Would You Want To?

cars · Post by **cars** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 7:51 am

Friday I was filling out my driver's license renewal form.

On it was a question, DO YOU WANT TO BE AN ORGAN DONOR?

My first thought was no, but now I'm still not so sure.

(Have till Wednesday to send it in)

Thoughts anyone?

cherandbuster · Post by **cherandbuster** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 7:55 am

Hi Cars my friend!

I am proud and honored to be an organ donor.

What the heck am I gonna do with them after I've kicked the bucket?

Help someone who is still alive to live :-6

cars · Post by **cars** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 8:03 am

cherandbuster wrote: Hi Cars my friend!

I am proud and honored to be an organ donor.

What the heck am I gonna do with them after I've kicked the bucket?

Help someone who is still alive to live :-6

Hi cher, well I'm not really an overly religious person. But I am afraid, that I don't really know if removing organs would be defiling God's original body. :-3

(other than during "life" saving surgery)

cherandbuster · Post by **cherandbuster** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 8:05 am

Cars, I am not religious at all.

In my belief system, I think that if there is a God, he/she would only be happy to see such kindness and consideration for a fellow man.

I'm sure God would love to see more of it in this world we live in.

Mystery · Post by **Mystery** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 8:10 am

When my father died several years ago, he was on the list for a heart and a kidney. He didn't make it long enough for them to find him the organs he needed. When we were in the hospital, at any given time during the last couple of years and especially the last couple of months, I couldn't believe the number of people in that hospital alone waiting for organs. Imagine how many worldwide. Then you could see the families of the ones who'd gotten their transplants, and the hope and gratitude in their eyes. It was magical, nothing short of a miracle, so yes, I'm an organ donor.

venus · Post by **venus** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 8:15 am

I am agreeing whole heartedly with floppy on this one.

My organs etc are of no use to me when lm gone.

I look at my son and partner and think how awful it must be to watch them suffer and then die all for the sake of an organ that you cant use any more.

I have signed the bit that says they can have anything useful...

Obviously not the brain!! (beat you nomad):wah:

they can then stick the no good bits in a box and cremate me.

Then scatter my ashes on the garden of someone l hate!!:D

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 8:18 am

I have also checked the Organ Donor box on the Drivers License renewal form.

I know a man who found out as an adult that he has one kidney. He is married and is the father of three young children. He teaches High School. If there ever is a time that he needs a kidney, I hope that there is one available for him.

He is my son.

cherandbuster · Post by **cherandbuster** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 8:19 am

along-for-the-ride wrote: I have also checked the Organ Donor box on the Drivers License renewal form.

I know a man who found out as an adult that he has one kidney. He married and is the father of three young children. He teaches High School. If there ever is a time that he needs a kidney, I hope that there is one availabel for him.

He is my son.

AFTR --

I loved the way you told your story. :-4

cherandbuster · Post by **cherandbuster** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 9:07 am

tmbsgrl wrote: especially if it saves their life.

I agree.

Or even if it just improves the quality of one. :-6

valerie · Post by **valerie** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 9:26 am

I say do it and you'll have a really good feeling about yourself.

And I'm with Cher, I think God would be very pleased with someone

who cared enough to give. The parts of your body aren't YOU...

You wouldn't be any less welcome in heaven if you had to have your

appendix removed at some point in your life, would you?

My blood is a part of me, but I still give that many times a year.

Granted, I make more... but still... it's very surely the thought that

counts, eh?

:-6

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 10:08 am

I was but Im not now, no real reason really. But I cereally doubt there will be much worth passing on. Plus I guess I didnt want to be a lab cadaver at some Univ. I think a high percentage end up there.

theia · Post by **theia** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 10:18 am

Nomad wrote: I was but Im not now, no real reason really. But I cereally doubt there will be much worth passing on. Plus I guess I didnt want to be a lab cadaver at some Univ. I think a high percentage end up there.

Same with me...used to be but am no longer. I'm not sure why not, either, although I was wondering how much use my organs will be the older I get....perhaps someone can give me more info on this?

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 10:36 am

I have been a organ donor all my life. I won't care one way or the other what hapen to them when I'm gone..:p If one can be used to save a life that is wonderful and probably one of the most generous things we can do as human beings..:-4

Having worked in a Hospital 22 years which is right next door the our Children's Hospital I have seen the benefits of the Donor Heart Transplants, as well as Liver Transplants programs, amazing, just amazing...:-4

Lulu2 · Post by **Lulu2** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 10:50 am

Absolutely! They can take anything still useful, although, if I have my way, everything will be totally worn out and exhausted! :wah:

cherandbuster · Post by **cherandbuster** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 10:56 am

Lulu2 wrote: Absolutely! They can take anything still useful, although, if I have my way, everything will be totally worn out and exhausted! :wah:

OH YEAH LULU2!!! :-4

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 11:25 am

LULU2 I agree, actually mine organs are pretty used up now..

