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  1. Watch and Wait

Watch and Wait

People with non-severe aplastic anaemia may find themselves in a stage of pre-treatment monitoring, sometimes referred to as "watch and wait". 

During this time you should expect to have regular check-ups and blood tests, and be provided with advice on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Your medical team will discuss your possible future treatment options with you. 

This can be a stressful and confusing time. We're here to support you. 

We are here for you

You don't need to be in treatment to access our support. Whatever your question, get in touch via phone, email or social media.

Contact our support line

Join us at a coffee morning, walk or online chat to talk things through with others who are in that pre-treatment stage.

Find an upcoming event

Find blogs and videos created by other people about their experiences of being on watch & wait for aplastic anaemia.

Stories about being on watch & wait


Resources for people who are on Watch & Wait...

What does THAT mean??

What does THAT mean??

Stuck on a medical term and feeling lost at sea? Try our A-Z jargon buster... Read more

Published: 2nd September, 2024

Author: Ellie Dawes

Get support from Maggie's

Get support from Maggie's

We work in partnership with Maggie's charity, so they can widen their welcome and offer their services to people affected by aplastic anaemia. Read here about what support is available to you and how you can access it. Read more

Published: 8th January, 2024

Updated: 19th March, 2026

Author: Sam Williams

Emotional Wellbeing support

Emotional Wellbeing support

Living with a rare bone marrow failure condition, or supporting someone who is can have a big impact on your emotional wellbeing. Our expert team are here to help you navigate these challenges and help you to feel less anxious and more in control. Read more

Published: 3rd January, 2024

Updated: 1st April, 2026

Author: Ellie Dawes

The Aplastic Anaemia Trust Patient Support Facebook Group

The Aplastic Anaemia Trust Patient Support Facebook Group

Our online Facebook support group is a fantastic source of peer support for people whose lives are affected by aplastic anaemia. We run a bustling main group, plus sub groups for people on Watch & Wait and for people who are bereaved. Read more

Published: 8th July, 2022

Updated: 19th March, 2026

Author: Ellie Dawes

Discrimination at work - advice for aplastic anaemia patients and carers

Discrimination at work - advice for aplastic anaemia patients and carers

Employment Lawyer Carolyn Miller gives a summary of your rights at work under the discrimination act, how to tell if you're facing discrimination and what to do about it. Read more

Published: 18th December, 2020

Updated: 19th March, 2026

Author: Ellie Dawes

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Latest

  • Treatment to reduce your risk of infections

    Treatment to reduce your risk of infections

    Anti-microbial drugs that you may receive include antibiotics, anti-viral and antifungal drugs. They prevent and treat infections (infections which can be more dangerous for people with aplastic anaemia.)

  • Raising for the rare

    Running for Thomas!!! My son was diagnosed with Severe aplastic anemia in June 2025.

  • Young People's Support Group Taster Session

    Young People's Support Group Taster Session

    Are you aged 16-25, and affected by a rare bone marrow failure condition? If so, we'd love you to join us at our young people's support group taster session where we will help you to navigate stressful and uncertain times.

  • London Landmarks Half Marathon 2027

    London Landmarks Half Marathon 2027

    Join our 2027 London Landmarks Team! Spaces are limited and going fast so we recommend signing up now!

Most read

  • Covid Vaccination Updates

    Covid Vaccination Updates

    All of the latest updates about Covid vaccines and their impact on the AA community.

  • Treatment involving anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG)

    Treatment involving anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG)

    If you are an adult patient going into the hospital for ATG treatment, this fact sheet is for you

  • What is aplastic anaemia?

    What is aplastic anaemia?

    Aplastic means your bone marrow is failing to produce enough of all essential blood cells. Learn more about the condition, treatment, and how it impacts your life.

  • What is receiving ATG treatment like?

    What is receiving ATG treatment like?

    If you're reading this it means that you’re due to have your ATG treatment or have been told that this is the best treatment option for you. I’m going to share with you my own experience of having ATG.

  • Treatment with ciclosporin

    Treatment with ciclosporin

    Ciclosporin used as part of Anti-Thymocyte Globulin (ATG) treatment for adult patients

  • Diagnosis and treatment: a short summary

    Diagnosis and treatment information for adult patients. It worth noting that some of the main treatment options may also apply to young patients, however they will be treated by experts specialising in paediatric aplastic anaemia.

  • Get support

    Get support

    If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with aplastic anaemia or another rare bone marrow failure condition, we are here to help. No question is too big, or too small. Contact us online or give us a call.

  • Holidays and Travel

    Holidays and Travel

    How to plan a holiday when diagnosed with aplastic anaemia

  • Eltrombopag for the treatment of aplastic anaemia

    Eltrombopag for the treatment of aplastic anaemia

    Eltrombopag is one of the newer treatments for aplastic anaemia. You can find out more about it here.

  • Buffy's story

    Buffy's story

    This blog has been extremely hard for me to write...

Tag cloud

ATG Buffy Buffy Younger Impact Fund children diagnosis Elin's blog fundraising mental health Parents Positive stories Santa Splash stem cell transplant Super Rare video videos young people
Emotional Wellbeing support

Emotional Wellbeing support

Living with a rare bone marrow failure condition, or supporting someone who is can have a big impact on your emotional wellbeing. Our expert team are here to help you navigate these challenges and help you to feel less anxious and more in control. Read more

Published: 3rd January, 2024

Updated: 1st April, 2026

Author: Ellie Dawes

Register with The Aplastic Anaemia Trust

Register with The Aplastic Anaemia Trust

Are you living with aplastic anaemia, or a related condition like PNH, Fanconi anaemia, Dyskeratosis Congenita or Schwachman Diamond Syndrome? Or are you supporting a friend or family member who has? Please take a few minutes to register with us here. Read more

Published: 31st July, 2025

Updated: 4th February, 2026

Author: Ellie Dawes

Live in Wales? Write to your Senedd candidates and ask them to ensure patients have access to eltrombopag!

Live in Wales? Write to your Senedd candidates and ask them to ensure patients have access to eltrombopag!

On May 7th, the people of Wales go to the polls to elect new members of the Welsh Parliament. This election is an opportunity for those impacted by aplastic anaemia to raise the vital issue of fair access to medications for those living with rare diseases. Read more

Published: 7th April, 2026

Updated: 16th April, 2026

Register with us

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The Aplastic Anaemia Trust
St Laurence Pastoral Centre
173 Church Road
Northfield
Birmingham
West Midlands
B31 2LX 



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Registered Charity in England & Wales number: 1107539
Registered Charity in Scotland number: SC049810

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