Organ Transplant

Sparrow87

This is a video of the story of the first ever full face transplant in the United States. 

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/man-receives-uss-full-face-transplant-13560710

When I was 18 and got my drivers license I asked myself the question, "do I want to be an organ donor?"  My answer was a 100% yes, my theory is if I'm gone I don't need it any more so carve me up and give someone else new life.  (Sorry if that was a little crude.)  However, my mother feels the complete opposite.  She says that she can't imagine "not being whole" and told me that if she dies suddenly she would rather be buried "complete." 

So I'd like to pose these questions: Would you ever donate your organs?  Why or why not?  How about blood? 

Beads921

I would absolutely donate my organs. The Ontario government doesn't know that yet though, because I still haven't gotten around to sending in the form (they've changed the program here - you used to just carry around a wallet card, but now you actually have to register). My family knows though, and they all agree with my decision. All of us wish to be organ donors. We're in the same boat as you Sparrow - we don't need the organs anymore, someone else might as well have them.

I have not donated blood because as of right now I don't meet the minimum weight requirement in order to do so. Otherwise I probably would have by now, and I probably will in the future.

IrishDreamer

Sparrow, I'm in the same situation as you. I am an organ donor, and my license says so. I feel like if my organs could save someone else's family the sadness of losing a loved one by giving them an organ that I don't have a use for anymore? Why not? My mother disagrees highly because she feels the same way your mother does. Although, she blames it on religion. "God brought us wholey into the world, we should go out the same way" or some such stuff.

I have never donated blood...mainly because needles flip me out...but I sat for 8 hours getting my tattoo...go effin' figure, right?

IrishDreamer

Liv, if you don't mind me asking, what is endometrosis??

IrishDreamer

I don't want to sound rude, but medical stuff fascinates me. My brother has Hirschprungs (Sp?) ...and Very few people have ever heard of it, and he wasn't supposed to live past two years old, and he is now 20

Sparrow87

Irish- I understand if there's a religious reason, for your mom.  I'm not a Christian but I bet Jesus would appreciate your last gesture on earth being a helpful one for your fellow man.  Again that's just MHO. 

Liv- I'm sorry to hear that!  And I commend you for not wanting to risk someone else getting your slightly out of shape organs! 

Beads- I remember when I was less than 110 lbs.  Good times...

bethsmiles

I filled out the form to be an organ donor when I was 16 and got my driver's license but even before that I made it extremely clear to my parents that should I die I want my organs donated. I've also discussed it with BF. Checking the box on your driver's license really isn't enough you need to talk to your loved ones about it too. Some states require family consent but even for those that don't it can cause delays if people aren't sure what you would have wanted.

I've given countless speeches on this. I did competitive speech in high school and this was my topic for an entire year. and I've done a speech on it a few time in college too. There are more than 100,000 people on the transplant waiting list and an average of 19 people die every day waiting for an organ transplant. I think it's extremely important that people are aware of how big of an issue this really is.

Liv - if you want to sign up you should. Organs aren't the only thing they transplant. They can also do cornea and tissue transplants.

bethsmiles

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_organ-transplant?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:186cd3f8-97f2-4331-9783-6528a4b98ecePost:c44ad4e0-180d-445c-9904-d28435833e01">Re: Organ Transplant</a>:
[QUOTE]Sparrow, I'm in the same situation as you. I am an organ donor, and my license says so. I feel like if my organs could save someone else's family the sadness of losing a loved one by giving them an organ that I don't have a use for anymore? Why not? My mother disagrees highly because she feels the same way your mother does. <strong>Although, she blames it on religion. "God brought us wholey into the world, we should go out the same way" or some such stuff. </strong>I have never donated blood...mainly because needles flip me out...but I sat for 8 hours getting my tattoo...go effin' figure, right?
Posted by IrishDreamer[/QUOTE]

What religion is she? Most major religions support organ donation including Christianity and Judaism. I'm pretty sure Islam does as well but I'm not 100% on that one. I can't find my source that says they do.

IrishDreamer

Liv, ugh, that sounds like loads of fun  

Thank you for not taking offense to it...I'm a bit of a nerd...I love learning new things, and hell, I have found that my family has all kinds off odd diseases/disorders,etc...it's nice to know I'm not alone!

Sparrow, I agree with you! My mom and I go round and round, but everyone close to me knows that is what I want, and SO and my sister will make sure it happens if anything were to ever happen to me (god forbid).