But if anyone of them can give somone else a portion of their life back for however long then they will be useful ...

cars · Post by **cars** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 12:08 pm

Ok, just curious how does the Donor's family feel about them being a donor? After the donor has passed, then do "they" (the family) have to ship their loved one's to a harvesting house. For the donor to be disected & have their liver, heart, eyes, lungs, and whatever else possibly needed, removed, and stored. Understandably, the family would be quite saddened (hopefully) at your passing, and then they would now have to deal with the donor issue, at this difficult time?

Would it then also affect the wake (if there's one) & burial.

charles_r51 · Post by **charles_r51** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 12:15 pm

why not be one. you may be dead, but what about those who could live because you gave them the gift which saves them? you won't use them anyway, so why let them rot?:-4 :-4 :-4

cherandbuster · Post by **cherandbuster** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 12:29 pm

cars wrote: Ok, just curious how does the Donor's family feel about them being a donor? After the donor has passed, then do "they" (the family) have to ship their loved one's to a harvesting house. For the donor to be disected & have their liver, heart, eyes, lungs, and whatever else possibly needed, removed, and stored. Understandably, the family would be quite saddened (hopefully) at your passing, and then they would now have to deal with the donor issue, at this difficult time?

Would it then also affect the wake (if there's one) & burial.

Cars

Those are all good questions

Does anybody here know the details of the process?

valerie · Post by **valerie** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 12:40 pm

cherandbuster wrote: Cars

Those are all good questions

Does anybody here know the details of the process?

That's one of the reasons you make your wishes known to the family

well in advance!!

Donor family doesn't have to do anything, it's all taken care of by

medical staff and recipient's family. Most hospitals have people

specifically to take care of the donor issues. (Recovery, transport,

etc.)

It will make NO impact on your burial should you want one. You

can still have open casket if you prefer.

:-6

charles_r51 · Post by **charles_r51** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 12:43 pm

it's a fairly simple process. differing parts of the body naturally die at different times during the death process. if a donor is known, and if the family doesn't interfer, (some do), as many of the possible organs as can be harvested (that's what it's called), then using the donor list throught the donor network, matches for the organs are found and the organs a shipped as quickly as possible to the recipient hospital. the recipient will already be set up in surgery to recieve whatever he/she is to receive. many common organs, such as kidneys lungs, heart and liver are limited as to how long it is good for the organ to be transplanted to be kept on ice (the common method of preservation during transit) before transplantation is no longer possible. some body parts can be frozen (skin, eye corneas) for later use. once the donor organs have been harvested, the body is released to the family for final disposition. funeral homes have the ability to make the body look as if nothing at all had been done, so that doesn't become a problem. you can contact any hospital for more detailed explanations and donor forms if you so desire. I personally have been a designated donor for several years and wouldn't care what is taken since i'm not going to need anything anyway.:-4 :-4 :-4 :-4

valerie · Post by **valerie** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 12:48 pm

Charles has an even better answer than mine!!

cherandbuster · Post by **cherandbuster** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 12:49 pm

Val and Charles --

Thanks for that info.

Just reinforces my choice even more :-6

charles_r51 · Post by **charles_r51** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 12:53 pm

your welcome. have a nice day.:-4 :-4 :-4

cherandbuster · Post by **cherandbuster** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 1:01 pm

charles_r51 wrote: your welcome. have a nice day.:-4 :-4 :-4

Charles --

Have I welcomed you aboard yet?

Buster and I wish you many great times in the Garden :-6

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 1:11 pm

It is done in the following manner:

[QUOTE]Since organ demand far exceeds supply, there are federal and state laws designed to increase donations. For instance, many states require hospitals to ask if patients have completed or would like to complete a donor form.

Organ donations are often referred to as "anatomical gifts." All fifty states have passed some version of the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act. This act allows a person to make a gift of organs and tissues during his or her lifetime with the gift to take effect upon death. Family members may also donate organs and tissues of a deceased relative if there is no indication the deceased was opposed to such a donation. Therefore, it is important to document your wishes concerning organ donation.

Documenting your Donation

You can express your desire to be an organ donor in a variety of documents. This may be a donor card you carry with you, an indication on your driver's license, or another document. Methods vary from state to state. Some states require completion of a specific form. To find out the best way to make your wishes known in your state, contact a local hospital, your health care provider, or your state's organ procurement organization. If you have specific questions about your state's requirements, you may want to contact a lawyer.

