brandy327
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,353
Jun 26, 2014 16:09:34 GMT
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Post by brandy327 on Jun 13, 2016 23:55:31 GMT
I have a friend that went through a bone marrow transplant after fighting cancer a couple of times. She was able to write him a letter (she had very basic info - sex, age) thanking him but it was up to him whether he wanted contact with her, which he did not.
I found out when friend above had a bone marrow drive that I cannot donate in any way because I have several autoimmune disorders. I was so sad when I found out as I'm a huge supporter of organ donation.
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Post by jenis40 on Jun 14, 2016 0:02:02 GMT
Those of you on an indefinite deferral don't lose hope. My bone marrow donor is from Germany. I did have to sign a waiver acknowledging that I understood the donor lived in a country with BSE. I'm not saying this would fly with all organs but this is what happened for me.
So I would encourage anyone who wants too, please look at the Be The Match registry and think about being a bone marrow donor.
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Post by jenis40 on Jun 14, 2016 0:08:30 GMT
Adding that I have been able to send my donor letters through the transplant center. We will be able to exchange names after 2 years (German transplant center rules, mine is only 1). Based on how much correspondence we've already had, I think we will exchange names and contact info.
Either party can choose to remain anonymous and I do know some recipients who have decided to.
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,461
Location: So Cal
Jun 26, 2014 16:42:12 GMT
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Post by caangel on Jun 14, 2016 0:19:10 GMT
I'm a donor on my drivers license. I found out after the fact that organ donation is also deferred with my ability to donate blood. I still think it's stupid. I lived in England 1984-1986. I am a donor and didn't know this. I knew I couldn't give blood cuz I lived in Germany in the 80s.
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Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Jun 14, 2016 0:59:56 GMT
Are you an organ donor? I am, and so are dh and ds. I assume dd checked that box on her license but I'm not sure. I plan to ask as soon as she's conscious. (she's sleeping off the anesthesia). Everything except cadaver donation. I don't really know why but the thought of some med students dissecting me on a table kinda freaks me out. Even if I'm gonna be dead when it happens.
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kelly8875
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,391
Location: Lost in my supplies...
Oct 26, 2014 17:02:56 GMT
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Post by kelly8875 on Jun 14, 2016 1:29:49 GMT
Are you an organ donor? I am, and so are dh and ds. I assume dd checked that box on her license but I'm not sure. I plan to ask as soon as she's conscious. (she's sleeping off the anesthesia). Everything except cadaver donation. I don't really know why but the thought of some med students dissecting me on a table kinda freaks me out. Even if I'm gonna be dead when it happens. My FIL donated himself to our local University's med school when he died. We were still able to have a regular open casket funeral, just instead of the funeral home taking him to the cemetery, they took him to the Med School. About a year later, we got back his "portion of remains" from the lot of donated bodies in that class/study group. We then had a burial at his cemetery next to his parents. It was a very amazing thing he did for science.
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tduby1
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,979
Jun 27, 2014 18:32:45 GMT
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Post by tduby1 on Jun 14, 2016 1:45:55 GMT
DS just got his health card after turning 16 - he's indicated that he's willing to donate everything. DH is upset because. . . reasons? I haven't quite figured that one out yet. I'm an organ donor, DH (obviously) is not. My DH really disliked that I had the donor sticker on my drivers liscense years ago. His sister died in a car accident at age 19 and he despised how quickly they approached the family to donate. He was 21. It was very traumatic. We started dating seriously a few weeks after her death. I kept the sticker until we married but it bothered him so much (the idea of ever going through that again) that I quit putting it on. As my next of kin anyway, I assume he has final say so why bother and knowing how personal it is to him (no matter how irrational... Since logically he knows *why the family was approached in the time frame they were). I just couldn't make him go through that again. Does anyone know how that would play out in the US... Does next of kin have to approve it even if there is a donor sticker?
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Mystie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,299
Jun 25, 2014 19:53:37 GMT
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Post by Mystie on Jun 14, 2016 1:50:04 GMT
I've shared this before, but when my friend's 18-year-old son took his life last year, they donated his organs before having him cremated. She has heard back about where various organs were donated, and it has given her a lot of comfort.
And yes, I'm an organ donor. :-)
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tduby1
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,979
Jun 27, 2014 18:32:45 GMT
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Post by tduby1 on Jun 14, 2016 1:51:54 GMT
DS just got his health card after turning 16 - he's indicated that he's willing to donate everything. DH is upset because. . . reasons? I haven't quite figured that one out yet. I'm an organ donor, DH (obviously) is not. This is how it is at my house. I am extremely passionate about organ donation and my three dds are also donors. Dh is not. His reasoning is that the medical personal will "see that he is donor and so they won't try as hard to save him." I know. I'm just explaining someone's reasoning. I've also heard that even if you check that you are a donor or not a donor, they must get permission from your family. Does anyone know if this is true? This is what my anti donation DH has convinced himself happened with his sister.