IrishDreamer

Beth, Southern Baptist....my family *not me* tend to take their religion to extremes...whether good or bad...depends on the situation...my family tends to use it as an excuse almost..idk...it's hard to explain lol

bethsmiles

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_organ-transplant?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:186cd3f8-97f2-4331-9783-6528a4b98ecePost:40562a81-d70c-4ac1-92a7-8afae23d7266">Re: Organ Transplant</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Organ Transplant : I just looked it up, and it looks like I can choose specific things to be donated by filling out a donor card rather than signing up for the donor registry through the RMV. I think I'm going to chat with my doctors and then do that!
Posted by LivLeighton[/QUOTE]

Oh yay! That makes me happy!

Sparrow87

http://www.organtransplants.org/understanding/religion/

This website has a pretty comprehensive list of the religious views on organ transplants if anyone is interested. 

peekaboo2011

Liv, I hope things are okay/get better!  And that eventually, science prevails and you get to be cured  

I'm an organ donor according to my license.  Why let my organs rot when someone else can live if I'm already dead?  Seems wasteful to me.

On the other side though, once I get to the point where I am writing a will, I plan on donating my body to science...I have some interesting genetics, and it might help students to see the manifestations

loves2shop4shoes

I'm an organ donor.  But I plan to live to be 600, soooo idk how good those organs will be then.  Hehe.

I would absolutely donate blood (I have a rare blood type!) and have considered donating bone marrow.  

Sparrow87

Peek- that's a good idea too, the first time I tried to donate blood they didn't get enough for a transplant and asked if they could use it for experiments and I thought the same thing, it's still helping but in a different way. 

Sparrow87

Shoes- I have a friend who passed away from leukemia when we were about 15.  He dealt with it from the time we were about 8, and a lot of the reason why he could hold on as long as he did was because his brother donated bone marrow to him. 

sapphirebaby926

I would donate my organs but I'm not sure I can. I lived in England during a certain time frame and ate red meat so I'm not allowed to donate blood ever. I imagine that carries over to my organs too but I haven't looked into it.

peekaboo2011

Oh yeah, donating blood.  I can't do it.  Not because I'm not allowed, but because I have serious issues with needles.  I pass out with shots, and unless I'm drinking orange juice, lying down and have someone there, I pass out when they take blood.  It's ugly.  I'm not allowed to drive myself to those doctor appointments.  Stupid.

lunarsongbird

SO wanted to share this image with you:



I'm definitely an organ donor. I'm also a blood donor and I'm on the bone marrow registry list. If I got the call- I wouldn't give it a second thought to be a donor for bone marrow, despite how difficult the process is.

Here is some information on how to join the bone marrow registry: http://www.marrow.org/JOIN/index.html

lunarsongbird

Oh- and I have something else to share. My father just went camping here in California and saw this memorial:

A young bo y from the area was killed in Italy. His parents made the decision to donate his organs. 7 people were saved because of this choice.

In return, Italy sent their local community this beautiful art piece. Each bell represents a live impacted by this family's decision. 140 bells...
Sad, but beautiful.



It's in Bodega Bay, CA.

bethsmiles

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_organ-transplant?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:186cd3f8-97f2-4331-9783-6528a4b98ecePost:5243c0c2-74f7-48db-9c27-a3d90b90ddf9">Re: Organ Transplant</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm an organ donor.  But I plan to live to be 600, soooo idk how good those organs will be then.  Hehe. <strong>I would absolutely donate blood (I have a rare blood type!) and have considered donating bone marrow.  </strong>
Posted by loves2shop4shoes[/QUOTE]

My Dad has a rare blood type too! He is O negative with some special K factor or something like that. He used to donate blood every 6 months until he had to get tested for tetanus (I think that was what he got tested for anyway) and he got a false positive but he can't donate anymore because of it.

I have considered donating bone marrow too and I want to donate blood I just need to work on my fear of needles.

zipis1

I'm an organ donor, and give blood as often as I can. I love doing it, partially cuz it fascinates me to wath the tubes fill up with my blood :P I'm basically like you. If I'm dead what would I need it for?

I know that Jehova's witnesses don't believe in blood donation because blood is sacred, but as long as the blood is drained they can donate/recieve organs. Just my random tidbtit for the day. :P

sparkles88

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_organ-transplant?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:186cd3f8-97f2-4331-9783-6528a4b98ecePost:2be192d1-9944-470c-a904-781bf92b1b7f">Re: Organ Transplant</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Organ Transplant : Oh that's not rude at all. I have a lot of medical stuff going on -- my friends in med school love me lol. But it's frustrating living it! Happy to talk about any of it though.
Posted by LivLeighton[/QUOTE]


I feel like we could be health issue twins! I've dealt with my fair share of cardiac and female reproductive issues in the past year. Oh, and migraines too!

