Below are links to the most frequently asked questions from patients and family members. New questions with answers will be posted to this site on a regular basis.
Back to Work Issues
Dry Eyes
Exercise and Nutrition
Fatigue
Graft-vs.-Host Disease
Hepatitis C
History of Transplantation
Metabolic Syndrome
Memory Loss and Cognitive Issues
Mini-transplants
Muscle Cramps and Bone Problems
Pediatric Long-Term Effects
Peripheral Neuropathy
Post-transplant Lung Issues
Preventive Maintenance after Transplant
Resources and Support
Relapse
Skin Cancer
Transplant Statistics
Vaccination after Transplantation
Q. How do I know what kinds of problems should signal a call to LTFU vs. a call to my doctor?
It may help to remember that once you have returned to the care of your personal doctor, LTFU becomes a consultant for your doctor and for you. If you have a personal doctor and need help with a medical issue, you should call your doctor first. LTFU can't offer direct medical care in most cases, so it's important to make contact first with someone who can. Once your doctor has been contacted, LTFU can be consulted as needed by you or your doctor to assist in your care. This will save time and allow for better coordination of your care.
If you have questions about post-transplant instructions given by the Fred Hutchinson, do not have a personal doctor, or need general information on post-transplant problems, LTFU can help.
Q. How do I contact LTFU?
If you have transplant-related questions that can't be answered by your personal doctor or if you and your doctor have determined that consultation from LTFU is needed, we are here to help. To reach us Monday through Friday during the hours of 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (pacific time) call (206) 667-4415. After hours calls go into a voicemail system. These calls are picked up on the next business day. For after hour emergencies, call (206) 667-7600 and ask to speak to the charge nurse.
Q. When I call LTFU, how will my question be handled?
Calls are assigned priority according to medical urgency and the order in which they are received. In many cases, LTFU may need to contact your doctor to get further information or to coordinate necessary care. Complex problems not requiring an immediate response may be discussed at an LTFU clinical care conference. This conference is held twice a week. In general, most calls receive a response within 24 hours. But please be aware that the response time depends on the volume and nature of the calls received. At times there may be a delay in responding to less urgent problems.
 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
