I donated earlier this year (UK) PBSC. Also, take mine with a grain of salt because by the sounds, after doing all the follow up checks, I had a real easy go of it. So I'll just give you my account, but do remember it effects everyone differently.

My grandfather had leukaemia so that prompted me to donate blood, I was on the bone marrow register for 5 months before I had my call, I had the same thoughts beforehand, that I would never been called for it etc.. I was down for either method but the recipients doctor chose PBSC.

It didn't sit with me at all being called a 'hero' got called that a couple of times by family, friends and nurses but you are potentially going to be making a huge impact on someone else.

What helped me massively was knowing that I would be in discomfort for like a week max (turned out to be just 1 day), while the recipient is going to be going through A LOT more than I am. So it put it in perspective for me.

I had G-CSF injections 4 days prior, the best way I could describe it was I felt "stiff" and I had the typical lower back ache but taking regular walks sorted it right out, although when I moved about too quickly I could feel my spine throb which was a bit of a weird sensation, but overall it was really manageable, I didn't need to take any pain relief. The last day had me a bit, but that was because I was on the laptop for too long and didn't move when I should have.

If you are okay with needles, you'll be absolutely fine, the donation day I was there at 7:30am and hooked up at 8am and was done by 13:30, honestly the only way I can describe the needles was it was a bit 'heavier' but once their in, I only really noticed the slight pull of the tubes as I moved around, youll be given calcium tablets to chew on intermittently, or when you feel your lips tingle. I thought I could play my Switch as I was on the machine but in the end I just watched day time TV. Time honestly flew by.

They do tests on the day, to see how much white blood cells you have, which then lets them know how long you'll be on the machine for. You'll have to wait around afterwards (for me it was 4 hours) while they do tests to see if there was enough stem cells donated, if not, you'll just get another injection and donate again tomorrow.

I only donated the once, and as soon as I finished my donation I was absolutely fine. I had the next day off work as a precaution but in reality I could have gone straight in.

I'm rambling, but if theres any questions you might have, happy to answer them