Anthony Nolan Trust

[phantos02]

This is following on from Tortoise's thread about National Donor day, really.

I have been thinking about going on the Anthony Nolan bone marrow donor register. I have been looking on the website and although they tell you about the registration procedure, they don't say much about the real procedure should you happen to be a match for someone.

Is anyone here on the register and if so have they been a possible match for anyone? What does it entail exactly? Is it a painful procedure to harvest bone marrow cells and would it mean taking lots of time out to do it?

I'm not sure I would feel fit enough to do something like this at the moment but once I have moved house and sorted my life out I might consider registering.

P

[tact77]

Hi B

Heres a link to a site that tells you more about the procedure

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/CA/00047.html

I sorry but I don't know alot about it myself my sister was quite involved with fundraising etc before she moved to Spain.

Looking at the site I don't think you would be out of action for that long.

Hope it helps.

[phantos02]

Thanks tact that's a really informative article.

It sounds a bit scary, I will have a think about it. Like it says in the article, you should only register if you are really serious.

[c1rcle]

I guess I should be ashamed or embarrassed by not being on any donor register or even giving blood but the last time I was in hospital I had a really bad panic attack, I even find it difficult to go to the dentist as I'm petrified of needles.

[phantos02]

It's ok C1ircle, not everyone is up to it (i'm not sure I am yet).

I have a friend who panics about going to the dentist - if she has to have any work done they prescribe her some tranquilisers which she takes the day before and on the day.

[Beth]

I was a blood donor, but they dont want my blood any more due to my health :(
good thing really, I used to pass out every time! :D they kept asking me why I kept coming back and I said because you keep writing to me and asking! :D
the fainting was not the reason I had to stop ;)

many years ago a family member had a very bad accident and needed 8 pints of blood and I vowed I would be a donor, it saved his life.

I know that needles arent everyones thing and please dont kick yourself for not doing it.

you could always help in other ways such as fundraising and awareness :thumbs:

I carry a donor card and I hope that I dont have to use it for many many years!! :D