Scary - but gotta do it...

xtwinklex

Eat to live don't live to eat!
:eek: I got a letter yesterday from the national blood service to say that I had been matched to someone who needs a bone marrow transplant (I joined the bone marrow register about 4-5 years ago)

The letter basically said that I need to go for further blood tests so they can check if I am a tissue match to the patient, if I match I will be donating bone marrow either taken straight from my blood via intravenous line or bone marrow from my hip bone under general anaesthetic.

As you can imagine, I am totally sh*tting myself, I don't particularly like pain much lol, but the fact is, I could potentially save someone's life, and that is why I will definitely go thru with it if I am a match!

I go on holiday on Friday so I imagine I will have the blood tests when I get back, unless they can fit me in tues/weds or thurs this week and then I'm not sure what will happen timewise if I am a match? I'm assuming I won't be able to start back on ss if I am to do this? I wouldn't imagine it would be a good idea anyway until I am back to normal after the procedure?

I'll let you know how I get on...

xx
Stacey
 
Good for you going on the registar!

Reminds me i REALLY need to give blood again

Can we do it on SS? does anyone know?
 
Oh thanks for finding that :) ive often wondered about giving blood on CD

My friend gave b/marrow years ago, nolan? i think cant remember the name of it lol but was a rewarding thing to do

I hope it goes well for you, very selfless xx
 
Hi xtwinklex

Well done for your compassion for others.
Please do keep us posted about what happens.
I don't know much about bone marrow procedures as the specialist regional unit was at a neighbouring hospital to the one that I worked at, but I do remember that there were frequent appeals in the local papers for prospective donors to come forward.
Wishing you good luck!
 
what an amazing thing to be able to do for someone else! Thats incredible and i admire you so much for going into this!
my DH has joined too....(unfortauntely i dont think i can) but i think your amazing!
Hope all goes well!

xx
 
Answer
The ‘Sole Source’ programme should not be followed for one week preceding blood donation and for one week after. During this time it would be wise to raise energy intake levels up to 1000kcal/d.

I didn't realise that. I give blood on SS and never thought to check that was ok.

Good luck with the bone marrow, I'm on the register but never been called (like you I think I would stress if I did get that call). Just think about the good its doing, and from what I read it is done under anaesthetic and is uncomfortable, but its not that bad.

Hope all goes well.
 
Well done for doing it hun, that is an amazing thing to do for someone you don't even know. My brother inlaw did it and he said it very rewarding. I used to give blood regularly but after I had a blood transfusion after having my first Daughter I am not allowed to anymore. Good luck with it all, you are star. xx
 
Wow Twinkle, what a very special and generous thing to do. Does anyone know if you can join the register with autoimmune problems. I've always wanted to give blood and when I eventually got around to registering I found out I wasn't allowed!
 
that is a wonderful thing todo for someone !!
Let us know how you get on ,where abouts are you in Devon ?
 
My dad is with the Anthony Nolan Trust. He got called up but he wasn't a match. It is a wonderful thing that you are doing!! Have a good holiday! x x
 
Thanks for all your lovely messages, I am having the blood tests on Thursday all being well and it takes up to 8 weeks to get the results for whether or not I'm a tissue match to the patient!

Let us know how you get on ,where abouts are you in Devon ?

I live near Okehampton, out in the sticks!

Lisalulu - Not sure if you can if you have autoimmune problems, I imagine it comes under the same criteria as for donating blood so doubt you would be able to, have a look on www.blood.co.uk, it may answer your question or there is a phone number to ring and they should help you!

I'm not going to think about it anymore now till I have to! Just going to enjoy my hols!

xx
Stacey
 
Well done Stacey!!

I regularly give blood (but not since starting the CD - I'm waiting for them to come to the Uni at the start of term), and me and my brother signed up for the Anthony Nolan Trust years ago. Never heard anything - and I signed up with the blood service.

I think everyone should be made to give blood (if they are able, obviously). You never know when you might need it... you won't be worried about needles when you are receiving the blood - you'd be very grateful for it!!

Let us know how you get on. Well done you!

Lynne
x
 
Hi Stacey , not heard ofrOkehampton, , is it near ivybridge ?
thursday is the day , and you have 8 weeks waiting time to see .... that will give you some head way with your diet .... unsure when you would need to come off Cd ... its all scarey and exciting hehe
 
Thanks for the link Twinkle. It seems I may be able to give blood and go on the bone marrow register after SS after all!
 
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