BS: donating organs after death

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Shields Folk
Date: 26 Nov 06 - 11:28 AM

I worked for 6 years in a cardio thoracic unit and was part of the team on lots of organ retrievals. Heart retrievals were performed on living donors (but obviously brain dead) and it did seem strange removing organs from people who seemed to be just asleep. I remember one little girl with ginger hair, she looked so perfect before the retrieval. After I got home I just cried my eyes out.

Having said that they can have anything from me that they can use for transplant.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Bee
Date: 26 Nov 06 - 11:13 AM

In Nova Scotia, we have a check box on our health card renewal form for organ donation. Mine's checked. I could never understand why some people are so against it. They'd rather worms, maggots and various bacteria consumed their kidneys, etc., than pass them on to another human? Very peculiar.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Bill D
Date: 26 Nov 06 - 09:09 AM

ummmm..yes, indeed, Tom. Thank you for clarifying that.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Tom Hamilton frae Saltcoats Scotland
Date: 26 Nov 06 - 08:15 AM

these people that say that they never drink, what they mean is that the don't drink alcohol, in other words beer or spirits.

but they drink coffee or tea or Juice, everyone drink if they didn't drink they would die of thirst.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 26 Nov 06 - 07:51 AM

I'm a registered donor - they're welcome to what they can use when I'm dead, but I can't give blood any more because I'm permanently on medication (and my blood group is B positive, which is ironic given I'm a manic depressive).

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: eddie1
Date: 26 Nov 06 - 04:40 AM

When I shuffle off this mortal coil, if anyone can benefit from any of my bits, they're welcome. I'm not going to need them.
Did see something disturbing on breakfast TV (in the UK) a couple of days ago. A woman who had MS wanted her organs to go to the MS society for research. Her husband and the MS Society were in agreement. When she died however it seemed the hospital she was in was not "certified" to carry out this procedure and nothing happened. I did not catch the whole piece so I missed out on what was said at the beginning but her husband was pretty shattered and felt that she was prevented from allowing others to benefit in some way from her death.
It seems that most hospitals are "certified" and if not, it's not a difficult process. They just hadn't bothered!

eddie

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Barry Finn
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 11:53 AM

The Georgie Best are few & far between. I know that I had had been a drinker (which I never was) I wouldn't have received a liver unless I could've some how shown that I had stopped some time in the past & that my present behavior showed that I wasn't likely to be screwing up what could've better used by another.
A through history was reviewed prior to my be even put on a waiting list.
As far as I know here in the US your fame & fortune doesn't count they have a strict set of guideline that they follow & up date all the time but I'm sure if Bush's went he'd go to the top of the class.

Barry

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Tom Hamilton frae Saltcoats Scotland
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 09:19 AM

There was a man called George Best, and his liver or kidney was shot to hell because of his drinking, however he was a famous footballer and so they gave a new one if he stopped drinking, and so they put this new organ in him and guess what he buggered that up as well.

oh by the way he died, and another thing they gave a second organ to replace the first one he buggered up, and he did the same to that one as well.

and yet there are people out there who deserve them more that arseholes like him.

I might become a donor I haven't made up my mind.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: GUEST,Cluin
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 02:30 AM

Which is why they have the pick of the crop when it's leader-choosin' time.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 12:55 PM

They're already all stocked up with them

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Folkiedave
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 12:29 PM

A singer of my acquaintance left a speech to be read out at his funeral.

In it he left his organs to various hospitals, universities etc including his arsehole which he left to the COnservative Party.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: catspaw49
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 12:24 PM

We love our GP. As a Doc she is first rate but even more she can be light and funny even when things suck. She's good people and has gotten us through a lot of tough times. I say that so you understand that one day in her office I made some remark about still being listed as an organ donor on my license. She gave me this serious look and said, "Pat, I can't think of a thing you've got that anybody would want."

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: jacqui.c
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 07:43 AM

I was a blood donor until I had cancer of the womb and then was told that I could no longer give blood. Now I'm living in the States and am told that, because I lived in the UK, I wouldn't be able to give blood.

I'm not sure whether any of my parts could be used for transplant due to both the above factors but would be happy if anything was recyclable.