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Post by shaniam on Jun 14, 2016 1:58:20 GMT
Yes I am an organ donor! I donated a kidney to my dad almost six months ago. I have told my family if anything happens to me to give away anything that can be used by someone else.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 18, 2024 8:32:05 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2016 2:17:06 GMT
I'm a recipient. Double cornea transplant in 2014 and 2005. I'm designated as a donor also. It would be hypocritical to receive and not be willing to give.
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Post by ~KellyAnn~ on Jun 14, 2016 4:03:44 GMT
Does anyone know how that would play out in the US... Does next of kin have to approve it even if there is a donor sticker? My mom passed away from a brain aneurysm three and half years ago. She wanted to be an organ donor and had a sticker on her drivers license. I had no idea that someone at the hospital had talked to my dad about donating her tissue, bone and corneas, but he did not want her to be "cut up," even though she was going to be cremated. He told me about it during a tearful conversation a month later. (I was surprised to learn this, since I was with dad at the hospital the whole week she was on life support. Because of my disbelief and grief, I never asked if her organs could be used. ) All this to say that I do believe next of kin must give consent, even if there is a sticker on your drivers license.
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smcast
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,319
Location: MN
Mar 18, 2016 14:06:38 GMT
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Post by smcast on Jun 14, 2016 4:12:15 GMT
This is how it is at my house. I am extremely passionate about organ donation and my three dds are also donors. Dh is not. His reasoning is that the medical personal will "see that he is donor and so they won't try as hard to save him." I know. I'm just explaining someone's reasoning. I've also heard that even if you check that you are a donor or not a donor, they must get permission from your family. Does anyone know if this is true? I have always thought organ donation was a no brainer for myself. I'm gone, take what you can use. Most people would accept a donation if they needed it, so why wouldn't you return the favor if able? In reference to your question, I had a death at the hospital I work at, where this person outlined in his HCD that he DID NOT want to be a donor. The family was not contacted by the coordinator because of his wishes. We have to call all deaths in to a organ donation coordinator and they first decide if the person qualifies to donate before family is contacted.
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Post by freecharlie on Jun 14, 2016 4:20:43 GMT
Both DH and I are listed as donors. DH has some medical issues that will probably preclude him, but he will donate anything he is able.
DH is an RT at a local trauma hospital. He understands the ins and outs of organ donations and he does not believe they don't try to save someone. I do understand that some people believe that though.
If I am dead, I would like to help someone out.
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Post by casswithsass on Jun 14, 2016 4:24:56 GMT
I am an organ recipient. I received a liver almost eight years ago and I am grateful every day. At the time of donation they told me the age of the woman and the general area of the state. I have reached out to her family. Because of my disease I know many people who have received one, two, or even three organs by a couple of people. Right now I am in contact with two women I have never met. They are on the list for a liver and a liver and kidney. It took me about four months to get my liver. I was part of a very unusual domino transplant. I got a cadaver liver and my liver went to another woman. We got to visit in the hospital. The whole process is just amazing. Thank you all for your generosity. I have seen the good that you can do.
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Post by anniefb on Jun 14, 2016 5:45:39 GMT
I'm a donor on my drivers license. I found out after the fact that organ donation is also deferred with my ability to donate blood. I still think it's stupid. I lived in England 1984-1986. Would be the same for me then. I can't give blood anymore in New Zealand because of my time in the UK and the risk of CJD.
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Post by anniefb on Jun 14, 2016 5:48:05 GMT
Those of you on an indefinite deferral don't lose hope. My bone marrow donor is from Germany. I did have to sign a waiver acknowledging that I understood the donor lived in a country with BSE. I'm not saying this would fly with all organs but this is what happened for me. So I would encourage anyone who wants too, please look at the Be The Match registry and think about being a bone marrow donor. Unfortunately that's not how it works in New Zealand. They just won't accept blood (and presumably organs) from anyone who lived in the UK during the specified time. That's because there is no BSE here.
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Post by jenis40 on Jun 14, 2016 6:11:50 GMT
Those of you on an indefinite deferral don't lose hope. My bone marrow donor is from Germany. I did have to sign a waiver acknowledging that I understood the donor lived in a country with BSE. I'm not saying this would fly with all organs but this is what happened for me. So I would encourage anyone who wants too, please look at the Be The Match registry and think about being a bone marrow donor. Unfortunately that's not how it works in New Zealand. They just won't accept blood (and presumably organs) from anyone who lived in the UK during the specified time. That's because there is no BSE here. There is no BSE in the United States either.
