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AIBU?

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Original poster

In asking you to spit (especially if you are Jewish)?

59 replies

Zipitydooda · 19/01/2013 19:21

.. And if you're not.

A friend's mum is urgently seeking a bone marrow donor in the next 5 weeks: If you are under 50 and not yet on the bone marrow register, please make it your priority! There are various ways to do so, and you could save a life. If not my friend's mum then someone else.

If you've registered, but you're not absolutely certain that your details are correct, please call the organisation in your area and make sure. More info and easy links below:

If you are 16-30: and not on the Anthony Nolan stem cell register, please consider requesting a spit kit in order to send a sample of saliva in the post - it only takes a few minutes to do. More details can be found from the links here, including eligibility criteria: is.gd/Spit4Mum

If you are under 50: and able to give blood, please consider going to a blood donor centre or a local donor session and asking to have your stem cells screened at the same time, more details here: is.gd/Donate4Mum

If you are already on the register: please make sure your details are up to date, if you can't be found, you can't be a lifesaver, more details here: is.gd/Update4Mum

If you are on Twitter: please use the hashtag #Spit4Mum to spread the word.

Copying and pasting on my phone so I hope this comes out right.

OP posts:
NothingIsAsBadAsItSeems · 19/01/2013 19:27

I always feel useless when people post things like this as I'm needle phobic :( I can help to spread the word though :)

Binkybix · 19/01/2013 19:27

Thanks. I've often thought on joining this register. Do you know if the donation process is quite arduous? I have always been under the impression that it is.

MardyBraWouldDoEddieRedmayne · 19/01/2013 19:29

Why Jewish?

Lilithmoon · 19/01/2013 19:30

Bump :)

weegiemum · 19/01/2013 19:30

I can't as I receive blood products as a regular treatment so can't donate (blood, marrow or organs). But happy to bump!

magimedi88 · 19/01/2013 19:31

I'm over 50 so can't - but bumping.

Somebodysomewhere · 19/01/2013 19:31

Cant either as im underweight but will bump for you :)

MamaBear17 · 19/01/2013 19:33

Already on the register. Both polishing my halo with this posting and giving it a bump x

Binkybix · 19/01/2013 19:33

Guessing its more likely there will be a match because of higher possibility of sharing (in ancestral sense) DNA from common area of origin. I have DNA stretches for immune function that were fair typical of middle eastern origin (although am not Jewish)

EuroShagmore · 19/01/2013 19:35

This was on the Beeb earlier (if it is the same one). Jewish donor is the most likely match.

Sarahplane · 19/01/2013 19:38

I'm trying to find the details but the links don't work.

Original poster
Zipitydooda · 19/01/2013 19:41

Thanks everyone, yes a Jewish donor is much more likely to be a match. I think there are more specifics of her ancestry on the links too.

That's not to say only Jewish people should register. We all should it's just the time to find a donor for my friend's mum is very short.

Being on the register doesn't require using needles hence the spit4mum hash tag link. If you were to donate then yes you would encounter a needle probably.

OP posts:
WelshMaenad · 19/01/2013 19:43

I can't give blood as a diabetic, will they still be able to use my bone marrow?

Original poster
Zipitydooda · 19/01/2013 19:44

Sorry the links don't work. I don't know how to do links from my phone.

If you google spit4mum you should get taken in the right direction!

OP posts:
Original poster
Zipitydooda · 19/01/2013 19:49

Welsh

Unfortunately you can't donate if you're diabetic unless it's controlled by diet alone. You can help to spread the word though, thanks.

OP posts:
NothingIsAsBadAsItSeems · 19/01/2013 19:54

Oh, I always assumed that you only registered if you were able to donate and that if you were ever needed as a donor a fairly large needle was required? If there's no needle then I'll send a sample :)

fridayfreedom · 19/01/2013 20:01

I'm already on the list as is DH. We both got asked to donate further samples but didn't get chosen to donate as they had better matches.
The way of donating marrow has changed since we first registered, can't remember the exact details but it is now easier.
My thought is that I would want someone to donate if it was me or my child so I should be prepared to do it myself

Original poster
Zipitydooda · 19/01/2013 20:01

Maybe if you were ever a match they could hypnotise you into not minding needles? Wink
I've been on the register for over 20yrs and not been a match for anyone.

OP posts:
NothingIsAsBadAsItSeems · 19/01/2013 20:12

Zip - If they could I'd be there in a heart beat :) I'll have look into hypnotherapy

Iteotwawki · 19/01/2013 20:20

From rusty memory, a GA can be required to harvest bone marrow. And it's perfectly possible to have one of those without needles (you breathe in the anaesthetic and they put needles in when you're asleep). Lots of my patients are needlephobic!

FortyFacedFuckers · 19/01/2013 20:33

I'm already registered a close family member was lucky to get a match last year.

Original poster
Zipitydooda · 19/01/2013 20:33

Shamelessly bumping .... Never done that before.

OP posts:
meditrina · 19/01/2013 20:36

I just saw the "sign and spit" on the news.

Really glad to see a thread about it here. I'm too old, but really hope lots of people see this and consider signing up.

StuntGirl · 19/01/2013 20:36

Oh what I shame, I just tried to apply but I'm just over the weight limit :( When I've lost a few more lbs I'll definitely sign up, for now all I can do is pass the info on I guess.

I really hope your friend's mum finds a donor soon Thanks

JazzAnnNonMouse · 19/01/2013 20:40

I'm pregnant at the minute so I'm guessing I can't do it same as giving blood?
Does anyone know how long after you have to wait?