Bone Marrow donor... Why not?

Jennie@ifish · 06-13-2003, 02:55 PM

I've been thinking about donating bone marrow.

I don't know if they would take me, having marfan, but I can't imagine why not. Maybe I'm being ignorant?

I want to. I really, really want to.

Click here

What is the downside? I can't find it, if it's there. Why doesn't everyone do this?

Jen

[ 06-13-2003, 03:56 PM: Message edited by: Jennie@ifish ]

DanS · 06-13-2003, 03:00 PM

I've heard it is a painful procedure. You having marfan may disqualify you as a donor.......my diabetes prevents me from donating blood.

You'd have to check with a donation bank to be sure.........

Jennie@ifish · 06-13-2003, 03:03 PM

I had a child with marfan knowing full well that there was a 50/50 chance I could pass it on, further messing up the gene pool. I have guilt about that.
I want to do what I can to help right any wrongs.

I wrote to them. I'll let you know what I find out.
I know that I can donate blood, and do. I have whatever the type is that they need lots of. I forget what it is!
Jen

DanS · 06-13-2003, 03:20 PM

Chances are, you're either a type O 'universal donor' or you're type AB negative....which comprises a VERY small portion of the population......in either case your blood would be very sought-after.

Jennie@ifish · 06-13-2003, 03:25 PM

Shall I be frightened? Will the red cross sneak up on me at night?

Jen

2LEYS · 06-13-2003, 03:44 PM

Jennie, I am sure your child thanks you for giving him life. There is no guilt in that...your golden

Jennie@ifish · 06-13-2003, 03:53 PM

You would not believe, though, the people with Marfan that have chosen not to have children because of this, and they preach the word in a most demeaning way. :depressed:

I know that I'm glad. When I decided to, I thought, "Am I glad I lived?" The answer was obvious to me.

Jen

Ex-military · 06-16-2003, 06:09 AM

I am on the marrow donor list and have given marrow once. It is not as painful as you have heard. It feels like a lower back strain for a couple days. It's only about a 30-45 minute procedure. They take the marrow from the flat part of your pelvis in your lower back. I would encourage anyone who is interested to take the step and research it. To get on the list all they ask for is a couple vials of blood to set up your profile. After that, they'll contact you if you match up with someone who needs it.

If you have any questions, email me at Brian.Koch@state.or.us and I'll answer any questions about anything I experienced as a marrow donor.

Jennie@ifish · 06-17-2003, 08:22 PM

Wah... Letter from bone marrow people.
You'd take my marrow, wouldn't you? Please?
:smile:

Oh well!
:depressed:
Jen

Thank you for your interest in the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP). NMDP medical guidelines would suggest that someone with
Marfan's Syndrome should be deferred as a donor.

Although you are not eligible to be a donor at this time, perhaps advanced technology will enable you to be a donor in the
future. In the meantime, we hope you will share information about the NMDP and being a donor with friends or family who may be
interested in joining.

If you have any further questions, please contact us.

DanS · 06-18-2003, 10:15 AM

The fact that you were willing to try to donate says a lot about you Jen.

Jennie@ifish · 06-18-2003, 11:45 PM

,,,and the fact that said no, says volumns.

"AH! RUN! SHE'S A FREAK!"

:smile: