The road block to donating bone marrow
seems to be fear of the unknown.
Does it hurt to donate bone marrow?
Here is what past donors have to say:
Holly from Texas:
The pain to donate is minor and well worth the opportunity to help save a life. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Angela:
I just donated marrow 9 days ago and I'm almost totally back to normal. There was never any "real” pain. Just stiffness and what feels like muscle bruising in my lower back. I donated on a Thursday and was back to work on Monday. It was totally worth it and I'd do it again without even thinking about it! I've been trying to spread the word as much as I can and even took pictures to document my experience and post on my page. I'd also be happy to talk with anyone who has doubts! Besides having my children, this has been the most amazing opportunity I've been given in my life. What an amazing feeling to give the gift of life and what a small price to pay!
David from California:
I donated on Wednesday, by the PBSC method (from the bloodstream). Temporary minor aches and a little bit of my time. Now I'm hoping that all goes well with my recipient. This is the best-value good deed on the market - doing something awesome with small personal sacrifice. "Awesome" is an over-used word, but it sure applies here. Everyone should join the registry.
Jamie:
I would describe the pain afterwards to be very much like pulling out your lower back - but as already said - it is worth it to save another's life.
Lonna from California:
I donated marrow 6 weeks ago and would do it again if needed. No pain at all, just a little sore and stiff in the hip area for a few days. Being a match and donating was a wonderful pain-free experience for me. I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't need pain med's or tylenol after the procedure. Hope your on-line donor drive is a huge success...good luck!
Jenny from Utah:
I donated bone marrow in June 2005 and I'm hoping I have the chance to do it again. It's not painful, just uncomfortable and I just kept a pillow behind my lower back when I sat down. Not a big deal at all! It's one of the best things I have ever done. I was lucky enough to meet my recipient in Nov. 2009. It was a very special time for me. I would encourage everyone to do it!
Shana:
Shana:
Donating stem cells is not painful and the experience is definitely worth saving a life. I had some discomfort similar to muscle stiffness and a slight headache. The evening of donation day the stiffness was gone. And the next day I was definitely feeling fine. Very worth it and some discomfort is nothing that should keep anyone from thinking twice about saving someone's life. The process the recipient has to go through is difficult and on top of that they go through the anxiety of finding a match. I would want to take that anxiety away from them without giving a thought to some of the minor discomfort of donating. Be a hero, become a donor and save a life!
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