Organ Donation

[Julia]

Far fewer Australians are organ donors than are not. I'm puzzled as to why this is the case and would be interested to know if members have opted for this choice on their d. Licences.

I feel that when I die any part of me that's any use to anyone else should be available to them, rather than just be buried to rot or be burned.

How would it be if, rather than an "Opt in" for donation as the system is now, it was changed to "Opt out" if people really don't want to donate their organs.

I suspect some of the current statistics are as a result of apathy.

There are so many people waiting for transplants which can give them a good life back again.

 

[numbercruncher]

Im a donor not only because I want too, but because I have a moral obligation, My father is alive today because of a liver Transplant.

I do have one clause, they cant take my Eyes (after all we dont need anyone else seeing the world how I do lol)

 

[visual]

Julia, for myself I'd never consider a live saving operation that required me to be on anti rejection medication for the rest of my life, so I've never considered it. Plus not sure how I'd feel about having a part of me removed or rather knowing that upon death it would be removed.

 

[Julia]

Julia, for myself I'd never consider a live saving operation that required me to be on anti rejection medication for the rest of my life, so I've never considered it. Plus not sure how I'd feel about having a part of me removed or rather knowing that upon death it would be removed.

Hello Visual,
So you'd rather die than receive a transplant? (Not being critical of your decision, just really interested. This is the sort of thing I wanted to know about).
Re your knowing that after you were dead a part of you would be removed, how would it matter? Do you think you'd somehow feel it being removed?
Are there other factors which come into this for you?

 

[Timmy]

An emphatic YES to donating my organs - anything of use is up for grabs!

This could be a good topic for a poll Julia.

 

[visual]

Hello Visual,
So you'd rather die than receive a transplant? (Not being critical of your decision, just really interested. This is the sort of thing I wanted to know about).
Re your knowing that after you were dead a part of you would be removed, how would it matter? Do you think you'd somehow feel it being removed?
Are there other factors which come into this for you?

To the first question, yes.

Just to fill in the background, not sure if you remember the story of the little boy whose mother went public with his plight and how the best chance for him lay in America but even there the treatment she wanted to access was at best experimental, anyway as always people dug deep and off he went to America, of course big news item , and we followed every breath of suffering from this little boy until the end, he died, then his mother did the unthinkable and had another child knowing he'd have the same genetic problems as his brother, he too went through the experimental treatment, he also died, not sure but I found that story so traumatic that I vowed never would I put my children through that torture, or myself. From memory this was the Taylor family, I think his mother was Angela Taylor.

As for the other thing, no not scared that I'd feel them taking bits off, but whilst alive I reckon it would play on my mind and I'd much rather die not knowing that I was going to have bits pullled off.

 

[numbercruncher]

This could be a good topic for a poll Julia.

Everyone seems reluctant to post polls, Ive read lots of subject matter here with people saying "should be a poll"!

And your right should be a poll to gauge ASFers doner status

 

[Timmy]

Everyone seems reluctant to post polls,

Temporary thread hijack:
Should there be a poll "Are you reluctant to post a poll?"?

Apologies and back to regular service.

 

[Julia]

Yes, I thought of a poll but couldn't see where to include that option.(probably was staring me in the face.)

Joe/Mods: would you be able to add a poll to this thread, please?

 

[DB008]

l think that it should be compulsory for everyone to donate some part of there bodies. What use is it to you 6ft under? and there is always the potential to save more lives than one. l remember when that cricket guy died from a king hit a few years ago in Melbourne, his parts saved others - (plural).
I bet if you were in a position with a relative (or yourself) in hospital, who was waiting in line for an organ transplant, you would have a very different opinion about organ donation.

 

[Julia]

l think that it should be compulsory for everyone to donate some part of there bodies. What use is it to you 6ft under? and there is always the potential to save more lives than one. l remember when that cricket guy died from a king hit a few years ago in Melbourne, his parts saved others - (plural).
I bet if you were in a position with a relative (or yourself) in hospital, who was waiting in line for an organ transplant, you would have a very different opinion about organ donation.

Yes, I think you're right, Dannyboy. Numbercruncher has already provided a perfect illustration of this with his father.

Too easy just not to think about the subject which forces contemplation of death. That's why I'm suggesting we should change the system to one where individuals have to actually opt out of organ donation, so that if such a "No" option is not specified, then any/all organs are available for donation after death. There are just so many people living really miserable lives for want of a new organ.

 

[Nyden]

I'd be too concerned about doctors not doing their best to save me if I were a donor (in the case of any emergency); I have this vision of vultures flying around me.

