Bone Marrow register

I've been asked to go on the Bone Marrow register because there is a lack of Black , mixed race and carribean donors. I'm curious to know if anyone here have donated Bone marrow before? I'm not familiar with anyone on the register and how's it like being a donor . My appt is next week ..Although I'm used to being in clinics. ...It's rare that I'm on the other side as a patient Most of the advice I've been given is through a clinical professional point of view ..I kinda wanna know from those that have done it personally. If they don't want to post you can pm me any info

cheers.

I was on the bone marrow register, but sadly, I now have a blood disease and am more likely to need it than give it.  Because of my not being able to donate, several friends and family members have added their names to the list in my stead.  Two have donated.  Others have gone for additional testing/matching. 

Of the two who donated, they didn't have any ill effects.  They were sore after the fact, but that's to be expected.  I've had several marrow tests, which is like a mini sampling of the donor's ordeal.  Your lower back/hip area will feel brused and sore for a bit, but knowing that you've given someone the chance at life will make your temporary pain and tenderness seem like nothing at all.

On a personal note, I would like to give a big thank you to you for concidering such a move.  It is people who donate marrow, blood, organs and time who make little miricles happen all the time!!

i want to sign up ASAP once i get there--does anyone have a link to a site that tells how/where?

I've worked Bone Marrow Drives here in the US and I can only assume the registration is done the same way.  "Swab in the mouth".  If they find a close match to you, then they have you come in for a more detailed sample like Frances described.

My one word of advice - which I had to spew on those coming to the drives...If you have ANY doubt that you would be a donor if you are a match for someone.  Please tell them. 

you can register through the anthony nolan trust Niku2.

So far I've filled out this health booklet and they will take a blood sample next week. I don't have doubts if I am a possible match ..they've told me that I will need to stay in hospital overnight and one weeks rest. I've talked to Phil and we've made plans just in case I am a candidate...what I would like to know is that if I am a match how quickly does this occur?? Do they schedule things right away ? I've talked to my personal tutor and they have not been very ..um supportive and told me If I am off placement for a week I would need to make that time up..

cool--thanks for the info

So...if I'm not allowed to donate blood, does that mean I wouldn't be allowed to donate marrow either?  I'm in a weird position at the moment....the US won't take my blood because of the amount of time I've spent in the UK (mad cow), and the UK won't take my blood because of my time in the US (can't remember the reason....west nile virus, maybe?)

I am on the register - I donate blood, and if you tell them when you register as a blood donor that you want to go on the bone marrow register they will sort it out.

Victoria

So...if I'm not allowed to donate blood, does that mean I wouldn't be allowed to donate marrow either?  I'm in a weird position at the moment....the US won't take my blood because of the amount of time I've spent in the UK (mad cow), and the UK won't take my blood because of my time in the US (can't remember the reason....west nile virus, maybe?)

I wonder that too. I am anemic, which means I cannot donate blood.

However, like Alicia, I too heard they are in desperate need of minority donors, and being my mom was once on the other side of the list, I want to help, I am interested in the responses.

what I would like to know is that if I am a match how quickly does this occur?? Do they schedule things right away ?

It all depends on the patient that will be receiving your donation.  My friend had a match and then she had to wait a few weeks to get her blood levels to count to receive the bone marrow.  

I'm not sure about the blood donating question...Let me ask around work.

I'm not sure about the blood donation question either I'll have ask about. I know that even thalassimia trait individuals can go on the Bone Marrown register.

..Sprigged...if you want more info I'm donating through here:

http://www.aclt.org/

but you can also go through Anthony Nolan trust

cheers for the info

My sister-in-law was a bone marrow donor for her brother who had leukemia.  I don't remember her having any particular problems when the procedure was done -- perhaps soreness and tiredness.  Sadly, her brother didn't end up surviving the lengthy recovery period on his part -- he was plagued with complications/infections, etc afterwards 'cause all the immunities got blasted away before the transplant took place.

Here's what the Anthony Nolan Trust has to say about the criteria/exclusions for marrow donations...

http://www.anthonynolan.org.uk/index.php?location=3.1.1.1

Modified to add...looks like the rules have changed somewhat for blood donations...the UK is now willing to accept my blood, although the US still won't take it...

Here's what the Anthony Nolan Trust has to say about the criteria/exclusions for marrow donations...

http://www.anthonynolan.org.uk/index.php?location=3.1.1.1

Modified to add...looks like the rules have changed somewhat for blood donations...the UK is now willing to accept my blood, although the US still won't take it...

Thanks. It seems that the anemia may of borderline been ok, but my (very minor and common) scoliosis combined with it puts me out of the running.