So I might be a bone marrow donor...

[Unkempt1]

Three weeks ago or so I received a call from the National Bone Marrow registry here in KC. They left me an urgent message, asking me to call them back as soon as possible. It seems that they have a potential match for my bone marrow, and they wanted me to go in for some further testing.

Fast forward to this morning...

I went in to their offices today to have several tubes of blood drawn so that further tests could be performed to determine whether or not I am indeed a match for some person needing new bone marrow. They drew five tubes of blood, and gave me the usual saltines and orange juice when they were done. The lady who drew my blood told me that there is usually a slightly better than one in ten chance that someone called in for further testing will indeed be a good match, but that can depend on how many people actually come in for further testing. From the sounds of things, I was the only person that had actually gone in for more testing.

I have done some reading about the process involved in harvesting the bone marrow, and I have to admit that it sounds more than a little painful. If I am a match, of course I will donate the marrow, but I am quite nervous about the whole procedure. The thought of having a large gauge needle jammed into my hip to suck out the marrow makes me feel a little weak in the knees.

So, have any of you gone through this process before? Any stories to share? Any input at all would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Anubis]

do they pay you for this, it sounds like its a big ordeal

 

[Beattie]

How did they find you?

Is it some random person, or like a family member that needs it?

 

[BDawg]

You just gotta decide if saving someone else's life is worth the pain. They sedate or numb you first, right?

 

[Nitemare]

Been on the list for several years but so far not even one phone call

 

[Unkempt1]

I will not get paid for this. They will cover any medical costs of course, but that is it.

Several years ago I participated in a bone marrow drive, and they keep your information on file from that point forward.

I do not know who this marrow would be for, but if it will help to save someone's life, I will do it.

 

[Ogg]

'tis painful but think of the benefits.........


bonus: maybe its for a really hot chick who will look you up afterwards:evil:

 

[MadPeriot]

I just registered to donate last weekend at the local super market.

 

[GoldenGuppy]

It's a VERY painful thing to have done from what I heard--very noble deed. I personally wouldn't do it for somebody that I don't know though... and if it was somebody I knew, I'd have to be very close w/ that person to donate

><GG)

 

[Ranger X]

The needle is thick! I haven't donated bone marrow, personally, but I have seen the procedure done on television. From what I hear, it is painful and you will be in pain for awhile afterwards.

 

[Vette73]

I would not mind doing it at all, BUT the only thing I would have to request is a history of the person.

If they drink, smoke, eat mcdonalds, etc... and caused their cancer and/or problem then heck no.
Now if it was someone that lived a healthy life and/or was a young kid then yea I would have no problem helping them.

 

[Mill]

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
I would not mind doing it at all, BUT the only thing I would have to request is a history of the person.

If they drink, smoke, eat mcdonalds, etc... and caused their cancer and/or problem then heck no.
Now if it was someone that lived a healthy life and/or was a young kid then yea I would have no problem helping them.

That's rich. Don't you ride a motorcycle which is inherently less safe than a car? Well, if you got splatted on the pavement and needed a kidney transplant... I hope they ask how you got injured. You take risks in your life too.

 

[Skunk]

I watched my wifes younger brother go through this and its extremely painful. He was in pain for a week afterward. They wouldn't give him a local because it can interfere with the marrow extract.

 

[Shockwave]

Originally posted by: Mill

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
I would not mind doing it at all, BUT the only thing I would have to request is a history of the person.

If they drink, smoke, eat mcdonalds, etc... and caused their cancer and/or problem then heck no.
Now if it was someone that lived a healthy life and/or was a young kid then yea I would have no problem helping them.

That's rich. Don't you ride a motorcycle which is inherently less safe than a car? Well, if you got splatted on the pavement and needed a kidney transplant... I hope they ask how you got injured. You take risks in your life too.

Typical American mindset. Withhold from others but do as you wish and beg for forgiveness / help when you need it eh.

 

[rh71]

They made it look quick and painless on "E.R."... and usually they are straight up with the medical facts (not physical acts though) on that show. They numbed the patient (was the chick from Coyote Ugly) and stuck a needle in. She was able to go out the same night, though it was tough to walk. They mentioned there would be soreness for at least 1.5 weeks and that was it. I'd at least imagine the numbing and soreness to be true.

EDIT>> She was awake during the process.

 

[Unkempt1]

Originally posted by: Skunk
I watched my wifes younger brother go through this and its extremely painful. He was in pain for a week afterward. They wouldn't give him a local because it can interfere with the marrow extract.

Hmm...I hope this is not still the case. They asked me all sorts of questions about general anesthesia, wanting to know if I had ever had any problems with it, which led me to believe that I would not be awake while they sucked my marrow out. I certainly hope that if I am a match that I am not completely conscious and anesthetic free. I probably should have asked about that...

 

[MrScott81]

Originally posted by: Shockwave

Originally posted by: Mill

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
I would not mind doing it at all, BUT the only thing I would have to request is a history of the person.

If they drink, smoke, eat mcdonalds, etc... and caused their cancer and/or problem then heck no.
Now if it was someone that lived a healthy life and/or was a young kid then yea I would have no problem helping them.

That's rich. Don't you ride a motorcycle which is inherently less safe than a car? Well, if you got splatted on the pavement and needed a kidney transplant... I hope they ask how you got injured. You take risks in your life too.

