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The bone marrow contains immature cells capable of developing into any form of blood cell. It naturally occurs as soft tissue within a few specific bones. When a patient’s bone marrow is no longer able to produce new blood cells, bone marrow transplant therapy is recommended. In this post, with the assistance of the best Bone Marrow Transplant in Hisar, Sarvesh Health City, we will discuss the top ten myths and misconceptions related to bone marrow transplantation, so that patients can understand what is true and what is false.

Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy are more prone to develop this problem later in life. Doctors performing bone marrow transplants and cancer treatments in India often extract bone marrow before chemotherapy sessions and then leave it in the body. Similarly, there are more facts about bone marrow transplants in India. 

Some common misconceptions about bone marrow transplants or BMT –

 

Myth 1: There can only be one type of bone marrow transplant. 

After assessing the patient’s and donor’s health, doctors execute a variety of bone marrow transplant treatments. Some of the most commonly used techniques are allogenic bone marrow transplant, autologous bone marrow transplant, and others.

Myth 2: Bone marrow donation is extremely unpleasant. 

The stem cells are extracted from the donor’s body in two distinct techniques. The methods entail administering peripheral blood stem cells or bone marrow. Both treatments cause some pain, albeit the degree of discomfort varies. The intensity of discomfort varies depending on the procedure performed, the donor’s age, gender, and other variables. As a result, it is a complete fallacy that all donors are in anguish during bone marrow donation. Some donors feel no trouble at all while donating.  The process for obtaining stem cells using the peripheral donation approach is non-surgical.

Myth 3: There are negative implications for donors. 

Because donors’ normal bone marrow levels return within a few weeks of donation, this myth cannot be disproven. Donors can return to their regular activities within seven days, including school, sports, work, etc. Some people feel better immediately after a bone marrow transplant. They don’t feel weak or dizzy from the donation. Because of the anaesthetic, bone marrow donors may experience minor side effects such as headaches, nausea, and muscular aches after donation. However, it is transient and does not persist very long.

Myth 4: Bone marrow is taken from the spine. 

There is no technique that involves the spine in bone marrow. In a direct bone marrow donation procedure, doctors extract bone marrow from the back of the pelvic bone. In 75% of cases, bone marrow is obtained via peripheral blood stem cell donation. Stem cells are collected from the circulation.

Myth 5: The procedure is gender-biased.  

For a bone marrow transplant to be effective, the donor must be an exact match with stem cells that share the same features as the patient’s. Bone marrow transplantation does not have any gender-based assumptions. A woman donor does not have to be a patient to give or receive bone marrow. The level of proteins in the donor’s blood decides whether or not the patient and donor are an ideal match for the donation.

Myth 6: All patients require the same amount of time in the hospital following their procedure. 

The length of your hospital stay depends on whether you have an allogenic or autologous transplant. Allogenic transplantation is typically more time-consuming. Bone marrow transplantation is a difficult procedure, and recovery times vary from patient to patient. When engraftment is only getting begun, you may need to stay in the hospital. Even if you are not hospitalized during the engraftment period, you must stay close to the hospital for regular examinations.

Myth 7: I have to be totally healthy to contribute.  

While donors must meet certain health criteria to guarantee their own and the recipient’s safety, minor health issues may not automatically exclude you. Your eligibility will be determined after a complete medical evaluation conducted by an expert.

Myth 8: All family members are perfect matches. 

Your own sibling from the same parents has a one-in-four chance of becoming the perfect donor for a bone marrow transplant. Only about 30% of people will find a bone marrow donor match within their immediate relatives. As a result, it is incorrect to say that family members can give bone marrow to save someone’s life. This is essentially impossible because the facts contradict the fiction.

Myth 9: I have to match the recipient’s blood type. 

We know that there are eight major blood types around the world, and compatibility is required for blood donation. That’s not the situation here. In bone marrow transplants, HLA markers are used instead of blood types. These genetic indicators indicate compatibility, thus blood type is unimportant throughout the matching procedure.

Myth 10: Bone marrow donation leads to long-term health problems. 

Bone marrow has the ability to regenerate itself. This is why a transplant is even possible. Once you have had the donation operation, your body and the leftover bone marrow will grow more on their own, covering the hollow. According to studies, bone marrow donation is not related with any long-term health concerns. Most donors feel normal within a few days or weeks.

Conclusion

Bone marrow donation is a selfless and meaningful method to give someone a second opportunity in life. Dispelling myths and learning the facts about the surgery can help to relieve worries and encourage more people to become potential donors. By donating to Bone Marrow Transplant in Hisar, Sarvesh Health City, you could help someone spend more time with their loved ones. If you are thinking about being a bone marrow donor, talk to a healthcare provider or contact a bone marrow registry to find out more and take the first step toward saving lives. Remember, the gift of life is one of the most valuable donations you can give.

FAQ 

Q1: What is a Bone Marrow Transplant?

Ans. A bone marrow transplant (BMT) — also known as a stem cell transplant — is a medical procedure that replaces damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. These cells help produce new blood cells and restore the immune system.

Q2: Why is a Bone Marrow Transplant needed?

Ans. Bone marrow transplantation is indicated for people whose bone marrow is not functioning properly due to disorders such as leukemia and lymphoma, multiple myeloma, aplastic anemia, thalassemia, sickle cell disease, and others.

Q3: What are the types of BMT?

Ans. BMT are classified into three types: autologous, allogeneic, and haploidentical.

Q4: What exactly is the bone marrow transplant procedure?

Ans. Bone marrow transplantation is not a surgical operation. It involves conditioning therapy ( which includes chemotherapy or radiation), infusion of stem cells, and engraftment.

Q5: How long does it take to recover from bone marrow transplants?

Ans. Recovery times vary by patient, although the first hospital stay is typically 3-6 weeks. Full recovery and immune system rebuilding could take 6 months to a year. After BMT, regular follow-ups are required.

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HEMATO-ONCOLOGIST & BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT

Consult Dr. Meet Kumar, the best hematologist in Hisar at Sarvesh Health City! Expert care for blood disorders and personalized treatment plans.