Many states make it easy to indicate your donor status by including this with your driver's license application/renewal. If you elect to be a donor, the information may be printed right on your driver's license.

Organ donations can also be indicated in a will and in advance directives. Indicating your desire to donate organs only in a will is not recommended, though. Such instructions might not be noticed in time to allow organs or tissues to be donated.

Regardless of your state's requirements, it's important that your family and loved ones know of your desire to donate your organs. Planning for such a possibility in advance and making your decision known increases the likelihood of your wishes being followed upon your death.

It's also a good idea to provide a copy of your organ donor documentation to your health care provider and hospital to be kept with your medical records.

Use of Organs

The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act allows for organs, tissues, or parts to be used for transplantation, therapy, research, and medical education. Organs and tissues can't always be used for all purposes, though. Some organs or tissues may not be used if it would interfere with an autopsy or another investigation. Also, if a donor suffers from particular diseases or dies under certain circumstances, his organs and tissues may not be suitable. Make sure (1) that they can accept the donation and (2) that you take the necessary steps for a successful donation. They should be able to help you document your donation properly.

If you don't specify a recipient or if the recipient you specify cannot accept the donation, the law generally provides that the donation can be transferred to an appropriate person or institution. There is a national system to allocate organs to individuals who need them for transplantation. Factors such as urgency of need, closeness of biological match, and geographic proximity help determine who gets the organs.

Donations by Others

Family members can generally decide to donate the organs of a deceased relative if there is no indication the deceased was opposed to such a donation. This decision usually falls first to the deceased's spouse, then to adult children, parents, adult siblings, and guardian. Some states give an attorney in fact under a health care power of attorney document authority to make organ donation decisions also. It is common for health care providers to ask family members for consent before removing organs, even if the deceased had completed a donor form.

You should discuss your wishes with your family and carry any completed organ donation form in your wallet or purse. Doing so may make your family's decision easier at a painful time and will increase the likelihood that family members will honor your wishes upon your death.

Medical Procedures

Nearly all states legally define death as either the irreversible stopping of all functions of the entire brain (brain death) or the irreversible stopping of circulatory and respiratory functions. Trauma to the head, bleeding into the brain, and lack of oxygen to the brain are some of the causes of brain death.

Organs such as the heart, lungs, and pancreas can be used for transplantation only if they are removed from a person whose body is maintained on life support systems after they are declared brain dead. The artificial life support is necessary to maintain an adequate blood supply to the organs so they are suitable for transplantation.

Most people don't suffer brain death and therefore their organs, such as their heart and lungs, cannot be used for transplants. However, some of their organs, tissues, or parts may still be useful. Such tissues as the cornea, bone, and skin don't need to come from a person whose body is artificially maintained on life support. However, all organs or tissues must be removed within a relatively short time after death.

Organs are removed after death in a way that minimizes visible signs of the removal. Unless other arrangements have been made, the body of a donor is typically available for funeral and burial arrangements after organs and tissues are removed.

Medical Screening

Donated organs and tissues are screened for infectious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV/AIDS. If an HIV test is positive, the deceased donor's family could possibly be informed of the results.

It is a crime in some states to try to donate organs or tissues if you know you are HIV positive and that the virus may be transmitted by a donation. If an HIV positive individual wants to donate organs or tissues for purposes such as research and education, specific arrangements should be made for such a donation with a medical research or educational facility.

Minors as Donors

Some states allow a minor to complete an organ donation form. The signature of a parent or guardian is usually required.

Even in states where state law does not provide that minors can donate organs and tissues, minors are encouraged to complete an organ donation form if they have opinion about the donation of their organs. A completed form indicates the wishes of a minor and may assist a parent or legal guardian in making a donation decision at a later time.

Revoking your Decision

Organ donation documents may generally be revoked in any of the following ways:

A signed statement or document indicating revocation.

An oral statement made in the presence of two people.

Any communication to a physician during a terminal illness or injury.

Delivery of a signed revocation to a designated recipient.

If a previous donation is contained in a will, you may revoke the donation by amending the will. The four options above can also revoke a donation made in a will.

It is important that anyone who had previously received a copy your donation form or who knew of your plans to donate organs be notified that your wishes have changed. Here are some ways to make sure your revocation is honored:

If you have a copy of the now-revoked donor form, destroy it.

If you previously had sent copies of the now-revoked donor form to other parties, such as a designated recipient, send them a copy of the revocation and any new forms.

