Email sent... and the reply received. I open it with a little trepidation and inside contains some quite detailed information that I need to know to donate.
As it turns out, there is a LOT of information about the process, requirements and obligations. Nothing too scary though so far. I'm not nervous about the actual procedure but I am nervous as to how I'll feel if its not successful.
The next step, after a phone call from one of the nurses, was a round of bloods. When I say 'a round' I really mean it. The phlebotomist took 7 vials of blood. Eek!
Amongst other things, they tested for Hep C, HIV, The Cystic Fybrosis gene, and my AMH level (Anti-Müllerian Hormone).
The AMH level is an interesting one as this hormone is a good indicator of how many eggs you have left in your ovaries. A week later and my result came back slightly below average but thankfully this does not rule me out from donating.
Along with the forms for the blood work, came a folder with forms like an expense form (donors are not paid, but expenses are reimbursed), reproductive health questionnaire a health and lifestyle declaration and of course, a donor profile. To be honest, I haven't really looked much at the rest of the forms and information, just in case I end up not being a good candidate.
It sounds a bit strange re-reading that but I really dont want to get my hopes up lest it doesn't come to fruition.
The next step is to meet with one of the specialists, a nurse and counsellor. Its all booked in and I know where to go, but I'm still nervous.
xJ
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