by Dansk 69 Replies latest jw friends
Oh No !!! - I've checked out both sites and I'm too OLD to register.
It seems that you have to be between 18 - 40 on the Anthony Nolan site (but they keep you on the register until you're 60)
and 18 - 44 on the Blood site. Does anyone know the reason for this ?
Twink
Hi Ian,
Pauline told me about this post last night. If my medical condition or age allows me, I would certainly do all I can to help you (re:donor)
Thinking of you as always
KT
Hi Ian,
This post seemed to be getting lost (overnight) so I am replying again, in the hope that others will see it, and if possible some good results will come about.
I'm still intrigued re: the age restrictions, I expect there must be good reasons for this rule. But it does seems a pity to restrict a huge amount of the population based on age especially as there seems to be a shortage of bone marrow donors?
It's a beautiful morning here in Hereford, I hope that sunny Manchester lives up to it's name today.
love to you all
Pauline (Twink)
There is also an A-Z on the site of conditions that rule you our of being a donor. I hadn;t realised that I am excluded on three counts - anemia (although its not persistent so I could get away with it), no one who has had a major operation in the last 6 months (which I have), and pre-cancerous cells (which unfortunately I have also recently had removed and yet to get an all clear). You are also excluded if you drink more than 30 units a week on a regular basis - this equates to about 15 pints of lager or 3 bottles of wine. I can see why it is very hard to get donors in the UK. and this was of particular interest too.
- age 18 - 40 : health and circumstances permitting, you remain on the Register until your 60th birthday, so don't be put off joining if you are close to 40
- in general good health
- weight over 51kg / 8st
- women must not be pregnant
- women with children under the age of 12 months cannot join the register or donate marrow during that time
Exception - if 12 months since tattoo or piercing
Dansk I hope they find that donor for you! In a years time I will be tested again for pre cancerous cells and if all clear then I will be able to donate so long as I am not anemic still.
All the best Ian, I will be looking into it Down Under
luv es
Hi Ian,
I registered as a bone marrow donor through the blood transfusion service a few years ago, so since I haven't had a call, I suppose I am not a potential donor.
Back to the top!
Rachel xx
It's so encouraging that so many people are taking an interest in this.
Just to reiterate, with my own disease - Mantle Cell Lymphoma - stem cells are taken from the blood and not, as far as I know, from the marrow. Usually, bone marrow is required for people suffering from Leukaemia.
To give you an insight into how important a donor is for me, this morning I sat at the computer scrolling down with one hand and with a bucket in the other. While I was reading I was being sick. I know, it's not a pretty picture but I need people to realise just how debilitating this disease is and the treatments are often worse than the disease itself.
I am presently suffering from peripheral neuropathy (PN), i.e. nervous problems in my legs and feet. I am in constant discomfort from severe aching. I go to bed with it, can't sleep because of it and get up each morning with it. I have it right now as I type this. The PN was caused by the last series of chemo I had - but if I hadn't had it I would be seriously attacked by cancer by now. As it is, the chemo has put me in remission - but I need to find a donor quickly otherwise the disease is likely to come back and I'm running out of options.
The disease has robbed me of many things I took for granted. If I have a day pain-free I deem that as a real blessing.
Lymphoma, as its name suggests, attacks the lymphatic system, which goes all around and through the body. I can feel dreadfully exhausted and not up to much - and I have to watch my family working hard and doing many things for me. Previously, I was very independent, did lots of exercise and was always decorating or pottering about in the garden. Now, I cannot decorate but I can do the occasional garden chore, which I enjoy. I have to be careful, however, that I don't overtax myself or I can be shattered later.
I cannot make definite plans to go anywhere because there is always the possibility I could feel ill and have to cry off. The strain affects everyone. My marriage came under particular strain last year because Claire exhausted herself, especially when I was in hospital, and I could see we were drifting apart.
Happily, we resolved things and are deeply in love - but I fear that I have to go through similar treatment again, i.e. the stem cell transplant, and will be hospitalised from 4-6 weeks. I cannot expect Claire to visit me often as the hospital is some distance away and she works hard at her job plus in the home - though she insists she will visit me (but I'm banning her!). It's at that time that I am asking my friends here to keep 'phoning/e-mailing Claire to let her know people care. So often the carers get forgotten while the patient gets all the attention. Well, the carer is suffering too!!
The treatment I am to receive can kill me. I believe I will survive. It's a feeling I've got. But one has to be aware of the dangers. People have died having the procedure - 20% of cases - but I focus on the survivors. Stem cell transplants offer genuine hope for a cure!
I would ask that everyone of the right age and in good health apply to donate. You could well save me - but if not me you could well save the lives of countless others.
It is hard watching people enjoy life when one is sick. I have a poor appetite these days (though the good news is it helped me shed some excess weight) and I can no longer go running. I've taken up swimming, but even here I have to be careful and had to get permission from the hospital due to the risk of my contracting an infection.
Generally, I am housebound - but Claire and I have booked a 5-day break in Norway in May. It's a chance I'm prepared to take because I don't know how long I've got before I'm admitted into the hospital.
I thank everyone for their concern. The best thing you can do for me, if you are able, is to put yourself forward as a donor.
Love,
Ian
Ian,
Thanks for posting the links and I would be privileged to help one soul in this world and extra privileged if it were you. I can only imagine the discouragement and frustration and fear you could be going through. This can certainly affect a marriage, to that I can attest. I hope you get a wonderful holiday in Norway and a 100 more after that.
I've got some links to read now -- thanks again.
Confusedjw/UnConfused
[[[Ian]]] [[[Claire]]]]
Just want you to know that I am thinking of you. Of course my marrow donations would likely not make it to the UK, I suppose. It looks as if I am disqualified for a couple of the factors mentioned [age and recent surgery] at the moment, but am going to look into it anyway.
Please do all you can to keep your health intact until the donor is found - I am sure they will find the right donor and am thinking positive thoughts in your direction on that.
By all means take the get-away you are planning. It will be time well spent for both of you.
Jeff
Thank you Ian for all of this good information. I will be looking into it.
You are a very positive person with a lot of love for others and tons of friends who love you too.
Hugs with lots of love from me to you and Claire.
Juni