Communicate your revocations and your current wishes concerning organ donation to your family. Family members frequently are involved in organ donation decisions, so is important that they are aware of the existence of completed donor forms and of your wishes.

If you want to revoke or amend a donation made on your driver's license, you should follow the instructions provided at the time of the donation. If you have any doubts about the status of a driver's license donation, contact the state officials responsible for the administration of drivers' licenses or donor forms. At a minimum, carry any revocation documents with the license or identification card so that the revocation will be found.

Refusing to Donate Organs

You have the right to refuse to donate your organs. The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act allows you to document a refusal to donate organs. Even states that don't expressly address "refusal to donate" documents state that a person's wishes NOT to be an organ donor are to be honored at the time of his or her death.

If you don't want to be an organ donor for any reason, you should document your refusal to donate. A documented refusal may help your family members make a donation decision that is consistent with your wishes. If you have specific questions about refusing to be an organ donor, you should contact a lawyer. [/QUOTE]

cherandbuster · Post by **cherandbuster** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 1:28 pm

Carla

GREAT info!

Thank you sweetie :-6

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 1:43 pm

Nomad wrote: I was but Im not now, no real reason really. But I cereally doubt there will be much worth passing on. Plus I guess I didnt want to be a lab cadaver at some Univ. I think a high percentage end up there.
Who cares if you end up as a lab cadaver? I mean for me, obviously you don't want that, and this is a very personal, private decision to make. For me, I could care less what happens to my body once I'm gone. I plan on being cremated anyway, and if there is something useful to someone, even if it's studying my innards and possibly coming up with a cure for something horrible, take it. Do what you want, because I am gone. The body is just a shell to house who I was. Anything that's useful to anyone for any reason...great, you're welcome to it.

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 3:45 am

cars wrote: Hi cher, well I'm not really an overly religious person. But I am afraid, that I don't really know if removing organs would be defiling God's original body. :-3

(other than during "life" saving surgery)
God made the parts interchangeable. He must've had a reason.

You also mentioned family. Imagine them having to make the decision of whether to donate pieces of their loved one at the same time they've just been told he's dead. Not making the decision one way or the other is the worst thing to do to them.

Good luck. :-6

cherandbuster · Post by **cherandbuster** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 4:02 am

Accountable wrote: God made the parts interchangeable. He must've had a reason.

Nice job Acc

This says it so nicely :-6

cars · Post by **cars** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 4:51 am

So many great replies, plenty to ponder! Have till Wednesday to send form in.

charles_r51 · Post by **charles_r51** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 9:59 am

leaving the decision of donation to family is, to me, an unnessesarily harsh burden with whiuch they must deal. many refuse, not for any specific reason, but for some reason which, in the main, isn't a valid reason, but it is an excuse so they can avoid thinking about it. I'm not saying you shpuld or shoudn't be a donor, only make you intentions, and wishes to your family, and they can then decide accordingly if no wtitten information or instruction is available. another written form should also be signed, you medical power ofd attorney, which designates one person as having authority to make medical decisions in the evemt you are unable to so on your own behalf. it prevents arguments and also gives some guidance that the doctor(s) to follow, therby preventing a possible long drawn out legal battle for the power to act on your behalf. you may remember the most famous case just about a year ago, in florida, for just such authority. that case lasted over ten years, was constantly apealed, was refused to be heard by the us supreme cxourt twice and even had the governor trying to send state police in regardless of several court orders. regardless of what decision you make, make som decions now, rather than later. remember you will always have the right to revoke anything, should you either need or want to. best wishes, to you, and all who have read these threads.:-4 :-4 :-4 :-4

cherandbuster · Post by **cherandbuster** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 10:01 am

Hey Charles --

Thank you for all your input.

Hope to see many more postings from you here in the Garden :-6

minks · Post by **minks** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 10:03 am

cars wrote: Ok, just curious how does the Donor's family feel about them being a donor? After the donor has passed, then do "they" (the family) have to ship their loved one's to a harvesting house. For the donor to be disected & have their liver, heart, eyes, lungs, and whatever else possibly needed, removed, and stored. Understandably, the family would be quite saddened (hopefully) at your passing, and then they would now have to deal with the donor issue, at this difficult time?

Would it then also affect the wake (if there's one) & burial.

Yes I have signed my donor card and proudly so I would like to think that if it ever came to "it" donated organs would save my child, or grandchilds life.

As for how my family would feel, Take what is needed cause I am going to be creamated. Keep it simple.

cherandbuster · Post by **cherandbuster** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 10:08 am

I really like the idea of cremation. My hubby has already purchased two cemetary plots for us (done before we even met each other) and we'll be buried with his family.

