blood marrow downer

I have been picked to donate bone marrow! As ecstatic as I am/ was the bad news was a complete downer. I was a match to save a life, yet having a defibrillator and pacemaker at the age of 26 denies me from being able to help. The one thing that tickles my nerves the most is knowing I can help, but not being able to do so. I realize there are regulations, but my doctor is perfectly fine to stand in on any procedure done on me. If it's to save the human kind why not. I know this may not be the right way to think about it, but if one body or multitudes need a transplant, why not use someone who has a match. Really what is the risk, I always think what's the worst that can happen! I live with this implanted on me I know when I'm feeling uneasy. I have a voice!

2 Comments

What are they worried about?

by PJinSC - 2015-07-10 01:07:07

I had a friend who gave bone marrow, and he said it was local anesthetic and a giant needle. What is their concern, and what are the "regulations" concerning having a PM/Defib?

A quick search on bone marrow donation process yielded a pile of hits. Here is one quick description.

https://bethematch.org/support-the-cause/donate-bone-marrow/donation-process/donating-bone-marrow/

I admire you for wanting to help someone.

Good Luck and Good Life. PJ

Same thing happened to me

by momoftwo - 2016-02-13 01:02:15

I've had my PM since 11/08. I was also chosen to be a bone marrow donor. But as soon as they found out I had a PM they said I was no longer eligible to be a donor. I wanted to be honest with them, but that stopped me from being able to help someone in need.

I figure as long as our doctors says it's ok then we should be able to donate, but it was the donor programs rules.

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