Donating Bone Marrow - Anyone done it?

cmcconnell

My 7 year old daughter had a stem cell transplant THIS year! and there were quite a few of her friends on the ward who needed bone marrow donors. as someone has already said it is impssoble to put down in words how life changing it is to have a complete stranger help save ur childs life. but even by being on the list it means u are willing to consider helping and that in itself is a beautiful thing

sams247

I have a huge 'no longer needed' sign that hangs around my body! I'd love to do this but am too old now, was surprised at the age limit actually. I tried to donate part of my liver (too heavy) tried to be a surrogate (too old) tried to be a blood donor (cant, had ME). Talk about being a reject!

Good luck to all those considering this journey, an amazing thing to do.

meer53

I've had a letter today saying i could be a match for someone, i'm calling them on Monday to discuss it in more detail.

kazzah60

meer53 wrote: »

I've had a letter today saying i could be a match for someone, i'm calling them on Monday to discuss it in more detail.

hope it goes well for you both Meer53

geri1965_2

sams247 wrote: »

I tried to donate part of my liver (too heavy) tried to be a surrogate (too old) tried to be a blood donor (cant, had ME). Talk about being a reject!

I had ME and still give blood.

Lokolo

meer53 wrote: »

I've had a letter today saying i could be a match for someone, i'm calling them on Monday to discuss it in more detail.

I spat in a tube yesterday and sent it off this morning

sams247

geri1965 wrote: »

I had ME and still give blood.

Really? They told me at the local blood bank that anyone who had had ME was now not suitable for donation. It came down to the fact that little is clear about the causes I guess.

From NHS site -

From 1 November 2010, people with Myalgic Encephalitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME) were permanently deferred from giving blood in the UK. .....as ME/CFS is a condition where people can relapse and become ill again, donor selection guidelines were changed as a precaution to protect the donor’s safety by ensuring the condition is not made worse by donating blood. There is no evidence that a donation from a donor with this condition could in any way harm a patient. This change brought donor selection guidelines for ME/CFS into line with other conditions where individuals are permanently excluded from blood donation to protect their own health .

fishybusiness

From reading, you have both your arms needled up, with blood coming out of one, and going in in the other! And you have to do it over 2 days!

Yup, had this done when they took my stem cells before stem cell transplant.

Took about 4 hours once they got going, the only difficult part is getting the needles in. Slight scratch.....and a bit. It does hurt a touch putting the needles in, and from them it is really ok, no pain or hassle.

Bit of a pain if you need the loo though :rotfl:

SUZYKINS

Was on the list for over 10 years & then was given the call :eek:
Unfortunately I had suffered with Alopecia a few years previous so was told that I couldnt donate

Moonmoney

Is there any difference between registering for bone marrow donation with the Blood Service ie at a blood donation session or with Anthony Nolan?

Do they share the same register of people and is one better than the other to register with?

Thanx