Cremation and having my ashes spread in a beautiful place just feels 'right' to me. My mom, who was my best friend, is buried in the same cemetary that I will eventually be, but in a different area.

I rarely go visit her there, as I feel much closer visiting her in my heart. To me, what is buried there is not *really* her, as I feel her body may be there but her spirit is not. Her spirit lives on in my heart. :-4

minks · Post by **minks** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 10:16 am

cherandbuster wrote: I really like the idea of cremation. My hubby has already purchased two cemetary plots for us (done before we even met each other) and we'll be buried with his family.

Cremation and having my ashes spread in a beautiful place just feels 'right' to me. My mom, who was my best friend, is buried in the same cemetary that I will eventually be, but in a different area.

I rarely go visit her there, as I feel much closer visiting her in my heart. To me, what is buried there is not *really* her, as I feel her body may be there but her spirit is not. Her spirit lives on in my heart. :-4

Yes I have specifics on cremation and where I would like to be sprinkled. I hope my girls will be able to carry that wish out for me.

My gran's were creamated and sprinkled and where they lived all their lives has a lovely little park with decorative brick walls and walk ways, the only monument of their lives is a single brick in one of these walls. I think that is perfect for them. I have requested to be sprinkled near them

cherandbuster · Post by **cherandbuster** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 10:19 am

Minks, that's just lovely. :-6

minks · Post by **minks** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 10:22 am

cherandbuster wrote: Minks, that's just lovely. :-6

Many a fond memory with my gran's out on Vancouver Island. It holds a special place deep in my very soul.

cherandbuster · Post by **cherandbuster** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 10:24 am

Yes I know what you mean

Not just in your heart

but in your very soul :-4

woppy71 · Post by **woppy71** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 12:29 pm

Yep, I would gladly donate my organs to help someone else live.

Don't know what would be usefull tho.... I'm a bit of a lard A*** really:-2

cars · Post by **cars** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 12:51 pm

cherandbuster wrote: I really like the idea of cremation. My hubby has already purchased two cemetary plots for us (done before we even met each other) and we'll be buried with his family.

Cremation and having my ashes spread in a beautiful place just feels 'right' to me. My mom, who was my best friend, is buried in the same cemetary that I will eventually be, but in a different area.

I rarely go visit her there, as I feel much closer visiting her in my heart. To me, what is buried there is not *really* her, as I feel her body may be there but her spirit is not. Her spirit lives on in my heart. :-4

OK, now we are starting to get into philosophy & religion. Sometimes that turns out to be an overly robust subject. In cremation, how does one know if it really hurts or not? No one ever came back to report. Reason being, in some religions, it is believed that after death, the evil/bad Souls go to He!l. Where those evil Souls are "tourtured" by the burning fires of he!l! Is this, and would this be considered different then cremation! Kinda scary, don't ya think?

cherandbuster · Post by **cherandbuster** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 12:58 pm

Cars

My belief is that when a person dies, what happens to the body cannot be 'felt'. It is just a mass of organs and bones and tissues. The person and the feelings have already left.

I'm curious if you decided to become an organ donor or not. If you'd care to keep it private, I absolutely honor your privacy. I also think that each and every person has to do what they feel is right to them. For example, my husband is *not* an organ donor. He is just not comfortable with the idea of it.

cars · Post by **cars** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 1:10 pm

cherandbuster wrote: Cars

My belief is that when a person dies, what happens to the body cannot be 'felt'. It is just a mass of organs and bones and tissues. The person and the feelings have already left.

I'm curious if you decided to become an organ donor or not. If you'd care to keep it private, I absolutely honor your privacy. I also think that each and every person has to do what they feel is right to them. For example, my husband is *not* an organ donor. He is just not comfortable with the idea of it.

Hey, hey, don't rush me, I got till tomorrow ya know!

As for the cremation thingy, I hope it doesn't hurt, for your sake! :wah: Scary!

Lulu2 · Post by **Lulu2** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 10:59 am

I've left money for my daughter to take my ashes to the hippo pool at Masai Mara park, in Kenya. My Kenyan friends know exactly where I want to be scattered, and I'm hoping they'll take champagne and do it at sunset, telling funny stories about me and my foibles!

How can cremation "hurt" when the brain and all sensory organs are dead? That one confuses me?

Marie5656 · Post by **Marie5656** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 12:40 pm

I am an organ doner, also. I have made it a point to inform my doctor, and my husband of this, as I figure, the parts will be of no use to me once I have died.