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MsKnit
Pearl Clutcher
RefuPea #1406
Posts: 2,648
Jun 26, 2014 19:06:42 GMT
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Post by MsKnit on Jun 14, 2016 8:48:11 GMT
I am listed as an organ donor on my DL. Ultimately, I suppose it would be my husband's decision. Poor guy has been traumatized by my desire to discuss my wishes.
Due to my autoimmune conditions, I doubt my organs would be wanted for transplants. On the other hand, they would probably be interesting for a med student. I would love to dissect a human cadaver and organs. I was meant to be a doctor. Biology was my passion, beyond math even. I have excelled in it so far. Looking forward to A&P.
Anyway, I want my body at the very least donated to help others in their education. It's the only way I will get to med school now. LOL!
Unfortunately, my husband can't see past laying me out in a casket, nothing missing, and burial as he is accustomed to.
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tduby1
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,979
Jun 27, 2014 18:32:45 GMT
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Post by tduby1 on Jun 14, 2016 11:02:48 GMT
Does anyone know how that would play out in the US... Does next of kin have to approve it even if there is a donor sticker? My mom passed away from a brain aneurysm three and half years ago. She wanted to be an organ donor and had a sticker on her drivers license. I had no idea that someone at the hospital had talked to my dad about donating her tissue, bone and corneas, but he did not want her to be "cut up," even though she was going to be cremated. He told me about it during a tearful conversation a month later. (I was surprised to learn this, since I was with dad at the hospital the whole week she was on life support. Because of my disbelief and grief, I never asked if her organs could be used. ) All this to say that I do believe next of kin must give consent, even if there is a sticker on your drivers license. That is what I thought.
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Post by scrappintoee on Jun 14, 2016 11:05:17 GMT
Wow!!! I had NO idea they did this!!! My family & I are all donors, & since my brother died (sadly, at age 40), and I saw the MANY people his eyes, organs, heart valves, skin, bones, ligaments, etc helped ---I've encouraged peope to donate! I don't know how other states do it, or if any of his recipients were given info like your daughter's paperwork, but the reason we got some of this AWESOME info was from the donation organization! First awesome news we got from a doc where he died was that a Father of 3 children's live was saved by my brother's pancreas, kidneys, liver, etc. Couple weeks later, we got a letter from the Eye Bank? thanking my precious brother for his corneas; which restored the sight of TWO people !!!! THEN...we got a letter from the the tissue/ skin bank telling us a young man had been in a horrific accident; and my brother's feet bones, ligaments, skin, etc. helped the surgeons rebuild the man's foot !!!! We didn't receive any letters after that, and those three were more than enough!!!! . It would be SO awesome to meet these people and/or get an update on how they're doing, though
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Post by scrappintoee on Jun 14, 2016 11:21:37 GMT
I forgot to mention....it was me who told my brother's nurses and doctors that he was a donor! It was on his license, but no one had even asked us yet. It dawned on me to tell them once they said there was no hope for recovery The organ donation people were SO sweet, too! From the lovely lady who sat with me to ask a million questions about his health habits, etc to the nurses that had to draw Soooo many blood tests through the night before the morning they were going to disconnect him from the ventilator As some / many of you may know, there is a LOT more to harvesting the organs than we realized! They didn't know how long it would take his heart to stop beating / stop breathing after he was taken off the vent. I don't remember ALL the deets (it was 7 years ago)---but IF he had lived days/ weeks/ without life support, most (or all?) of the vital organs would NOT have been viable. Maybe the skin & bones, though? I dunno... All I can tell you is that mercifully, his heart, then breathing stopped very quickly after they disconnected the vent, as my Dad, older sister,,(older brother chose not to be in the O. R. with us), & chaplain & I held his hands, prayed, & talked to him. We had a very brief time to stay with him im the O.R., because they have to remove the organs quickly! I'll never forget my sweet Dad's face! Worst day of my life! . I did NOT want to let go of my precious baby brother's hand ....they had to gently MAKE me let go !!!!
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YooHoot
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,417
Jun 26, 2014 3:11:50 GMT
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Post by YooHoot on Jun 14, 2016 11:28:55 GMT
I've always believed in organ donation but I didn't know I couldn't (I fit a criteria on that list).
I'm seriously bummed now. Wouldn't it be possible to give my stuff to someone who also fits the criteria on that list?
