When you put it that way...

Nothing to think about. If someone can use anything I leave have at it. I won’t be needing them.

Pretty sure the liver will be a no go.

I have been a registered organ donor since I was 18. In Washington state, it's on our drivers license.

I wonder when old is too old...

My mother died at 75. They took her corneas.

The body renews itself over seven years.
Have not had a drink in seven years.
My liver may now be worth something.

quote:

Originally posted by CHAS:
The body renews itself over seven years.
Have not had a drink in seven years.
My liver may now be worth something.

Congratulations!

While I agree with the sentiment of this picture, it seems to assume that nondonors have very informal burial arrangements…


Myself, I have a few organs that are hardly being used at all. Some lucky person is could get near-mint donations from me.

quote:

Originally posted by Doug:
While I agree with the sentiment of this picture, it seems to assume that nondonors have very informal burial arrangements…

Landfill is landfill.

And yes, Chas, congratulations!

Jon, you are the reason I am an organ donor.

That’s awesome to hear, really.

Youall are reminding me I need to check whether or not I still qualify as an organ donor. It always gave me a good feeling to have that option checked on my drivers license, plus I was also on the marrow donor list.

Thing is I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, followed by a double mastectomy (the double part was at my request) which revealed at pathology no sign of malignancy anywhere include "sentinel nodes". Accordingly, I didn't need chemo, radiation or even hormone blockers. If I hadn't been required - at the time much resented - to have a second biopsy (from a very different part of the right breast), I'd fear I lost my breasts for nothing.

I prefer to consider myself hugely fortunate all told (especially when I read of women who've suffered all the indignities I was spared).

But back to the first point...Do I still qualify as an organ and marrow donor? According to my expert source ("Dr. House" show), there are levels of qualification, meaning that some folks whose creds to receive transplants are marginal on account of age or other med problems, would welcome organs from a donor like me. One who might be considered compromised. I have no systemic problems at all apart from low thyroid and slight atrial fibrillation (spine is a mess but that couldn't count). I'd figure my organs except for the heart would be "catches" even for someone not in the marginal recipient group. (I'll bet my lungs, kidneys and liver are pristine. )

But does the medical system view it that way (just in case that "House" show doesn't provide a final verdict)? Surely, they would check my medical records carefully post-trauma (or whatever lays me at death's door), but checking that box per protocol would probably be helpful.

What IS protocol, though? I'd hate to uncheck it if not necessary. Especially pertinent since I need to renew my drivers' license within a week!

quote:

Originally posted by Amanda:
Youall are reminding me I need to check whether or not I still qualify as an organ donor.

As lay people, we just indicate our willingness to donate. Actual fitness for transplant will be determined by the medical professionals if/when the time comes. So just check the "yes" box and rest assured that you checking "yes" can only help and never hurt anyone or anything.