Age Restrictions for Bone Marrow Donation in Australia

[Gemma]

Lynne, I think I replied to another post about Bone Marrow Donation. I didnt' know there was an age restriction and I'm not sure if I was put back on the registry after donating.

Becka, you asked about the pain, procedure etc? I dontated over 10 years ago to a baby in Perth who unfortunately died. The procedure was done at the Alfred Melbourne and you get an excellent health check up. They take some blood for tests and I had an ECG as there was a slight rhythem problem with my heart which I didn't kwow about, but it was fine. I was in for a couple of days and they took the marrow from my hip, about 375mls for a baby. It hurt but I was walking around in no time. The pain wasn't too bad really and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Thanks Lynne for raising the awareness on BB.

[lynnecoleman]

Gemma, yes I remember you replying to me about this (or was it about organ donation?) And you inspired me! If only I'd been onto it before I hit 40 though! At least I can get back to blood donation after my little Mia weans (which at nearly 13 months she's showing no inclination of whatsoever!)

It's great to hear your description of how bone marrow donation works, and also to hear of the side bonus for donors of having a great health checkup. I remember that a thorough health check was reassuring for me a couple of years ago when I was being considered as a liver donor for my daughter.

It's wonderful that you donated to the little baby in Perth, despite the tragic outcome. I bet it meant so very much to the family that you cared enough to do this for a stranger.

There are many very kind people in the world. I've been reading of a 20 year old Canadian man, Mike B, who recently donated part of his liver to a baby he had never met, saving her life!

It's a great story, particularly when you know that when the media campaign for the little girl went out, to publicize her need for a liver transplant, about 800 people responded! I'd love to think that such generosity exists in Australia, and your example is evidence that it probably does, Gemma.

Very best wishes to you

Lynne