Bone marrow donation is one of two methods of collecting blood forming cells for bone marrow transplants. Bone marrow donation is a surgical procedure that takes place in a hospital operating room. Doctors use needles to withdraw liquid marrow (where the bodys blood-forming cells are made) from both sides of the back of your pelvic bone. You will be given anesthesia and feel no pain during the donation. After donation, your liquid marrow is transported to the patients location for transplant.

Typically, the hospital stay for marrow donation is from early morning to late afternoon, or occasionally overnight for observation. The donation will take place in a hospital that is experienced and participates in marrow collections for Be The Match.

Common side effects of marrow donation reported 2 days after donation: Back or hip pain 84%, Fatigue 61%, Throat pain 32%, Muscle pain 24%, Insomnia 15%, Headache 14%, Dizziness 10%, Loss of appetite 10%, Nausea 9%.

The median time to full recovery for a marrow donation is 20 days. Recovery after marrow donation: 5% - 2 days, 18%-7 days, 71%-30 days, 97%-180 days, 99%-1 year

Learn more about what happensafter you donate.

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Donating Bone Marrow Experience | Be The Match