AIBU to ask you to save a life (maybe)

[Stillyummy]

Inspired by other posters regarding blood donation I have decided to ask you for help on my behalf. I am currently pregnant so have had to come off the register of bone marrow donation list until after my pregnancy. So I was wondering if I could ask those of you between 16 and 30 to join the register in my (temporary) absence. After all, you never know when you, a relative or friend may need a donor.

All you need to do is sign up to the Anthony Nolan register at www.anthonynolan.org/apply-join-bone-marrow-register . They send you a spit kit in the post so that you can do a quick saliva sample. That's it- you can then continue as normal, staying on the register until you are 60.

You will be contacted if your a genetic match for a patient with blood cancer or a blood disorder needs a lifesaving stem cell transplant.

It is a common misconception that it will be very painful and involve a lengthy medical procedure to be a donor. In fact, most people (9 out of 10) donate their stem cells in a quick and easy process similar to giving blood.

I posted in AIBU for traffic, witch I hate others doing, but this really is a good cause... So please forgive me.

[Stillyummy]

www.anthonynolan.org/apply-join-bone-marrow-register

[fiveacres]

Would love to; unfortunately I have been rejected countless times! Most infuriating. I have to settle for donating my organs should I die.

[Stillyummy]

Well I defo appreciate you trying

[FortyFacedFuckers]

I joined in 2011 when my 3 year old nephew was diagnosed with leukaemia, I wasn't his match but he thankfully got a match from someone in Germany and is now a happy, healthy, wonderful 7 year old.

[Pengweng]

Do you know if i can register if I've had a blood transfusion? I know i'm not allowed to donate blood any more because of that so i imagine it might be similar.

[Pengweng]

Sorry i've just checked and i can not. I'll ask DH though. He always donates blood as very grateful for blood donations saving me during epic bleed out during c section.

[Weathergames]

Ironically you can't register if you have had a blood transfusion - like me :(

[Stillyummy]

There are some strict cryteria but I guess they are needed to keep people safe. Please don't be disheartened and spread the word so that as many people as possible that can be in the list are xx

[Stevie77]

Sadly I am too old

I wonder why you can only register up to 30yo but will remain on the register until much older...

[PacificDogwood]

YANBU, obviously

For those of you who are told you are too old to got on the register with Antony Nolan try Delete Blood Cancer. It's a European wide organisation who were happy to have me (49)

[SoldierBear]

I totally agree with this. I've been on the register for over 20 years.
Another thing for regular blood donors to consider is donating plasma. The blood transfusion service will be able to give you details. Some blood groups are preferred - I'm A- which is one of the ones they really like for some reason.

[BicycleGasoline]

Can I add a big thank you to all who are on the register for donating anything. My little boy was 20 months old when he was diagnosed with leukaemia 3 months ago. In that time he has had no fewer than 20 transfusions of either blood or platelets. Each and every one has been a factor in keeping him alive and I'm so grateful to those people who donated. He will need lots more transfusions in the course of his treatment, which is going well and he is expected to make a full recovery. But a stem cell transplant via donated bone marrow is a possible course of action should he relapse. So yes, please donate/register. Thank you!

[slushie]

I'm on the nhs bone marrow register. Is the Anthony Nolan one a totally separate register?

[SoldierBear]

Wishing your little boy all the very best, Bicycle.
And to you also.

[ChuffinAda]

Would love to but I have horrific sciatica and neuropathic pain issues which precludes me from registering

Happy to spread the word though

[PacificDogwood]

Bicycle

[PHANTOMnamechanger]

weathergames me too . I had a massive PPH after delivering DD1 and needed 3 units, up till then I had been a regular blood donor since 18. DD herself has also needed a transfusion in childhood, so will never be able to be a blood donor.

[PHANTOMnamechanger]

Oh bicycle wishing you and your son lots of strength and a full recovery

[RandomMess]

Was on the register but am now too old!!! Also too pumped full of drugs to give blood as well.

Have a bump though.

[MoominKoalaAndMiniMoom]

Are you not able to donate bone marrow if you've received blood? I was told it wasnt an issue.

[ThatBloodyWoman]

I've been on the register a long time.
About 15 years ago I was a possible match and had to go and have extra tests done,but sadly didn't come up as a match.
Anyone who can,please put your name down.

[FFSletmechangemyname]

I'm already I the delete blood cancer one as too old for the other.

[Ihavemyownname]

You can ask to join the same time as you give blood

[lunar1]

They rejected me for psoriasis, I can still give blood though.

[Mintyy]

Yanbu, but but there are countless good causes that can be appealed for through the Mumsnet talk boards and if every single one was allowed to stand then the whole site would be nothing but charity and good cause appeals.