Right now I'm considering the medical school body donation bit but, since I had a total hysterectomy following the cancer, am not sure that they would want me for that either!

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: GUEST, Topsie
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 06:49 AM

I am also O neg. I gave blood until my thyroid packed up. I then wrote to them and asked if they still wanted me but received no answer, and no more reminders, so I assumed the answer was 'no thanks'.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 05:49 AM

In my life I've donated a whole body's worth of blood but regular medication and heart surgery mean I can't do it any more, which is a shame because I'm O neg...

I'm against paying for donors, but when it is your life on the line or your child who can't play, walk or breathe properly, then I guess the boundaries start to blur.

I've filled in my donor card, I'm happy for anyone to take whatever they want or find useful. My theology is a little strange, but I've always felt that we will be raised up as we were created, whole and perfect, regardless of what life or decomposition has done to us in the meantime. If God wanted us whole and uncorrupted then He wouldn't have made maggots. If my bits can make someone else's life more bearable then they are welcome. Just make sure they take good care of them!

This last year has been difficult for the Organ Transplant service in the UK - George Best is to blame. He was given a new liver and treated it like it was his old one, rather than a gift that someone had died giving him. It was a totally selfish act on his part to continue his abusive lifestyle and so unlike the actions of the majority of organ recievers. This made a lot of people rethink their position on donations and everyone suffers for it.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Ferrara
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 10:51 PM

Wow, that article on paying donors really stirred up a lot of feelings in me. Have to keep this short tonight, but my first reaction was, "I'm agin' it."

But it's almost 11pm and I have lots to do tonight and tomorrow so I have to just stop with that comment for now. I think there are better ways to improve the number of organs available but not time now to discuss it since the whole question is pretty complex.

We have a three day craft show Friday til Sunday but will look forward to reading more on this thread soon.

Rita F

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Rasener
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 02:13 PM

I didn't realise that if you have had cancer then yopu can't be an organ donator.

That excludes me.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: fat B****rd
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 01:50 PM

Strangely coincidentally I renewed my card only this morning.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 01:36 PM

Bagpuss... we're already FORCED to do all kinds of things "For our own good"

At least this one makes sense....

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: jeffp
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 12:54 PM

Topsie - doesn't happen.

I have signed up for organ donation and I am a regular blood donor. A positive. Both of my wives were ineligible to donate either because of cancer. I figure it's my responsibility to do what I can while I'm able. Besides, cancer doesn't run in my family, so I will probably be a good field to harvest when the time comes.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: GUEST, Topsie
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 12:48 PM

I'm worried that they would keep me alive in order to 'harvest' my organs - in which case they would be taking them when I am still alive. This REALLY scares me.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Scoville
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 12:25 PM

For the record--my mother has had her kidney for two and a half years now and is still rolling right along.

*****

We always laugh at how often kidney disease comes up on "Law & Order"--Jerry Orbach's character even complained about the "dialysis defense" once when a suspect said he couldn't have killed so-and-so because he was at dialysis. We think somebody on the writing team must have kidney issues. Munch is vehemently pro-organ donation; he says he figures God will give him a pass on being buried whole even though he's Jewish, if he donates his organs.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Peace
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 12:22 PM

Clinton: I don't HAVE to give you a reason any more than I have to give you a kidney.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Bagpuss
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 12:15 PM

Just because I believe everyone *should* do something doesn't mean I think everyone should be *forced* to do it.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Rasener
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 12:15 PM

I think the organ grinders should pay for the funeral, that would make it attractive to those who haven't got the money to pay for a funeral.

