Bone marrow is soft and fatty and located deep inside the bones. This is where new blood cells are manufactured, including platelets that help clotting, red cells that carry oxygen, and white cells that help fight infection. The donation procedure is the same, no matter which type of transplantation is planned for the recipient. The marrow is harvested from the back of the hip under general anesthesia. The donor does not experience pain during the procedure. However, like other surgical procedures, complications can occur.
Pain
Bone marrow donors experience pain or discomfort in the back of the hips and lower back for a few days, according to the American Cancer Society. Some people also experience bruising and aching in those areas. Over-the-counter acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication usually relieves the pain. Most people find that the discomfort has resolved in two to three days, while some experience pain for up to two weeks. Donors have compared the discomfort to the type of bruising that results from taking a hard fall.
Fatigue
The harvest procedure takes approximately 2 to 5 percent of the donor's marrow from the body. These are cells that are responsible for generating red blood cells for the body. According to LivingDonorsOnline.org, the body replaces these cells within several weeks of the procedure. However, for a short period of time, approximately two to four weeks, the donor may experience fatigue and weakness that resolves spontaneously. According to the American Cancer Society, taking iron supplementation may help facilitate the return of red blood cells and improve fatigue. Donors also have the option of making a blood donation several weeks prior to the bone marrow donation and then being re-infused with their own blood to reduce this complication.
Infection
During the harvest procedure, the surgeon makes several small incisions where the needle is inserted. These incisions are so small they do not require stitches. These small wounds can become infected, which delays the healing process of the incision and may cause scarring. Donors receive antibiotics to treat infection.
Anesthesia
The harvesting process is done under general anesthesia, which has risks and complications. According to MayoClinic.com, the risk of general anesthesia rises when the donor also has a medical condition that involves the heart, lung or kidneys; smokes; uses alcohol; has food or drug allergies or sleep apnea or is obese. Some complications include an allergic response to the anesthesia, temporary mental confusion when aroused in the recovery room, lung infections, stroke, heart attack or death. These complications are rare and found more frequently in older adults or people who have significant underlying medical issues.
