h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Dear Researcher
It was interesting to read your full and frank account of your operation. Having been on the bone marrow register for a few years now I have often wondered exactly how uncomfortable the operation was. It is good to hear first hand that it is obviously not a piece of cake, but not so bad that it would put me off should I become a match. Also having just undergone an operation myself it seems that you got the worst deal, even though mine was on a sensitive part of my anatomy (sharp intake of breath from all blokes). The whole episode was conducted in a morning and involved only one week off work. Besides the obvious swelling (which I asked if I could keep) and obvious John Wayne swagger the only bad side effects were having to spend 24 hours in the company of my talkative Aunt while any effects of the anaesthetic wore off.
Your entry has also reminded me that I have some raffle tickets to sell for the Antony Nolan Autumn draw. (That MR2 has my name on it)

A good story and very true.
I'm a haematologist so I regularly perform bone marrow transplants.
I am also registered as a marrow donor so I hope this shows that you shouldn't be frightened to register.
The easiest and best way to get your name on the list is to give blood for the blood transfusion service and mention at the time you want to register for marrow donation. It will therefore be no extra needles and you get to feel all good about yourself.
PThanks for your great article

My son had a bone marrow transplant 598 days ago. He was in the hospital for almost 30 days post transplant, and even today he still has some of the lingering affects of it. But the wonderful man who donated his marrow saved his life. Every person should do it, as the pain you or I would go through is nothing compared to what they are going through. He had surgery and horrible radiations and chemo. He couldn't eat for the longest time, even though he was hungry. He had to be kept in isolation.

Would I do it again? You bet. He is alive today because a complete stranger gave my son a part of himself. And he is no longer a stranger, he is part of our family. Bless all you wonderful people out there who give so selflessly.