Being a Granulocyte Donor

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So about a week ago a friend on facebook sent out an urgent message that someone who's son was seriously ill desperately needed donors from blood group A pos to give blood.  I new this was my blood group (being an ex-soldier) and rang the number on the message to see if I could assist in some way.  What followed was a short conversation with the young lads (Billy) mother who explained they were desperate for people who could give up some time and travel to Londons Kings College Hospital. 

I think at this stage I should say that I am no way a medical expert and my writings here are only my laymans terms understandings of what is happening and why, if anyone reading this need further information or has medical queries please seek advice from an expert.


Here's an explanation written by Billy's mother on the "Get well soon Billy" facebook page explaining his condition,
 
"on the 25th of January Billy was admitted to T12 NORTH at UCLH ... This is a teenage cancer trust ward and although billy does not have cancer he has a life threatening illness... The illness is called APLASTIC ANEMIA which he has severe... Aplastic anemia is a condition where bonemarrow does not produce sufficient new cells to replemish blood cells.. patients with it have lower counts in all 3 blood cells .. white, red and platelets.. BILLY HAS IT VERY SEVERE... he has had a course of ATG which we will find out soon if it has helped.. but in the mean time they are looking internationally for a bonemarrow donor and possibly another course of ATG.... he will need antibiotics, platelets transfusions and blood transfusions very often"

I haven't met young Billy yet, he's not really up for strange visitors, but an exception was made when JLS visited the hospital (see image below captured by the sun newspaper) although Billys dad told me when the new prime minister, David Cameron, visited Billy decided he wasn't of enough importance and as such didn't grant him an audience, lol.

So Billys mum passed on my details to the hospital and within an hour they had phoned and asked me to travel to London for a blood test the next day.  I travelled up at the appointed time (well I got a bit lost and was a little late) but they took the samples they needed and sent me on my way.  I have to be honest I didn't really know what I was getting myself into at this stage and I'm guessing there'll be a few people out there searching the web in the same boat which is part of the reason why I'm writing this blog post, to explain my point of view and perhaps answer some questions people may have.

The next morning I received another call from the hospital telling me I was in fact a match (I told them that, but I understand they had to confirm it) and could I come along tomorrow for more tests. 


So the next morning I found myself on the train again travelling back into London.  This time I had to go to Kings College Hospital at the Apheresis Unit, I arrived at the same time as two other people who I was later to find out were Billy's dad and one of his sisters who were there for the same reason I was.  The staff in the Apheresis unit are excellent, they talked through what the procedure would be and how it would all happen.  The basics are the blood would be taken from one arm and put into a machine that separates it into the various make up and they then extract the white blood cells (granulocytes) that fight infection.  The rest of the blood is then mixed up again and put back into the body via the other arm.  Having had all this explained it was a case of more blood being taken for screening (Hep B/C, HIV, HTLV, CMV, Syphilis etc) and a thorough medical including an ECG and blood pressure check.  The final thing was a private interview with a doctor who explained the procedure again and gave me the opportunity to ask any questions I may have.  It was explained that as long as everything was OK I would be given tablets to take and an injection to have the day before I was due to come in so my body would increase the amount of white blood cells it was producing.

Tuesday came and I got the call that I was needed on Wednesday and I should take the tablets and the injection.  Here's where I'm lucky in that my parents are both nurses so there was no hassle finding someone to administer the injection, although to be honest its something I could have done myself if needed. I hardly felt them at all (I had 2 because I'm a big guy) and I can honestly say it's nothing to worry about.


That evening I had some of the side effects they had warned me that were likely and they included a feeling in my lower back as if someone had put in a bicycle pump and given it a couple of pumps (that's how I can best describe it anyway) it wasn't at all painful but I was aware that it was different.  Apparently its caused by the bones working overtime creating all the extra white blood cells that were to be harvested the next day.  The other side effect I had was not being able to sleep, as the tablets were doing their thing.  To be honest neither were a major problem and as I write this blog entry 24 hours after taking them most of the effects have completely worn off.

So today was the day when the whole thing finally came together and my white blood cells would be harvested by the apheresis machine.  In no time (after more blood tests, blood pressure tests, temperature etc) I was made comfortable and a cannula (plastic needle) placed in each arm and connected to the various pipes.  The machine is switched on and for the next couple of hours I listened to my i-phone and read the newspaper.  I had hoped that I would be able to operate my laptop but it soon became obvious that wasn't going to be possible as the way the needle was in my right arm meant I couldn't really move it.  It's probably also worth mentioning that whilst a newspaper is just about doable I think I would have struggled to read a book because of the inability to do it one handed.

The process took around two hours and 15 minutes before I was finished on the machine a driver was waiting to whisk it away so they could give it to Billy immediately, which kind of impressed upon me how much it must have been needed.  After having been unplugged from the machine I was given another check over (more blood for tests, blood pressure and swabs) and a cup of tea.  I'm not sure when I'll be needed again but the likelihood is Monday I'm informed I can only do this a maximum of three times and everyone is hoping Billy's bone marrow operation is a success and he'll be able to start making his own white blood cells again.


Heroes and Zeroes

Heroes first, obviously Billy, I can't imagine how depressing it must be for a young guy (14) to be stuck in hospital feeling rough with continual blood tests and transfusions being given.  Keep smiling mate it won't be long before you're watching your beloved West Ham again.

Billy parents and family, for their continued support and love for the guy in trying circumstances.

The staff of the Apheresis Unit in King College hospital, a true bunch of professional and a pleasant bunch of people who couldn't do enough for me.

Joe Holland, who copied and posted the original facebook message on her wall alerting me to the fact I could do something to help.

and now the zeroes ...


The friends on facebook who didn't recopy and paste the message and in doing so reduced other peoples opportunities to help.  You personally may have been the wrong blood group or unable to help but someone you know may have been willing to, please remember this if another message comes up in the future.

The tape they use to hold the needles in place, it stings more than the needle does!