I don't mind em having my bits if they are of any use.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Hawker
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 12:11 PM

NO I DONT!
and before you all start crying me down, it's to protect you all, my bits are sub standard, I have a hereditary genetic disorder that it would be unfair to palm off on you all, I have been advised not to donate my organs, but I will be very happy if they use me for a med school when I eventually give up my mortal coil.
Also, I don't think this is BS even though it is non-music!!
Cheers, Lucy

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 11:58 AM

Give me one good reason why not

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Peace
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 11:45 AM

True. Mine go to whoever, and the rest to a university for med students to do as they wish with. However, I do not agree that organ donation should be forced on people.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Barry Finn
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 11:37 AM

I don't know how I missed this thread.
It's really great to see so many willing donors here. Thank you all for considering. I'm a liver recipient & have had the good luck to have been twice saved by organ donors. It's something divine to know you're slipping away & that you're not likely to have a future & that you are at peace with it.
I had thought how lucky I was to have been married to a wife that that I thought I'd never find & to have had two great kids that I thought was far beyond what I had ever hoped for. And to have known that I had more than one friend, I considered myself very rich, indeed. As a teen & young adult I was past being wild & never tought I'd make it past 21. After getting past a very dangerous youth, I started to live with a zest. So laying on a death bed on my 50th birthday I figured I had lived more in half a life than most would've in two. The surprize to come past death twice & waken into a life that was gone for sure, is more than supernatural & erie. To find that I was able to continue to live a rich life I had seen as fully lived & lost is more than most people will ever know or want to know or should have to know for that matter.

Waiting for an organ is like drowning but alot slower. Bit by bit one swallows their own live away.
In this day & age, no one should have to die waiting to be saved.

Thanks
Barry

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Peace
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 11:22 AM

There must be fifty ways to lose your liver.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 11:20 AM

I read about that Johns Hopkins surgery in the news yesterday. What an incredible round robin event that was!

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 11:19 AM

If your organs are 'healthy' when you die, opting out is anti-social, greedy and narrow minded.

It should NOT be an option, unless the danger of spreading disease is a factor.

There's NO other good reason.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Bagpuss
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 11:07 AM

"Which is why it needs to be mandatory...."

Or at least opt out, rather than opt in. I think recent changes, although small, are going in the right direction. It is no longer the case that the relatives of a deceased person can overrule their wishes and prevent them donating.

I am on the register, but my husband is not and says that if he did die, he wouldn't want me to let them take his organs. I haven't managed to get to the bottom of his objections yet, but I am working on it.

I gave blood only once. The blood took forever to come out, and I went white as a sheet - with every doctor or nurse that passed asking if i was ok. A few months later, I was found to be very anaemic - with a blood count of 7. So I have never given blood again in case it happens again. Its a particular shame, as I am ONeg - the universal donor.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: catspaw49
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 10:54 AM

Great thread of course, but every time it comes up over the years, I read the title at first glance as "donating orgasms after death."

I'm not sure how that would work.............

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 10:48 AM

"The numbers of donors are still woefully small"

Which is why it needs to be mandatory....

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Scoville
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 10:16 AM

Johns Hopkins just performed a five-way transplant. Technically, this is illegal because it's considered selling organs, but I heard that one of the reasons they did it was to highlight the need for donors (and because who's going to argue with Johns Hopkins).

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 09:54 AM

Interesting article by a doctor who received a donated kidney this year. The numbers of donors are still woefully small: Click Here.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: GUEST,Augie
Date: 29 Apr 04 - 08:34 AM

Norton1
Please accept the condolences of a total stranger on your loss.On behalf of others, Thank You for your gift. To act so nobly during times of unfathomable sorrow and grief is something we should all aspire to. It involves degree of difficulty that those who haven't been there can not appreciate.

Where I live, up here in the Great White North, I travel by moped and motorcycle when the weather permits, so a signed donor card is very appropriate for me. They can have it all if I can't use it, tho anyone who has heard me and my guitar would likely refuse a finger and/or vocal cord transplant.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 29 Apr 04 - 02:36 AM

I have always believed in giving my body to research after the importants parts have been used for donation.I believe it should be compulsory to leave your body for donation here in GB.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: steve in ottawa
Date: 29 Apr 04 - 02:20 AM

Full body.

Never considered too carefully whether checking that box on my driver's licence was sufficient. Guess I'll have to check that out.

And start giving blood again...at some point I heard they didn't want your blood for two years after starting a new heterosexual monogomous relationship and I just got out of the habit. For a while, I don't think they even wanted your blood if you'd been to the UK recently (mad cow fears).

Dieting now...I expect blood donation is a good way to lose wieght.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 28 Apr 04 - 12:27 PM

I'm REAL glad Rita got the heart - one of my babies came from her a couple of years ago.