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Post by anniefb on Jun 14, 2016 18:52:55 GMT
Unfortunately that's not how it works in New Zealand. They just won't accept blood (and presumably organs) from anyone who lived in the UK during the specified time. That's because there is no BSE here. There is no BSE in the United States either. I took it that the person was allowed to donate in Germany because they also have a history of BSE - and if I lived in the UK I'd be able to donate. But here we're permanently deferred - at least until someone develops a test I guess. SaveSave
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Post by jenis40 on Jun 14, 2016 19:16:31 GMT
There is no BSE in the United States either. I took it that the person was allowed to donate in Germany because they also have a history of BSE - and if I lived in the UK I'd be able to donate. But here we're permanently deferred - at least until someone develops a test I guess. SaveSaveWhat I'm trying to say is at least with bone marrow donation, please get on the list if it's allowed. They may let the recipient decide. In my case, my donor lives in Germany which is a country on the deferred list. I'm in America where the deferred list is in place. However, since my eventual donor was my best match, the transplant center gave me the choice of accepting her as a donor. I do not know all the rules and regulations and perhaps you can't even get on the American bone marrow registry if you are covered by one of the deferrals. But an American patient CAN receive a bone marrow donation from someone living in a country with BSE. I do understand that it may be different for other organs and blood.
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theshyone
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,411
Jun 26, 2014 12:50:12 GMT
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Post by theshyone on Jun 14, 2016 19:43:02 GMT
DS just got his health card after turning 16 - he's indicated that he's willing to donate everything. DH is upset because. . . reasons? I haven't quite figured that one out yet. I'm an organ donor, DH (obviously) is not. This is how it is at my house. I am extremely passionate about organ donation and my three dds are also donors. Dh is not. His reasoning is that the medical personal will "see that he is donor and so they won't try as hard to save him." I know. I'm just explaining someone's reasoning. I've also heard that even if you check that you are a donor or not a donor, they must get permission from your family. Does anyone know if this is true? This is a very held misconception. Even four years later when people learn I was on life support and not expected to live, I'm occasionally told "you must not be an organ donor." They think just because I survived I couldn't have been. But I was/am. It's like once you are on life support they think you will automatically be killed or something for the organs. Huge misconception. (My husband isn't a donor either and I'm so frustrated with him over it).
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Post by BlueDiamond on Jun 15, 2016 4:04:19 GMT
I don't know if DH is a donor but I am.
My DD's ex-boyfriend who committed suicide a couple if weeks ago was able to donate his eyes, skin, and bones. His organs were not viable due to his being without oxygen for over 15 minutes. I'm glad at least some people will be given his gifts after his tragic death.
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Gillyflower
Full Member
Posts: 129
Location: QLD, Australia
Jul 16, 2014 12:06:56 GMT
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Post by Gillyflower on Jun 15, 2016 8:43:02 GMT
I wrote my donor family (lungs) a letter about a year after transplant but have never heard back. I attended a remembrance service a couple of weeks ago for recipients and donors which was nice.
Gilly.
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suzastampin
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,587
Jun 28, 2014 14:32:59 GMT
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Post by suzastampin on Jun 15, 2016 14:22:02 GMT
I'm a donor. In NY, the donor numbers are very low. I don't understand why more people aren't donors. After all, they and I won't be needing the parts after death.
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Post by BuckeyeSandy on Jun 17, 2016 1:57:41 GMT
My first husband was an organ (and tissue) donor. His Glioblastoma Multiforme (brain tumor) only ruled out donation of his eyes. Everything else possible was donated, including tissues like skin, bone, tendons and so on. This was back in 1989.
You hear lots of stories of the recipients of organ and tissue donations, very few in the Media ever talk to the actual families that carried out the decision. It is a decision that only a living person can make. You with the signed donor card, it shows an intent, but the next of kin can veto it.
Back on February 9th of 1989, I, the soon-to-be-widow worried HOW to bring it up to Mark's parents, that Mark had wanted whatever could be donated or used to study that evil disease to take it. And I wanted to offer it now, so that things could be lined up BEFORE he died. (He was in an irreversible coma.) And bless them, they were worried about how to bring the same things up with me. Once we knew we were all on the same page, everything else was easier (relatively speaking).
It gave our families GREAT COMFORT to donate what Mark no longer needed, and the notes back through the organ donation coordination folks, confirmed we had made the correct and proper decision. You know, we prayed for the recipients' health and recovery, still do.
If you are all set for donating your organs and tissues, have the discussion with your family members. Do it often too, so when the time comes, there is no doubt in anyone's mind what your final wishes were.
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