~* TOTD 7/1 ~* Topic: the Lack of Organ Transplants in America ..

~*TOTD~* Topic of the Day - a place on MedHelp Social for us to get together and talk about selected topics each day that our members want to talk about.  Please remember to be respectful and post within out TOS (terms of service).  It's okay to disagree with opinions, but we MUST be respectful to one another.  We're certain this can be a wonderful way to share your thougths on various subjects while getting to meet new members along the way!

TOPIC of the DAY -  7/1
The Lack of Organ Transplants in America ...submitted by Jollyman069:

"The lack of organ donantion here in the United States..there are 80,000 people alone just needing a kidney transplant, and they do about 16,000 a year. that is not counting other organs that need transplanted"


Comments, thoughts, experience, etc. . . . post them below and thanks Jollyman069 for our first TOTD!

C~

[Cindy]

According to the US government's transplant program, each organ and tissue donor saves or improves the lives of as many as 50 people.

[jollyman069]

thanks for that info didn't relise thatt many people could be helped...I am one who needs a kidney transplant...thnk God my daughter is going to donate and is a match...but there are so many others that aren't as lucky. Maybe a forum such as this can raise awareness more then we can imagine i pray that this is so.

Cit Chat thank you for such a good idea...brian

[twehner5]

I've had that little "sticker" on my driver's license since I was old enough to have it.

I wish more people would consider it.  Once you are dead, you don't need your body - but somebody else can improve the quality of his/her life.  If I can leave this earth and help someone in the process....why not?  If I can leave and help MANY people...WOW!

[auntiejessi]

On April 23rd, my 7 year old cousin died unexpectedly.  While we are reeling from the loss, we have some comfort in knowing that his kidneys went to 2 people, and his liver was split and went to 2 people.  My cousin's parents got a letter saying that all 4 people are doing very well, and they range in age from an infant to a person in their 50s.

We also know that he would have LOVED being able to help others.  We are finding out that there is some very likely medical negligence that caused his death, and at least this helps ease the pain of his dying needlessly.

[margypops]

I have always carried a card , isnt it wonderful like the above post from auntiejessie that those 4 folks have a new lease on life ..

[TrudieC]

Very good topic.   I know that many doctors are reluctant to discuss the subject with a grieving family but must do this.  I do think it can help the family deal with the loss when some good has come out of the tragedy.  I know that even if we have an indicator on our licenses here in Canada that they don't automatically take the organs and this needs to be addressed.  Would love to see a cross reference between the license indicator and our health cards in a database that hospitals can access.  A lot of my parts are such that no one would want them but I'm sure there are a few that could really help.

[jollyman069]

l know there is nothing I can say that will help, I lost a daughter in 1991 at 4 months...But your family did a very brave and Christian act. May God Bless and comfort your family...brian

[ChitChatNine]

A question was asked on a previous thread (last night) whether or not any organs may be donated if the person has undergone radiation (known as RAI or I-131)  therapy for their thyroid .  

Although I am co-cl in the thyroid community, I don't know.  Anybody have any ideas to help her with this question?  I guess she can call an organization to find out, but I don't have the info or know where to lead her to.

Thanks,
C~

[Lonelymom]

I am also an organ doner and my family is aware of this request. My aunt needed a kidney and I tried to donate mine but I couldn't because I have had too many kidney infections and gestasional diabetes when I was pregnant.

My aunt was able to get her kidney from her son but her body rejected the kidney and it wasn't long after she passed away.

I hope more people would be willing to help a stranger and donate their organs or organs of their loved ones.

[PlateletGal]

Not to change the subject, but I was happy to hear that the FDA is finally stepping in when it comes to acetaminophen overdoses. Apparently acetaminophen overdoses are the LEADING cause of liver failure in the U.S. and therefore, many of these people need liver transplants. Of course this didn't have to happen and so education is the best prevention and apparently government involvement as well.

[nissah46]

I have always been an organ donor on my license, but wasn't sure if I could continue to be when I was diagnosed with cancer, and had RAI.    I called and was told that it is still possible, but I think each case is looked at individually.  I was a regular blood donor and was on the bone marrow donor list but had to come off, and can no longer donate blood.  I don't know if I will be able to in the future after I am in remission for a period of time.  I lost my 17 year old brother in 1980 after a car accident.  He was in ICU unconcious for 6 days.  Back then, as far as I know, organ donation was not brought up to the family.  

[jdwithhcv]

After undergoing radiation and chemo, I checked with the American Red Cross and learned that I can never be a blood donor.  Organ donations are another story, the decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.  I am designated an organ donor on my driver's liscense.  My philosophy is "help yourself, I'm not using these parts any more."

[Cherie762]

what a great topic, I think there is generaly a lack of knowledge about this. If the word was spread a but more ther would be more donors. Its a shame that people who die in accidents etc...dont have their viable organs used, the organs are just wasted when they could save many lifes, or at the very least  add years to some lifes. I firmly believe in this cause . Its on my drivers license and I have made sure my family knows.

[lonewolf07]

It is a great topic.  I think that a lot of people don't sign any forms allowing their organs to be used is the fear of dying; the fear that if they sign anything it is tempting fate.  It's superstition but superstition can be powerful.  I'm embarrassed to say that's why I have never signed anything  = (  Being reminded of our mortality can be frightening, so frightening that we/I often don't see the benefits organ donations will make to others.

Sometimes surviving family members don't want their deceased relatives body "desicrated" (A SPELLING MISTAKE) despite the deceased relative's wishes.