Once it has been determined that you are a match for a patient, you will attend a thorough information session with special counselors who will review the donation process and your options as a potential donor. You will also undergo a physical examination. After being fully informed, you decide whether to become a volunteer marrow donor. Donating marrow is a same-day surgery that requires no stitches.
General anesthesia is used for the procedure.
No more than 5 percent of your marrow is collected from the back of your pelvis. Many donors feel some discomfort after surgery which has been compared to a back ache you might get if you slipped and fell on your bottom on ice. This discomfort is a muscle soreness lasting an average of 10 days. Your own marrow regenerates in two weeks.