I'm not a donor. Never gave it a thought.

When Jan and I lost our son we donated his parts, some of them anyway, to others. He was a giving person and we felt that would have been his wish. It was a difficult decision to make coming on the heels of his death.

Of the five folks that got parts three died, one we don't know, and a 12 y/o little boy is off dialysis for the fist time since birth. So I reckon it was worth it.

And my opinion is we do not "save" lives. We all die at some point in time in this pysical world. We can prolong or enhance life by the things we do. Not meaning to fan any flames with this comment - just always bothered me that folks thought we could "save" life.

The only life I am interested in "saving" is the one that comes with Salvation through my Lord Jesus Christ.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Carly
Date: 27 Apr 04 - 06:22 PM

To tell you the truth, I have no idea what the Orthodox Jewish rule is for lifetime amputations and later burial. My guess....the issue involving non-mutilation of bodies seems to me to go back to the idea that someday the Messiah will come, and all will be raised up to dwell in a world of peace and justice. This is a tougher job if those bodies are scattered, or cremated ( a practice also against Jewish tradition.)( And I suppose even more complicated if two people used the same organ!) But if you managed to get by after the war, or other "honorable" loss of limb, hopefully you would be able to get by in the next age. Or maybe the Lord takes care of this; I don't know, but I would love to have a rabbinical comment on the subject.
Jews in my experience do not spend too much time on afterlife issues; getting through this life is enough of a challenge!

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 27 Apr 04 - 07:59 AM

when I am dead they can help themselves to anything that might be of use.

My wife says I am heartless and bloodless.

Liver shot through the drink.

Thick skinned tough as old boots.

Brainless.

Deaf and dumb when I want to be and all ears when necessary.

Any takers?

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: open mike
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 11:44 PM

if you lose an arm or a leg, can it be buried in your plot prior to the rest of you?

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Amos
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 10:23 PM

Bushwaw. Parts is parts. It's like wondering if you'll need the radiator from that '58 Willys you scrapped when you were 19.

A

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: GUEST,filling out card this week
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 08:39 PM

But what would happen if you cross over to the other side after death, and find out you need all the stuff you just donated, could be a bit of a problem.

f.o.c.t.w.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Shanghaiceltic
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 06:05 PM

I will happily have any organs taken from my body after death. However I think a quick MOT on the liver might be a good idea ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 05:01 PM

Thanks for the explanation Carly.
If you lost an arm or a leg in an accident or a war, could you still be buried in the jewish cemetray if you wanted to be?

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Carly
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 03:27 PM

I am Jewish, and although I am not Orthodox and do not observe the dietary laws, I have had some religious education. It is my understanding that in Jewish law, saving or preserving life takes precedence. Thus, on fast days, those who are ill are not only permitted, but required, to eat or drink as necessary. If there is famine and the only thing to eat is a pig, you feed your children pork in order to preserve their lives. As far as I am concerned, organ donation falls under this category. I admit that I am prejudiced; my dear friend Rita is still with us because of a generous gift of a heart, and my brother-in-law is alive today and able to hold his first grandson in his arms because of a liver transplant done at a time he thought he would not live to see his son, the baby's father, graduate from high school. Please, consider being a donor.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 25 Apr 04 - 03:28 PM

It was a funny. Blood DONOR spelt Blood DONER - Doner Kebab, sold in a fast-food joint - Black Pudding is made from pig's blood.......oh forget it. I'll get back to the potting shed...........

Johnny :0)

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Scoville
Date: 24 Apr 04 - 05:54 PM

[Former Ely, until I couldn't get my damn cookie to reset and had to change aliases]

BTW, my mother got a kidney two weeks ago from a [living] friend of ours from meeting. It's made a world of difference for her. Her blood chemistries are better than they've been probably in 30 years, even on dialysis, and the transplant seems to have cleared up a huge list of mystery symptoms she had. If that helps change anybody's mind in favor of donation . . .

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 24 Apr 04 - 04:36 PM

What is a blood doner - something like a fast-food black pudding?
I think you people mean DONOR! LOL!

