ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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