Typical American mindset. Withhold from others but do as you wish and beg for forgiveness / help when you need it eh.

what does that have to do with being American? :roll:

 

[Skunk]

Im going back about 10 years ago so ymmv. Im sure techniques have changed sinced then.

 

[Shockwave]

Originally posted by: scottdog81

Originally posted by: Shockwave

Originally posted by: Mill

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
I would not mind doing it at all, BUT the only thing I would have to request is a history of the person.

If they drink, smoke, eat mcdonalds, etc... and caused their cancer and/or problem then heck no.
Now if it was someone that lived a healthy life and/or was a young kid then yea I would have no problem helping them.

That's rich. Don't you ride a motorcycle which is inherently less safe than a car? Well, if you got splatted on the pavement and needed a kidney transplant... I hope they ask how you got injured. You take risks in your life too.

Typical American mindset. Withhold from others but do as you wish and beg for forgiveness / help when you need it eh.

what does that have to do with being American? :roll:

Good point.
Typical mindset of humanity. Withhold from others but do as you wish and beg for forgiveness / help when you need it eh.

 

[captains]

Originally posted by: MadPeriot
I just registered to donate last weekend at the local super market.

hahahahahaha

 

[Yossarian]

Originally posted by: rh71
They made it look quick and painless on "E.R."... and usually they are straight up with the medical facts (not physical acts though) on that show. They numbed the patient (was the chick from Coyote Ugly) and stuck a needle in. She was able to go out the same night, though it was tough to walk. They mentioned there would be soreness for at least 1.5 weeks and that was it. I'd at least imagine the numbing and soreness to be true.

EDIT>> She was awake during the process.

Is that the one where Carter did it, and the gown thing fell off her butt? Dr. DelAmico or something?

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: Yossarian

Originally posted by: rh71
They made it look quick and painless on "E.R."... and usually they are straight up with the medical facts (not physical acts though) on that show. They numbed the patient (was the chick from Coyote Ugly) and stuck a needle in. She was able to go out the same night, though it was tough to walk. They mentioned there would be soreness for at least 1.5 weeks and that was it. I'd at least imagine the numbing and soreness to be true.

EDIT>> She was awake during the process.

Is that the one where Carter did it, and the gown thing fell off her butt? Dr. DelAmico or something?

Good memory. Nice visual.

They started over on TNT... back to season 1 again now... 10am-12pm daily. This ep was like season 3 or 4. ER went downhill after season 5.

 

[Vette73]

Originally posted by: Mill

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
I would not mind doing it at all, BUT the only thing I would have to request is a history of the person.

If they drink, smoke, eat mcdonalds, etc... and caused their cancer and/or problem then heck no.
Now if it was someone that lived a healthy life and/or was a young kid then yea I would have no problem helping them.

That's rich. Don't you ride a motorcycle which is inherently less safe than a car? Well, if you got splatted on the pavement and needed a kidney transplant... I hope they ask how you got injured. You take risks in your life too.

Yea I ride motorcycles, but I also wear a helmet, have insurance, maintain my bike, etc... But riding a bike is no more dangerous then driving a car, and I have been in a motorcycle accident.
I also believe that if a motorcycle person does not wear a helmet, have insurance, etc.. and gets in a accident then they should NOT have extra help either.

Same as I would not give blood, kidney, etc... to a drunk driver, juts as I would not give marrow to a smoker, drinker, mcdonalds eater, etc...

And smoking, drinking, eating junk food, is NOT a risk, it is just dumb. There are NO gains from it.
While riding a bike I save money on gas, less crap coming out my tail pipe then a SUV/car, lower insurance, etc...

 

[rh71]

^ Riding a bike is no more dangerous ? Someone taps you from behind or the side and you'll be sent flying.

I would love to get into sportbikes, but the thought of being so wide open to crazy / stupid / bad drivers out there is gonna keep it from happening for me. :|

 

[Mill]

Originally posted by: Marlin1975

Originally posted by: Mill

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
I would not mind doing it at all, BUT the only thing I would have to request is a history of the person.

If they drink, smoke, eat mcdonalds, etc... and caused their cancer and/or problem then heck no.
Now if it was someone that lived a healthy life and/or was a young kid then yea I would have no problem helping them.

That's rich. Don't you ride a motorcycle which is inherently less safe than a car? Well, if you got splatted on the pavement and needed a kidney transplant... I hope they ask how you got injured. You take risks in your life too.

yea i ride motorcycles, but I also wear a helmet, have insurance, maintain my bike, etc... But riding a bike is no more dangerious then driving a car, and I have been in a motorcycle accidnet.
I also believe that if a motorcycle person does not wear a helmet, have insurance, etc.. and gets in a accident then they should NOT have extra help either.

Same as I would not give blood, kidney, etc... to a drunk driver, juts as I would not give marrow to a smoker, drinker, mcdonalds eater, etc...

And smoking, drinking, eating junk food, is NOT a risk, it is just dumb. There are NO gains from it.
While riding a bike I save money on gas, less crap coming out my tail pipe then a SUV/car, lower insurance, etc...

A Motorcycle is more dangerous. Look at the fatality rates of Motorcycles compared to Autmobiles. Rationalize all you want, but you engage in behavior that is riskier than the norm, much as people that abuse their bodies do the same. The question is do we give medical care to those who can afford it? If someone smokes, drinks, eats buckets of lard and can afford the top medical care, then they should have it. That's how capitalism works.