It's been eons since I posted. Am a duathlete. Had surgery on one knee last year. Didn't want to complain. I have been training really hard over the winter and have really improved my run and cycle fitness. After testing today, my coach said my VO2 max was up to 50, my aerobic threshold had improved and I had a lot more "metabolically" when I had to stop.

I came home tired & hungry, ecstatic that all of my hard training over the winter is starting to pay off. Then I receive a call from the bone marrow registry. About 4 years ago, I had blood drawn and placed on the registry for possible unrelated bone marrow donation. I was told there may be potential for a match of my bone marrow. Now, there still is a long procedure to go, a 30 minute interview, more blood, testing etc. But I need to prepare myself that I may be a match.

Has any athlete out there had experience with this procedure? What was your recovery time? How soon were you able to run? Cycle? I am a nurse (pediatric), so I am familiar with the procedure. But I do not know anyone that has donated. The pain I can handle; its the HUGE conflict between my desire to compete (as I couldn't last year) and the higher moral obligation to potentially help another human being.
Any expereince out there that can help me guide my decision would be really helpful.

Thanks!