As for the original question, I am registered as an organ donor. I have no problem not being buried with a kidney or liver if it could save someone else. I've never donated blood. I would like to, but I have the same problem as Peekaboo. I get really dizzy, to the point of fainting, any time I have blood drawn. It sucks to go in for lab work :(

LizzyTish88

I am on the bone marrow registry as well. They told us when signing up that the process for donating has gotten much better over the years.

I have never donated blood. I don't really have a reason, I just never have. I most likely will at some point in my life.

My family has been talking about this a lot over the weekend. We were talking about my two uncles. My uncle K was sick basically his entire life. He had so many issues that I couldn't even begin to name them all. At one point in his life he needed a Kidney. They started to test the family for possible matches. Uncle T told them family when it was his turn to be tested that if he was a match he was going to do it. It was God's will if they were a match and he didn't want to fight that. He also said that God told him that his purpose was to help his brother. He was a match and they went ahead with the transplant. Uncle K had no issues. Uncle T passed away. I can't imagine ever having to be in the position to know that your brother passed to save your life. It would be amazing and horrible all at the same time.

Sorry to lay it on thick with a sad story, but I am trying to figure out if I want to be an organ donor and I keep going back and forth in my head, I will more than likely do it.

ADTonk

Sparrow I feel the way to do about donating organs.  When I'm dead, I don't need my organs so why not give them to someone who does?

Aside from the logical side of things, I have personal reasons for wanting to donate as well.  Two of my nephews required several intra-uterine blood transfusions when my sister was pregnant.  Additionally, one of my best friends will require a kidney transplant in the next few years and from what she's told me, it can be a long wait.  When my time comes, I'd like to be able to help people who are in a similar situation.

I would like to start donating blood, however I'm a big chicken and I nearly pass out when giving one small vial for a blood test.  I don't know how I would make it through donating blood.

ADTonk

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_organ-transplant?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:186cd3f8-97f2-4331-9783-6528a4b98ecePost:b1d82871-2273-42c2-9eb6-e302794d7bd8">Re: Organ Transplant</a>:
[QUOTE]I am on the bone marrow registry as well. They told us when signing up that the process for donating has gotten much better over the years. I have never donated blood. I don't really have a reason, I just never have. I most likely will at some point in my life. My family has been talking about this a lot over the weekend. We were talking about my two uncles. My uncle K was sick basically his entire life. He had so many issues that I couldn't even begin to name them all. At one point in his life he needed a Kidney. They started to test the family for possible matches. Uncle T told them family when it was his turn to be tested that if he was a match he was going to do it.<strong> It was God's will if they were a match and he didn't want to fight that</strong>. He also said that God told him that his purpose was to help his brother. He was a match and they went ahead with the transplant. Uncle K had no issues. Uncle T passed away. <strong>I can't imagine ever having to be in the position to know that your brother passed to save your life</strong>. It would be amazing and horrible all at the same time. Sorry to lay it on thick with a sad story, but I am trying to figure out if I want to be an organ donor and I keep going back and forth in my head, I will more than likely do it.
Posted by cdechristopher[/QUOTE]

I couldn't imagine how he would feel. I'm sure it would be a mix of emotions - grateful, lucky, happy to be alive, but also guilty and maybe a little selfish. 

It's always touching when you hear of someone who is willing to risk their life to save someone they love.  That says big things about his character and at least no one will remember him as a bad person.

I'm glad to hear that Uncle K made it and sorry to hear that Uncle T didn't.  I believe that everything happens for a reason.  There is some reason that Uncle K got better - even if you don't know what it is yet.

heyimbren

I'm on the organ donor list here. I also signed up for the bone marrow list when I was 17 and I started giving blood.

I used to give blood every 2 months, but a while ago when they were testing it my blood came up as inconclusive, so I can't donate anymore. I had to get further testing done to make sure I didn't have anything wrong, and that came back just fine but the regulations don't allow you to donate after that.

ETA: for those of you that are nervous about needles... I have a very good friend who used to be petrified of needles. She passed out getting some blood tests done. Well, she decided to come with me to give blood once to try it and she was terrified. White as a ghost, but the nurses were so nice to her and they kept her going through it. They let me sit next to her just to chat and she did just fine. She was scared more than anything, but she had no problems giving blood and she continues to do it a few times a year now. So I really do suggest trying it out once, because it is so important (for those of you who are able to).

csousa1

I am an organ donor! I love being recyclable I can't donate blood because apparently there are laws about not donating blood when you live/have lived with someone who has eczema. My mom has had eczema all my life. So apparently I can't donate, which majorly bums me out. I don't even know my blood type.

Sparrow87

CDE- that was such a touching story thank you for sharing that. 

