Myths About Bone Marrow Transplantation

Myths About Bone Marrow Transplantation

Though bone marrow transplantation is very vital and important there are quite a few things negative and wrong about it. In other words, there are some myths surrounding bone marrow transplantation. This is because of misinformation and also because many of us are in the comfort zone based on such misconceptions and myths. Many in fact seem to be very happy to be guided by such misconceptions and make very wrong decisions because of their lack of information or wrong information. Hence we thought it fit to share some pertinent and useful information about the various myths about bone marrow transplantation which needs to be understood. This will help quite a bit in taking the right decision about bone marrow transplantation rather than being guided by wrong opinions and hearsays.

Donation Of Bone Marrow Could Negatively Impact The Donor

This is one of the most common myths surrounding bone marrow match transplantation. Though most of us would like to save a life which is in danger, we may not take this step if it hinders our health or life in any manner whatsoever. There are many stories doing the round that those who offer their bone marrow cells for transplanting could see their health taking a beating. This is totally false and misleading. In fact, in almost 100% of the cases, such donation is considered totally harmless. We should bear in mind that once the donation has been done, the bone marrow tissues and cells get replaced rapidly and it comes back to normal within a few weeks at the most.

Bone Marrow Transplantation Is Painful

If any processes, procedures or even surgeries cause pain to you, you would like to stay away from it. However, as far as bone marrow transplantation is concerned, the whole process is painless. There are simple and painless ways and means by which the stem cells from the bone marrow are extracted. It is basically an outpatient procedure and it fully nonsurgical in nature. The donors are put on a drug called Filgrastim which results in increased production of stem cells. The drug is given before the actual extraction or donation takes place. The drug is usually given five days before the actual extraction. The drug is injected painlessly into the donor. Then the actual extraction happens which again is quite safe, simply and completely painless. Both the donor and the receiver are allowed to get back home within a few hours unless there are some serious complications. These are few and far between and extremely rare.

It Is Extracted From The Spine

Many people worry that the extraction takes place from the spine. This is not at all true because it is not extracted from the spine. The likely area is the pelvis and this is done with the help of a syringe. Since the pelvis is not the spine you need not worry about it at all. The doctors and service providers take all care and caution to ensure that the process is completely safe and secure.

Hence it would be better to take an informed decision as a donor and a receiver and you should try not to fall prey to the various myths which are doing rounds across the internet and other sources of information.