Recovery Post Bone Marrow Donation

[spindizzy]

Well interview is done. Very similar questions to when you give blood. Travel, where and when, chronic medical conditions, sexual partners, drug use (illicit and otherwise)..the works!! I'm off to the next level. The bloodletting. Sometime next week, they just have to confirm the time.

If I am a match, when it is time to do the donation, I will need to give myself a Neupogen injection for 4 days before to stimulate bone marrow, which has me a little worried knowing what Possegirl had said about the drug not being approved for this particular use. I quickly looked at Clevland Clinic website and they still use it....

One step at a time.

I'll keep you posted

[Possegal]

It should be said that many many many (add lots more manys) drugs are used off label. That in and of itself isn't so alarming. here is the link to some info about the FDA warning. If it were me, I would just be sure to take this with me and ask the people involved what they think about it. I'm sure they know about it and I'm sure they can adequately address it for you at the time and put your mind at ease.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/568498

EDIT - ok, looks like that may not work as you may have to have a membership that I have due to work. how about this
http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2...eupogen_PI.pdf

and here was the paragraph leading up to the revision in the label.

FDA Warns Against Off-Label Use of Filgrastim Injection (Neupogen)

On September 5, 2007, the FDA approved safety labeling revisions for filgrastim injection (Neupogen; Amgen, Inc) to warn against its use for peripheral blood progenitor cell mobilization in healthy donors.

Use of filgrastim for this unapproved indication has resulted in alveolar hemorrhage manifesting as pulmonary infiltrates and hemoptysis requiring hospitalization, the FDA said, noting that hemoptysis resolved with discontinuation of therapy.

Filgrastim is a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor indicated for use in patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant, patients with acute myeloid leukemia receiving induction or consolidation chemotherapy, patients with cancer undergoing peripheral blood progenitor cell collection and therapy, and patients with severe chronic neutropenia.

Again, that may sound worse than it is and I am not for a second saying don't do this. Just that were this me, this is something I would talk to the Drs about first and get all the information that I can. They will know much more than I can find out by searching online. Naturally.

[spindizzy]

You're a sweetie! Thanks.

[KnottedYet]

Spindizzy - thank you so much for doing this. I'm one of those folks barred from donating anything, blood, bonemarrow, *anything* because of a history of cancer (long gone and "cured", but mine is on the bad list and I'm disqualified)

If you miss your race season because of donating I will send you my 2006 Danskin Triathlon finisher's medal, because what you might get to do is much more important and deserves a medal.

[maillotpois]

Hey - that's a great idea! I've got a few great medals for you as well - some of my TNT ones would seem particularly appropriate.

[spindizzy]

Knotted and Maillotpois-

I am surrounded by generosity and sweetness!

I have decided to stop fretting, take it one step at a time. I am only thinking positive thoughts, and if I get to donate, I will work around it. I believe in developing mental toughness and this may present itself as an opportunity to do that. I plan on getting in a few road races in early spring and then 4 or 5 dus to compete in over the summer. If they have to be later summer, so be it.

I am also telling everyone I know that I was called; perhaps it will get others to consider having their blood drawn and getting their name on the registry. You cannot believe how many people didn't know how simple it was.

Knotted, everyone so inclined helps in ways that they can or that are meaningful to them. The spirit of generosity demonstrated by yourself and Maillotpois is overwhelming. Thank-you for keeping me in your thoughts

Now if you'll just say a small prayer for me as I go downstairs to do some power intervals on my bike, with my new seat, I would be doubly grateful!

[maillotpois]

I am also telling everyone I know that I was called; perhaps it will get others to consider having their blood drawn and getting their name on the registry. You cannot believe how many people didn't know how simple it was.

That's the best thing you could possibly do, regardless of whether you are "chosen to serve".