The not-so-painful truth about donating bone-marrow
Medical horror stories reinforce misconceptions about the pain involved in becoming a donor
The scenes are familiar.
A patient strapped to an examination table. Doctors holding giant needles. Agonizing pain. No anesthetic.
These are the popular-media images of bone-marrow transplants that continue to inform our understanding of the procedure.
Trouble is – they are largely incorrect.
These medical horror stories reinforce misconceptions about the pain involved in becoming a donor, which can scare people away from donating at a time when more donors are needed.
Mackenzie Smith, a two–time donor, and Dr. Michelle Zeller, a transfusion specialist and hematologist, tell their stories in an effort to set the record straight.
For more information on transplants and how to become a donor, click here.