Bone marrow donation, anyone with experience?

[jellybeans]

I have been on the bone marrow register since being a blood donor a few years ago. I got a letter recently saying I was a potential match for a patient needing bone marrow. I just had a load more tests done and hope I am a match if I can help someone. I am a teeny bit nervous even though I have had lots of ops and 3 general anaesthetics and 2 spinals in the past. Has anyone done this before? Will I be contaced soon (it says up to 13 weeks in the letter) as to whether I match or not? Any advice welcome!

I donated BM to an unknown unrelated recipient via the Anthony Nolan BM Trust in 1994. I was tested for 2nd stage testing (as you have just done) and was told I was a 95% match but the patient did not then require a donation - presumably he was in remission.

About 12 months later I got "the" phone call - for the same patient - who now needed my bone marrow.

Lots of tests later (to make sure I didn't have HIV / hepatitis etc etc) I went into the Royal Free and donated under a general. Was a bit sore for a few days but otherwise absolutely fine.

I think they sometimes use a different method these days so I may be a bit out of date...suffice to say the staff at Anthony Nolan were fantastic and really looked after me.

Fingers crossed that the person that needs your BM is a match for you

If you want any more info - just shout

I donated 13 years ago with a local (I can't have GA). Twas pretty sore afterwards and quite honestly if you'd seen the needle! I wished I was asleep.

But on the plus side you are saving someone's life and that bucks you up, even if your hip hurts!

Thanks so much everyone Will let you know if am a match, thanks for info x

Whomovedmychocolate - I wouldn't have done it if I couldn't have had a GA!

Although I think nowadays they don't have to put a needle in your hip!

I was a match a few weeks ago, and had the tests, but a few days later they phoned to say it wasn't good enough, so not the 13 weeks, as I too had thought. The advisor on the phone to me spoke of donating like a blood transfusion, after having drugs to stimulate your bone marrow production. I wouldn't have the op because i suffer with my back. the transfusion way now is very common . Look

www.anthonynolan.org.uk/index.php?location=5.5.12
hth

Oh Charlie that's fab if they don't to do the whole wide bore needle thing - that was extremely ouchy!

Thanks, and thanks Tigi for link, will update soon as hear x

Jellybeans - I'm at the same stage as you. Got a phoneall about 10 days ago and am having blood tests done today. Fingers-crossed that we match up

I was quite sad that I wasn't needed... I joined 10 years ago for a friend who had leaukamia, so I felt that to help this time would be nice. never mind..

thanks everyone. Feetheart, let me know how you get on and fingers crossed also that we both match xx