I'd also be concerned as to whether or not they would give me drugs, or neglect certain treatments as to keep the organs fresh / safe. If I were in pain, or had a certain disease - would they use the harsh drugs to relieve my pain, or kill the infection at the risk of damaging my valuable liver / kidneys? (If the treatment itself were a slim chance to work)

Or if I were in a Coma - would whoever had my power of attorney at the time feel pressure to declare me dead? Would doctors send dying, & crying patients to guilt them about their ill fate, or the fate of a loved one?

The way I see it - if no one has anything to gain by my death...they'll all have no reason not to keep me alive!

 

[Blitzed]

I'd be too concerned about doctors not doing their best to save me if I were a donor (in the case of any emergency); I have this vision of vultures flying around me.

I'd also be concerned as to whether or not they would give me drugs, or neglect certain treatments as to keep the organs fresh / safe. If I were in pain, or had a certain disease - would they use the harsh drugs to relieve my pain, or kill the infection at the risk of damaging my valuable liver / kidneys? (If the treatment itself were a slim chance to work)

Or if I were in a Coma - would whoever had my power of attorney at the time feel pressure to declare me dead? Would doctors send dying, & crying patients to guilt them about their ill fate, or the fate of a loved one?

The way I see it - if no one has anything to gain by my death...they'll all have no reason not to keep me alive!

This is my main concern too..... for me it's when they legalise euthanasia they can have all my bits, fair trade I feel knowing I will really be dead when they start carving me up.

 

[Blitzed]

Also if you have ever experienced Sleep Paralysis or "the old hag'' (look it up) makes you think twice.

 

[numbercruncher]

One thing I do wish though, is that on your donor form that you be able to exclude people who themselves are NOT donors from receiving your organs, or atleast they have last dibs on your stuff.

Preference should be given to givers themselves.

Im sure such a system would boost donor numbers.

 

[Julia]

I'd be too concerned about doctors not doing their best to save me if I were a donor (in the case of any emergency); I have this vision of vultures flying around me.

I'd also be concerned as to whether or not they would give me drugs, or neglect certain treatments as to keep the organs fresh / safe. If I were in pain, or had a certain disease - would they use the harsh drugs to relieve my pain, or kill the infection at the risk of damaging my valuable liver / kidneys? (If the treatment itself were a slim chance to work)

Or if I were in a Coma - would whoever had my power of attorney at the time feel pressure to declare me dead? Would doctors send dying, & crying patients to guilt them about their ill fate, or the fate of a loved one?

The way I see it - if no one has anything to gain by my death...they'll all have no reason not to keep me alive!

That's a very reasonable consideration, Nyden. I've thought about this, but have come to the conclusion that doctors take very seriously their basic tenet of preserving life. So much so that in several cases I know of the Advance Health Directive (or Living Will in some States) has not been adhered to without considerable discussion amongst the staff concerned.

So perhaps this concern reinforces the need for your relatives to know your wishes, plus have an Advance Health Directive in place which clearly states what measures you do and do not want to be taken and under what circumstances. Mine is on file at the local Hospital and is guaranteed to be referred to in the case of any emergency admission.

 

[Superfly]

Yes, I'm a organ donor, but have instructed my family that only other nominated organ donors would be able to gain my parts.

 

[Knobby22]

I think the law should be that your organs get automatically donated unless you specifically opt out, rather than the other way round.

Most people would be willing donors but who wants to fill out forms on the off chance you will die suddenly.

 

[Whiskers]

Most people would be willing donors but who wants to fill out forms on the off chance you will die suddenly.

That was my feeling originally. When asked if I wanted to donate, when I got liscence renewed, I just said yes.

I think the law should be that your organs get automatically donated unless you specifically opt out, rather than the other way round.

Not sure that I would go that far, Knobby, but agree in principle. Having seen a lot of reports about the raquets in organ transplants, I am starting to feel the same as Nyden.

Originally Posted by Nyden
I'd be too concerned about doctors not doing their best to save me if I were a donor (in the case of any emergency); I have this vision of vultures flying around me.

I like Superflys idea to only make my parts available to other nominated organ donors.

I'm afraid I have not heard of an Advanced Health Directive, Julia. I guess I better look into it. Probably should look into appointing a power of attorney too.

Funny that... I just recalled that I have arrangements for the automatic transmission of director and trustee of my business affairs when I die, but hadn't really thought anything of the handing over of my own body, or when, as in when to turn off life support.

 

[Joe Blow]

At the request of the thread starter a poll has now been added to this thread.