The operation is done in the hospital under general anesthesia. Usually, the donor experiences soreness or pain and needs a day in the hospital to recuperate, but sometimes the pain and soreness can persist for several days or weeks. The donor's bone marrow grows back in a few weeks, and the donor is at no risk for infections or medical problems because of the donation, Cooper said. For the many people who are waiting for a life-saving organ, blood or bone marrow match, please consider becoming a blood, organ or bone marrow donor. If you have any questions about whether you should make such a donation, be sure to discuss those questions with your physician.
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