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Gareth
Date: 24 Apr 04 - 02:20 PM

Contribution Card in my pocket.

Used to be blood doner untill I came into contact with Wiels disease, then "Not unless your group is really needed, and we will tell yer when" - It appears I is rather 'Common'.

Familly have no doubt as to my instructions,

But - in view of my medical problems - Including Diabetes and Angina, wot can be recycled ??

I can see it now.

Doctor - "Mr X - you have a new heart. unfortunatley the donor suffered fron Angina. You have a new pancrease, unfortunately the donor suffers fron Diabetes 2, We've also given you a new set of lungs, unfortunately the donor smokes 40 a day."

Patient - "Pardon ???"

Doctor - " Ah Yes - The donor of your new inner ear suffered from Tintinus"

Joshing aside - Pledge to donate - after all when youve gorn yer wont need the spare parts !

Gareth

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Peace
Date: 24 Apr 04 - 02:01 PM

Doner card in my wallet.

The University of Alberta Medical School can have the rest.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: MudGuard
Date: 24 Apr 04 - 08:55 AM

minestro wrote:
I'm not sure where my soul resides, so I'm not sure I want to leave any bits of me lingering in someone else.

Is it better if the pieces where the soul might reside in are eaten by maggots and worms or bacteria?

I carry my organ donator document with me in my wallet - and my relatives are informed about my wishes.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 24 Apr 04 - 08:34 AM

In my own state (of residence) they usually remember to ask when you get a new drivers license whether you want them to check the box that says you wish to donate your parts and pieces. Unfortunately, it has been held that this does not constitute a "binding" certification, unless signed and witnessed appropriately. Since they laminate the license before you get it, it's impossible to fill in the blanks that are there, so as a practical matter, the driver's license endorsement can never be a "completed instruction."

The result is that you can only consider the endorsement on your license as a "suggestion that they look for" a valid and enforceable declaration in some other form, usually in a will or, as mentioned above, an "Advance Directive," properly prepared. A will is NOT generally a good place to put such instructions, since it may be "sealed pending probate," or otherwise tied up, and not available when the instructions are needed.

Few people actually get around to preparing, and making known, the necessary "real permissions."

A fairly high percentage of people here have had the donor box checked on their driver's licenses, and happily believe that their leftover parts will be put to use. Sadly, in the great majority of cases, they will not be. The cases in which donor organs are actually used come mainly from permission given by a surviving spouse or parent, either of which is usually "presumed" to be able to speak for a deceased person "in the absence of documented intent of the deceased."

John

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 24 Apr 04 - 05:41 AM

Seems wrong though that, even if you carry a donor card and check all the boxes on various forms and tell uncle Tom Cobbleigh and all that you want to donate your organs, your surviving relatives can veto it! It's bog-all to do with anyone else and your wishes should be honoured.

IMHO
Johnny :0)

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: darkriver
Date: 24 Apr 04 - 04:51 AM

In many of the United States, there is something called the Advance Directive, which is a legal statement that you (1) do or (2) don't want to have "heroic measures" used to keep you alive when you're in a coma or otherwise unable to advocate for yourself.

These forms also include wishes for post-death disposition of your body. It makes it easier for your survivors/loved ones to know what your wishes are, and gives them legal clout to make sure that hospitals, etc., follow your wishes. You give copies to your doctor, your spouse, etc.

These forms might be a more clear way of expressing your donor wishes than those drivers license donor cards.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 23 Apr 04 - 01:41 PM

Anyway, don't jewish people believe in circumcision?
so how can they be buried intact?

is this true, or just some rumour you heard?

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Jim McCallan
Date: 23 Apr 04 - 02:06 AM

I have a Hammond organ which you can have NOW!!

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Jim McCallan
Date: 23 Apr 04 - 02:04 AM

They have my full authority to take whatever is useable, and to disregard the rest. If I can only ever do one good deed in my life, I could think of no better one to do.

I have some concerns about the overall concept, though. In that I'm not in favour of the removal of organs without the prospective donors' prior approval. Dignity is important at death, and the recent Alder Hey case in England has given a few of the ethical concerns a bit of debating room, over the last few years.

