Monday 12 March 2012

If you want blood...


Had a blood test this morning - checking to see if I am a good match for someone in Holland who needs some bone marrow.

I had the same test a couple of years back - that time I just hopped on the train to London, gave them some blood, did some shopping, had dinner with an aunt and headed home.

This time I had to go to the local hospital, get them to take the blood and then take the blood home with me for collection by a courier!  No where near as much fun, but hey I shouldn't really complain.

If I match I will have to go to Holland to make the donation, which could be fun (apart from the bit where they drill a hole in my hip to get at the marrow, but I am not thinking about that part right now).  Actually I am not REALLY thinking about getting a free trip - just hoping that I am a good match for this person, and if not hoping that someone IS!  Funny how you can have such empathy for someone what you know nothing about - except that they are ill and need help.

Please wish this person luck - and maybe offer a little prayer if you are that way inclined.

8 comments:

ShadowRun300 said...

How awesome that you are going through these procedures for someone you don't know. I'm sure this person is extremely grateful even if you are not a match. Do they keep your info on file for others that you might match up to?
I'll definitely keep him/her in my prayers and cross my fingers that you get to go to Holland. :)

Shrinky said...

I really, really hope it's a good match - finger's crossed - when will you know? I always knew you were one of the good guys (hugs).

How do you get yourself on to one of these lists?

Rock Chef said...

ShadowRun300 - they have my basic details on file. If I come up as a vague match they need fresh samples to see if I am an exact match with the patient. Fingers crossed!

Shrinky - I registered when giving blood a few years ago. If you are willing and able, go ahead and register. You might save a life!

Shrinky said...

They refused my feckin' blood, last time I offered - but that was ten years ago, surely they could filter out the daily meds I'm on by now? (I'm talking aloud here..)

Cheers hon.

Abby said...

You're such a giver! Didn't we recently see photos of blood draining from your giving arm?

I hope you're a match for this person, and what a great idea. I'm almost to the two-year anniversary of my tattoo, so I think I'll be able to donate again. I wonder if we have the marrow match option here. The bring-it-home-in-a-bag is a new one, but doable!

agg79 said...

Bravo! It is good to step up and help others in need, if if you do not know them directly. I used to be an active blood donor every year and even gave platelets once for a friend with leukemia, but I'm now on the permanent deferral list because of where we lived back in the 80's (something about Mad Cow disease). I hope you are a match and able to make the trip to Holland.

terri said...

It's a brave thing you're willing to do. I didn't know they drill a hole in your hip to collect the marrow! OUCH! Though I suppose they might give you something to numb the pain.

terri said...

It's a brave thing you're willing to do. I didn't know they drill a hole in your hip to collect the marrow! OUCH! Though I suppose they might give you something to numb the pain.