Graft versus host disease (GvHD)
The length of time you have chronic GvHD can vary. A lot of people see a gradual improvement over a few months, but for some it can last longer. The average length of time you have chronic GvHD is between 1 and 3 years. Some people can have it for longer.
Chronic GvHD can be very difficult to cope with, especially when you have been through such a lot of treatment. You might have been free of symptoms before your transplant. So dealing with long term, uncomfortable symptoms after your transplant can be hard to accept.
You may feel very low (depressed) and anxious. You might need support during this time. Counselling can help some people. Or you may prefer to talk to friends and family, or other people who have similar problems.
Find out about counselling organisations for people with cancer
Chronic skin GvHD, steroid treatment, eye problems and weight loss can all affect how you look. This might affect your self esteem. And how you think other people see you.
GvHD of the muscles and joints can be painful and affect your mobility. Gentle exercises to improve your range of movement can help.
You might also feel very tired and lethargic. Or you might be breathless if you have GvHD of the lung. This can make you feel anxious.
Read about breathing and relaxation techniques
The physical and emotional changes you have might affect your relationships and sex life. There are things that you can do to manage this. It might help to tell your partner how you’re feeling about yourself, and what your worries are.
Read more about relationships, sex and cancer
Practical things you and your family might need to cope with include:
money matters
financial support, such as benefits, sick pay and grants
work issues
childcare
Talk to your doctor or specialist nurse to find out who can help. Getting help early with these things can mean that they don’t become a big issue later.
Read more about coping practically
Getting information about GvHD and your cancer can help you cope, so you know what to expect. You doctor and specialist nurse can give you advice. Try to take some time out to look after yourself.
There are organisations that can help you with practical and emotional support. For example, Blood Cancer UK.
Blood Cancer UK funds research, provides information and support to those affected by blood cancer. They publish information booklets and you can also connect and share experiences with other people dealing with blood cancer.
Support line: 0808 2080 888 Support line opening hours are:
10am to 4pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
10am to 7pm on Tuesday
10am to 1pm on Saturdays and bank holidays
Email address: support@bloodcancer.org.uk
Last reviewed: 17 Sept 2025
Next review due: 17 Sept 2028
Your treatment depends on how bad your chronic graft versus host disease (GvHD) is and which parts of your body are affected. Find out more.
There are different medicines you might have to treat graft versus host (GvHD). Find out what they are and how they work.
The symptoms of graft versus host disease (GvHD) depend on the type you have and which parts of your body it affects. Find out more.
GvHD is a possible complication of a bone marrow or stem cell transplant from another person. A transplant from another person is called a donor or an allogeneic transplant. Find out more.
There are lots of organisations and support groups to help you cope with symptoms and side effects caused by cancer and its treatment.
Coping with cancer can be difficult. There is help and support available. Find out about the emotional, physical and practical effects of cancer and how to manage them.
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