Donating Bone Marrow - Anyone done it?

SUZYKINS

You have to register with the Bone Marrow, although the blood people will give you all the help you need .

Moonmoney

SUZYKINS wrote: »

You have to register with the Bone Marrow, although the blood people will give you all the help you need .

Sorry Suzykins I don't know what you mean by registering with the Bone Marrow? Do both A Nolan and the Blood Service submit to the same register?

I'm due to give blood in the next month and will talk to the blood nurses about giving an extra blood sample for the bone marrow register. Getting towards the age limit for giving bone marrow (I think this is 50 years old?) but am still going to register if they'll have me

torbrex

Moonmoney wrote: »

Sorry Suzykins I don't know what you mean by registering with the Bone Marrow? Do both A Nolan and the Blood Service submit to the same register?

I'm due to give blood in the next month and will talk to the blood nurses about giving an extra blood sample for the bone marrow register. Getting towards the age limit for giving bone marrow (I think this is 50 years old?) but am still going to register if they'll have me

They all use the same register.

I was an the bone marrow panel for nearly 20 years and was called for extra testing twice in that time, never a close enough match but they did take an extra batch of my platelets to use for the recipient.

I was a platelet donor for longer that I was on the marrow register, it was not until I asked them about registering that they took an extra sample for testing.

Sadly I had to give up donating my blood earlier this year due to going on insulin injections but I proudly display my 'Thank You' certificate for the 280 donations that I made during my 'career' as a blood donor.

ERICS_MUM

I was over 50 when I made enquiries about bone marrow donations, (I'd lost several friends and colleagues to cancer in their 40's and felt driven to do something) but I was signed up as a platelet donor. The process sounds similar - I'm wired to a "washing machine" for 85-90 mins, blood is taken out, spun and returned minus the platelets which are collected in a bag. I can give 3 units in a session, one is usually enough for an adult recipient but can be enough for 3 treatments for babies/young children.

It's very slightly uncomfy at first but so worthwhile. You need to be a regular blood donor first and cannot continue to donate whole blood once you donate platelets. You can donate as often as every 2 weeks - donated platelets have a shelf-life of only 5 days so they need a constant supply. Please consider it, it can make such a difference.

Moonmoney

Hi Erics Mum

Already considered and decided and I will be signing up at my next blood donation session

ERICS_MUM

Moonmoney wrote: »

Hi Erics Mum

Already considered and decided and I will be signing up at my next blood donation session

you won't regret it ! You have to go to a "permanent" donation centre rather than one of the mobile units used for full blood donations. Also they need to check your platelet count and strength of your veins to make sure you are suitable. Good luck, hope you "pass" their scrutiny.

M

Moonmoney

Quick update - did the extra blood test at the blood donor session and have received my letter of confirmation - I'm now on the bone marrow register

BabyC

This thread is great, thanks so much for sharing everyone. I've been meaning to sign up for years, and finally have tonight ! One more thing ticked off the bucket list! I always thought it was much more complicated. Now must remember to go and give blood again soon, not been in ages :S x