Pretty soon now, organs will probably become more and more cloned, as that science moves further.
But that's a whole other day's talking.

Jim

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 23 Apr 04 - 01:51 AM

So who wants to donate their pipe organ to me?

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 23 Apr 04 - 12:05 AM

I reckon Clinton is right about this, [any religon that says you can't save a life must be a load of bollocks].

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Mudlark
Date: 10 Oct 03 - 12:49 AM

I've been a donor for years, ever since a good friend gained many years from a cadaver kidney transplant. As i get older, probably less and less can be used, but it does sort of beg the question...what to do with the bits that are left. My choice is cremation, so it matters little the volume of the cremrems, but what about those that chose an open casket????

I just gave blood for my own upcoming hip operation, and was appalled to learn that if I dont need it (which PG I wont) it will be trashed. Apparently because it's one's own blood, it doesnt go thru the rigorous testing of "donated" blood, which now includes SAR and West Nile Virus screening. I'm not allowed to donate because of lupus.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: LadyJean
Date: 09 Oct 03 - 11:35 PM

Something over a hundred years ago, my great uncle John, who was studying medicine at Johns Hopkins sent a cadaver home. He wanted it for a skeleton. (He became a very fine orthopedic surgeon.) But it didn't occur to him to tell his mother. Boy did she get a surprise when she opened the barrell!
This has nothing to do with the thread, but I thought people could do with a laugh.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: GUEST,Ely, deprived of cookie
Date: 09 Oct 03 - 07:28 PM

Just make sure your next-of-kin knows that that is what you want, because even if you have a donor card or it says on your license you're a donor, if your next-of-kin balks, it can be an obstacle.

Personally, they can have anything they want of me when I'm done with it. My mom needs kidneys and she won't take one from me, so it will have to come from someone else. I'd have to be a pretty big butthead to want someone else's kidneys for her but not be willing to leave mine to the next on the list.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 09 Oct 03 - 06:34 PM

"There are religious reasons not to donate organs"

And they are so abhorrent that they should be outlawed!

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 09 Oct 03 - 06:10 PM

Here is John Prine's opinion on the matter.

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 09 Oct 03 - 06:08 PM

There are religious reasons not to donate organs. For example, one cannot be buried in a Jewish cemetery unless the body is totally in tact.

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Rapparee
Date: 09 Oct 03 - 05:52 PM

I donated seven (7) US gallons (or 26.4979 liters) of blood in South Bend, Indiana, and since I've been here in Idaho I'm out a liter.

When I left South Bend I asked for my blood back, but they just laughed.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Oct 03 - 04:10 PM

I would Mortee, but they won't let me.:-)M'blood's too rich!**bg**

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: open mike
Date: 09 Oct 03 - 03:28 PM

and blood donation is pooible in several different ways:
whole blood,
platelets,
and marrow

.blood source

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Morticia
Date: 09 Oct 03 - 01:09 PM

While we're on the subject ( and yes, John, I do carry a donor card and my friends and family all know how I feel about this which is more important because their permission will be asked whether you carry a card or not)....who gives blood regularly?

On two occasions in my life I wouldn't be here now if it weren't for some dear soul who took the time and trouble to donate. If you can but you don't, think about it, please?

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Oct 03 - 12:49 PM

I, too, have been signed up for years, as has Rog and our kids. The only thing I want to be sure of is if my niece or sisters need my eyes, they get first crack at them. For that matter my niece could have first crack at anything else, too; well, so could the rest of my family.:-)

Thanks, John, this is a good reminder.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From:
Date: 09 Oct 03 - 12:27 PM

Im on the donor list however I don't know what will be of any use but when I dead....and ONLY when I am dead they can have my bits....

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: GUEST,minestro
Date: 09 Oct 03 - 10:40 AM

Well I don't fancy it. I'm not sure where my sould resides, so I'm not sure I want to leave any bits of me lingering in someone else. Not a popular opinion I know, but I am entitled to it.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Oct 03 - 10:00 AM

Yup, they can have anything of mine that'll help - except my wallet which won't (apart from holding the donor card)

Here in the UK we've just had to fill in our annual(?) electoral registration document (who lives in our house that is eligible for the vote) and included with it was a permission form in hopes to get a better take up than just picking up a card and carrying it.

