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Myths and facts of marrow donation

Many people are unaware of what really happens during marrow donation. Learn about the myths and facts now.

MYTH:
Marrow donation is painful.

FACT:
Marrow donation procedures are done under general or regional anesthesia so the donor experiences no pain during the collection procedure.

MYTH:
Pieces of bone are removed from the donor.

FACT:
Marrow donation involves transplant of the liquid marrow found inside of the bone. No pieces of bone are removed from the donor. During a surgical procedure in an operating room, special, hollow needles are used to withdraw liquid marrow from the donor’s pelvic bones.

MYTH:
No anesthesia is used for marrow donation.

FACT:
Marrow donation procedures are always done when the donor is under general or regional anesthesia. Sometimes television shows or movies confuse marrow donation with a bone marrow biopsy. A biopsy is a diagnostic procedure performed on patients, not marrow donors. Bone marrow biopsies are not the same as marrow transplants.

MYTH:
All marrow donations involve surgery.

FACT:
Some donations involve surgery and some do not. Donors may be asked to donate marrow, which is a surgical procedure, or peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC). PBSC donation is a non-surgical procedure done in an outpatient clinic.PBSC donation involves removing a donor’s blood through a sterile needle in one arm. The blood is passed through a machine that separates out the cells used in transplantation. The remaining blood is returned through the other arm.

The patient’s doctor will decide what type of donation is best for the patient.

MYTH:
Marrow donation involves a lengthy recovery process.

FACT:
Marrow donors can expect to feel some soreness in their lower back for a few days or longer. Donors also have reported feeling tired and having some discomfort walking. Most donors are back to their usual routine in a few days. Some may take a few weeks before they feel completely recovered.PBSC donors report varying symptoms including headache, bone or muscle pain, nausea, insomnia and fatigue. These effects disappear shortly after donating.

MYTH:
Marrow donation weakens the donor.

FACT:
A donor’s marrow is completely replaced within four to six weeks. After donating, most donors are back to their usual routine in a few days.

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