Hey everyone! I hope that you like this post, especially because for most of you, some of these truths will make you actually consider registering! When anyone hears the words "bone marrow donation", they automatically think of a giant needle and a lot of pain. However, this is NOT how it works.
Previously, to register to donate bone marrow, a small sample of blood would be taken and processed. However, NO blood is taken now. All that is necessary to register is some paperwork and a cotton mouth swab that will be rubbed along your gumline for a few seconds. Simple enough, right?
To start on the facts of donations, bone marrow donations are NOT painful. If you use this procedure when donating, you will be under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia (you will lose feeling waist and under). You don't feel a thing! Anyways, this procedure is only used 30% of the time.
The most commonly used procedure is called Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) Donation, which is non-surgical. For those of you who have given blood, it is very similar. I gave blood and it wasn't bad at all and I'm terrified of needles. PBSC donations are just like giving blood, it just takes a little longer.
You do not lose the bone marrow you donate! Your body will naturally regenerate bone marrow in approximately 4 weeks. Donations only take 2% of your body's bone marrow.
Bone marrow is NOT taken from your spine. I think that people may get this procedure confused with a spinal tap, but they are completely unrelated. A bone marrow donation is taken from the area around your rear hip bone.
You CAN donate if you're underweight! This is very different from the requirements to donate blood, however, there is a maximum weight requirement.
Many people assume that they don't need to register because no one in their family is in need of a transplant. Unrelated donors are better and more likely to find a match. Only 30% of family members are able to donate to their family.
Now you know the truth about donating! You do need to be 18 to register so if you are currently a minor then you have time to consider if you want to be a part of this! With the technology of our generation, bone marrow donations are painless and very safe! They are still assumed to be the way they are seen in the movies or the procedures used in the 20th century. I hope this will help any of you considering registering to make an informed decision!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Hey! I am interesting in donating, similar to the procedure you mentioned that was close to donating blood. How do I go about this?
ReplyDeleteThis really clears up alot of issues! thanks!
ReplyDeleteWow! I never knew that there was a procedure to donate bone marrow that didn't involve a big, scary needle. I'm seriously considering registering now. Thanks for the information!
ReplyDeleteI am definitely going to register now. I appreciate the information and was truly glad to hear that the donation would be similar to donating blood rather than the horror stories I had previously heard. Thank you for helping me overcome my fears.
ReplyDeletewow! i was really concerned about registering. now that i know it's not painful, i want to go out and donate bone marrow!
ReplyDeletewow well from reading this I now know that donating bone marrow is not as painful as I have heard. When I do turn 18 I may even consider donating, as it would be pain free, and will greatly help others!
ReplyDeleteI never knew that it was that simple, from movies and things that i have seen, they make it seem so horrible and painful. i had no idea :)
ReplyDeletethis has definatly been very helpful information!
I might consider registering now. This has really clearified so much. Thanks Caroline!
ReplyDeleteI am very impressed by the amount of research put into this blog. Thank you for clearing up a lot of my questions. I had no idea that the option to take anesthesia is available. I also didn't know that so little of your blood marrow was taken during a donation. I will definitely consider registering!
ReplyDeleteim glad there is little to no pain involved with donating. im quite interested in registering now. this is a very informative article as well!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting and informative. I am surprized that this information isn't more common. Hopefully this will help people understand more about donating bone marrow and result in more people registering. Thank you
ReplyDeletewow it seems so simple and painless now im shocked that bone marrow donation can be so quick too im going to go registr as soon as i possibly can because if i dont someone who needs a transplant may die and it would be horrible for someone to die because of my selfishness
ReplyDeleteThis is really cool, I had no idea!
ReplyDeleteWe can't believe it is so simple! We thought it was super painful, but now that we know more about it, we're considering donating when we turn 18.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Your favorite cousins!
This information has drastically skewed my vision of bone marrow transplants!! now that i know its a safe procedure, i might finally have the courage to give it a shot, and save someones life!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the enlightenment
ReplyDeletewow. I thought House tought me a thing or two about surgical procedures, but I guess I was wrong! I didn't know your family only had a 30% chance of working. i guess being a twin only gets you so far. But even though I'm not 18, I think I will seriously consider donating once I turn 18. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to have found out that it is painless! I know of someone who just had a bone marrow transplant, and I have been reading his updated blogs daily. It's such a wonderful thing to help those in need, and I would definitely consider donating.
ReplyDeleteI actually need a bone marrow transplant, so thank you very much for making this blog. The more people who get out there and donate, the better chance of someone like me getting a successful transplant.
ReplyDelete