We've only the last few years gone on to card/photo style driving licences.Any UK folks with one know if the donor side is part of the new design?

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Grab
Date: 09 Oct 03 - 09:01 AM

I don't. However my wife and I are agreed that anything left will be broken up for parts (if both of us die, my parents are similarly minded as well).

Graham.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: mack/misophist
Date: 09 Oct 03 - 01:47 AM

Me too. However I read recently that the demand for cadavers for med schools is way down because of new teaching methods. I should check on the status of my donation.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: open mike
Date: 09 Oct 03 - 12:28 AM

aS FAR AS i KNOW, driver license are usually for
organ donations only, for the whole enchilada
you may need to sign up ahead of time (and who
knows when THE TIME will be??!! with your closest
medical college or university. In Nebraska, where
I dealth with this when my parents left their bodies
behind, the agency was the Anatomical Board, and
there were restrictions as to how far away from
their facility they were able to transport you.
You need to have a witnesses form on file with
them. The way it worked with us was that their
ashes were returned nearly a year after thier
passing. In the area i live in now, the closest
medical studies are nealry 100 miles away. I
have checked into the proceedure, and it is
different. A most generous gift, and the medical
students really appreciate it, and I am not sure
if they want you to give any parts away before they
do their studies in the anatomy lab, cuz they want
to see how it all fits together...
body donation @ u.c. davis

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Oct 03 - 11:50 PM

Good news, indeed, Bill D; I've enjoyed a few posts from Rita. I just this evening I was just pondering what to do with a couple of extra donor permission cards I picked up at the driver's licence office last time I was in. (I'm cleaning my home office--a serious undertaking since everything is a treasure!) I'll take the cards to work and leave them for others to use. My license has said "donor" for a long time now. (And some things, like bone marrow, you can share while you're still here!)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: LadyJean
Date: 08 Oct 03 - 11:42 PM

On December 20, 1997, after a long struggle, I finally got my first driver's license. (I was considerably more than 16.) I was so happy when I passed the test, I would have given the examiner a kidney right then and there, if he had asked. So, of course, I checked the organ donor option on the license!

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Bill D
Date: 08 Oct 03 - 11:28 PM

My wife, the wonderful Ferrara, (Rita) got a new heart and is healthy today because someone made the decison 7 years ago. Barry Finn got a liver....it is a good thing to share what you no longer need with others. Thank you, JOhn...

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Amergin
Date: 08 Oct 03 - 11:09 PM

yeah im a donor....if im dead what good will it do me?

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Rapparee
Date: 08 Oct 03 - 09:55 PM

Folks can use any part of me that's still usable after I'm done with it -- but not before! Well, maybe under exceptional circumstances....

But heck, I doubt that there'll be much left, 'cause I intend to wear it all out first.

(Yes, I'm a donor and have been for years.)

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Sorcha
Date: 08 Oct 03 - 09:42 PM

I agree, Clinton. If any of my 'stuff' is still useable, they are welcom to it. I am signed up for this in the US. My heart and lungs are probably shot to hell, but maybe my skin and corneas will be of use to somebody.

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 08 Oct 03 - 09:05 PM

It should be manditory...

Subject: RE: BS: donating organs after death
From: Joybell
Date: 08 Oct 03 - 08:53 PM

My Dear-one and I are arranging to have our bodies taken away by a medical school. Any usable bits will be made available as donations first. My True-love rather favoured letting the students play practical jokes with bits of him but they expect you to be serious about the whole thing and won't use your body at all if you say things like that.
I like these light-hearted threads jOhn. Is your brain going somewhere useful like to another Mudcatter so that it can still carry on where you leave off?

Subject: BS: donating organs after death
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 08 Oct 03 - 08:43 PM

Do you carry a organ doner card, if not why not?
I carry a doner card, and i am registered on the NHS Donatioin register.
As far as i am concerned, if i am dead, and my heart, or any other bits can help somebody live, then thats good.
I cant understand anyone that objects to tjis, if anyone does, please explain why.
anyway, i think they should be allowed to take waht they want without asking.