What happens after you donate peripheral blood stem cells or bone marrow
Recovering from blood stem cell donation
How long it takes to recover from either peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) or bone marrow donation depends on the donor. In general, you should expect to return to work, school and most other activities within one to seven days after the procedure.
You’re never asked to go through the recovery process alone. We’ll follow up with you until you report a full recovery. During that time, if you need to talk to someone about your donation journey, we offer free donor counseling services.
Common questions about blood stem cell donation recovery
Does bone marrow grow back?
The short answer—yes! Your body naturally replenishes both peripheral blood stem cells and bone marrow within a few weeks after your donation.
Will I be in pain after donating?
Typically, the most pain experienced by donors during the PBSC donation process is the small pinch from placing an IV or from receiving the daily shots of a drug called filgrastim or an FDA-approved similar. Bone marrow donors are asleep during the collection process and may be drowsy for up to 48 hours afterwards.
Some may experience slight discomfort from head, muscle or bone aches but these symptoms usually disappear within 72 hours and can be treated with over-the-counter pain relieving medication.
Where can I learn more about the donation experience?
Without donors like you, NMDPSM would not be able to provide life-saving treatments to patients in need. Find out what the process is like directly from others who’ve stepped up to help save a life.
Peripheral blood stem cell donation recovery
The median time to full recovery* for peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) donation is 1 week (7 days). Watch the video to learn more about what to expect during the recovery process from Rayne Rouce, MD and Joey, a PBSC donor.
*Note: Median time is defined as the middle number in a range of numbers.
Bone marrow donation recovery
Contacting your recipient
In some cases, it may be possible to contact and/or meet the patient you donated to. However, this is determined by local laws, your privacy preferences and those of the recipient. NMDP understands the need to protect your privacy. Therefore, you’ll never be required to meet or speak with your recipient should you feel uncomfortable doing so.
Continuing to provide hope for patients in need of a blood stem cell transplant
When you donate blood stem cells, you join a community of supporters dedicated to being the cure for patients with blood cancers and disorders that are treated via transplant. After your donation, you can continue to provide support for patients in need by: