mattysal

Congrats and thanks for what you're doing! I am also a match and have my physical exam coming up in the next couple weeks. I believe my donation will happen at the beginning of next month. I just found out yesterday that since I have a mild case of psoriasis, I can't donate via the PBSC method... I have to do the surgical marrow donation. However, I'm still moving forward with the process. A few days of pain and discomfort is worth it to be able to save someone else's life.

I have been on the registry for 10+ years. Those of you who want to donate but haven't been a match yet, be patient! Your day may come when you least expect it!

For those who aren't on the registry (especially men... only 28% of the registry is men, and many refuse to donate when they are a match), PLEASE consider joining... you could save someone's life!

http://bethematch.org/Join/Join_the_Registry.aspx

I am donating from the hip bone as well and not receiving any compensation. If you receive money for your marrow, is that still really a "donation"?

Thanks. I'm a little nervous, but it's worth it to me. (I now have you tagged in RES as "Marrow Hero")

In certain cases like mine, they do. But it's not as bad as people make it out to be. A couple of very small incisions in your lower back that don't require stitches. Plus something like 85% of donors who donate surgically are under general anesthesia so you only feel pain when you wake up.

It's awesome that you donated! Thank YOU!