It makes me happy to see so many generous people on this board and in the world! 

NurseyK

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_organ-transplant?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:186cd3f8-97f2-4331-9783-6528a4b98ecePost:b1d82871-2273-42c2-9eb6-e302794d7bd8">Re: Organ Transplant</a>:
[QUOTE]I am on the bone marrow registry as well. They told us when signing up that the process for donating has gotten much better over the years. I have never donated blood. I don't really have a reason, I just never have. I most likely will at some point in my life. My family has been talking about this a lot over the weekend. We were talking about my two uncles.<strong> My uncle K was sick basically his entire life. He had so many issues that I couldn't even begin to name them all. At one point in his life he needed a Kidney. They started to test the family for possible matches. Uncle T told them family when it was his turn to be tested that if he was a match he was going to do it. It was God's will if they were a match and he didn't want to fight that. He also said that God told him that his purpose was to help his brother. He was a match and they went ahead with the transplant.</strong> Uncle K had no issues. Uncle T passed away. I can't imagine ever having to be in the position to know that your brother passed to save your life. It would be amazing and horrible all at the same time. Sorry to lay it on thick with a sad story, but I am trying to figure out if I want to be an organ donor and I keep going back and forth in my head, I will more than likely do it.
Posted by cdechristopher[/QUOTE]

<div>WOW. Read our family's story....</div><div>
</div><div>My mom's sister has had kidney issues her whole life, and got her first transplant when I was in middle school. Her first transplanted kidney started to fail in 2008. Everyone in the family, who was willing to get tested to see if they were a match, went ahead and did so. My dad called me and said "I'm going to be a match for her and I'm going to donate a kidney because God told me I'm going to save her." A the time I was like "ummm. yeah right Dad, you're not even blood related and she has antigens built up from the first kidney, so the odds of you matching are like 1:10bajillion. Good luck." I totally didn't believe in him. Guess what? He had the same blood type, same tissue type, no antigens that would force her body into rejection, and 2 out of 6 HLAs. He was as close of a perfect match as they could get without her having to be on dialysis for years waiting for a stranger's death to save her life. He donated to her, successfully. It was the happiest and proudest I have ever seen my dad. My Aunt is now off ALL blood pressure meds and most-immune suppressants. She is doing wonderful! The sad news is that now my dad's remaining kidney has started to fail. He is in stage 3 renal failure, after only being 1.5 years post transplant. He has gone to several nephrologists and donor nephrologist specialists, and not one can find a physical reason why his remaining kidney is failing. Our family is scared, heartbroken, and I'm personally struggling with faith after this. Please keep my dad in your prayers/thoughts so that his story doesn't end like CDEs uncle T.</div><div>
</div><div>Thanks. (I need a tissue).</div><div>
</div><div>On the issue of organ transplantation... of course I'm an organ donor. </div>

LizzyTish88

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_organ-transplant?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:186cd3f8-97f2-4331-9783-6528a4b98ecePost:3a8a59e1-d305-4afa-b862-ecdb34fddb93">Re: Organ Transplant</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Organ Transplant : WOW. Read our family's story.... My mom's sister has had kidney issues her whole life, and got her first transplant when I was in middle school. Her first transplanted kidney started to fail in 2008. Everyone in the family, who was willing to get tested to see if they were a match, went ahead and did so. My dad called me and said "I'm going to be a match for her and I'm going to donate a kidney because God told me I'm going to save her." A the time I was like "ummm. yeah right Dad, you're not even blood related and she has antigens built up from the first kidney, so the odds of you matching are like 1:10bajillion. Good luck." I totally didn't believe in him. Guess what? He had the same blood type, same tissue type, no antigens that would force her body into rejection, and 2 out of 6 HLAs. He was as close of a perfect match as they could get without her having to be on dialysis for years waiting for a stranger's death to save her life. He donated to her, successfully. It was the happiest and proudest I have ever seen my dad. My Aunt is now off ALL blood pressure meds and most-immune suppressants. She is doing wonderful! The sad news is that now my dad's remaining kidney has started to fail. He is in stage 3 renal failure, after only being 1.5 years post transplant. He has gone to several nephrologists and donor nephrologist specialists, and not one can find a physical reason why his remaining kidney is failing. Our family is scared, heartbroken, and I'm personally struggling with faith after this. Please keep my dad in your prayers/thoughts so that his story doesn't end like CDEs uncle T. Thanks. (I need a tissue). On the issue of organ transplantation... of course I'm an organ donor. 
Posted by NurseyK[/QUOTE]

I am so sorry that my story has you feeling this way. Just because it happened in that one instance doesn't mean it will happen. I am so sorry to hear this and I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.