The gift of life...

[Roughneck]

But I'm thinking about donating my organs when I'm dead. Might as well let others benefit from by then.

Hi Aegis,

Whetever you decision may be, please have it in writing with the signatures of at least two witnesses.

mmm, I need to start a thread about this.

and related to this, I don't know how to perform CPR. At least not in a way that could help anyone. I really should learn that as well.

If you're interested Aegis, the first people I'd try and contact would be your local chapter of the Red Cross.

If there is not one nearby, call any one of your local hospitals and ask if you can sign up to take a class.

This is a post to the general readership, not just to you Aegis :::::
CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation)/ BLS (Basic Life Support) classes donot take more than a couple hours to complete. There are not too "technical" nor "sophisticated". There are no drugs, needles or body fluids involved.

The idea is to teach the common public about maintaining airway and circulation till medical personnel arrive to help. The objective is to maintain as much vital body function as possible until trained medical personnel can take over.


I encourage each and every member of this board to take a course. You never know when you might be in a position to save the life of someone else!

I haven't given blood and I'm not registered to donate either. No reason other than the fact that it hasn't entered my mind.

Any change so far Senor?

I have donated blood since my Mother got sick. She had to have many transfusions in her two year fight with cancer. Someone had to donate for her so it's least I can do to donate for someone else.
I love you Munchkin, RIP KMB 1950-2003

Touching story ThatRedWing I do humbly believe it is a nice way to remember you Mother...

I'm a registered organ donor on my drivers license. I wasn't aware I had to register to donate bone marrow.

Errr... you might want to make sure you are an organ donor in writing. Sometimes, driver's licenses are not enough "legal proof" in some states.

Ok, I think I really need to create that thread....

Can't stand needles - I spent a lengthy time in hospital during my teens and that's left me VERY averse to having my skin punctured....

Ouch! Can't blame ya for hatin' needles, or hospitals for that matter!

Just curious - what's your blood type? If you don't want to share this information publicly (or privately through PM), I understand.

I was interested years ago, but when my father was ill and had to have blood transfused, he became a full blown diabetic needing the insulin injections from then on. He was not diabetic before that.
My blood may be good but it may be bad. I don't give blood voluntarily.
Nice thread, Roughneck.

Thank you.

I'm sorry your Father developed IDDM post transfusion - that's kinda rare if you ask me!

I'm naturally curious about his history and pathology - but like I told Omega above - I understand if you are not willing to share this information publicly (or privately though PM).

By the way: That your Father received a transfusion reaction is no indicator that you have "bad blood" (Hell, HE could have received 'bad blood'). As long as you think you've lived a reasonably healthy life free of blood borne diseases or cancer, I encourage you to donate

I would like to give blood but they will not take it. I have thalassemia. More precisely I am carrier of the gene for thalassemia. If I and a woman carrier of thalassemia had a baby it would be a really sick kid. I got thalassemia from only one parent and not both. People with thalassemia have a genetic defect of their red blood cells that affects the cells' ability to produce normal hemoglobin. Red blood cells use hemoglobin to carry oxygen to tissues. As a result of the defect, most forms of thalassemia produce a chronic, lifelong anemia.

Thalassemia has its bright side for I am immune from malaria. The malaria germ can not attach itself to blood cells that are not oval. It’s a shame they would not use my blood for someone else. My blood usually has a high level of THC. It could be used as medical marijuana blood

You share a common fate with our brothers and sisters who suffer from Sickle Cell Disease (specifically our black population). While they suffer from the ravages of deformed RBCs, they are immune to malaria.

I haven't donated, I'm saving my stuff for a family member of friend.
If I were to die young enough to donate oragns or anything needed then sure, I'd do it.

Hi Calm,

Just remember to put this all in writing - e.g. which organs and when etc. - and have them signed by two independent witnesses.

Ok, I really need to start that thread now...

That was exactly what I wanted to post.
My vote went on I have not donated nor registered but I am interested

I hope I won't have to give anyone my kidney or something else that is inside me, but if it will be needed, I think I'd do it.

Thanks for considering the option! I think the paperwork requirement applies to you too...

And sorry, i can´t understand some opinions in this thread.
Maybe sometimes u need people like Roughneck, his wife ...... and me!! Think about that!!!

stockfisch - it's ok. Everyone has their own values, opinions, needs, wants and desires about their bodies and their existence.

It's perfectly ok that people are uncomfortable with or reject the idea, notion or concept of donation of parts of themselves to others.

Can stand needles (I inject myself 4 times a day) but I've never donated blood.

The doctors can take any piece of me they want as soon as I'm dead (which won't be soon, I hope).

Have your paperwork in order?

they cant have me. i am going to be cremated and spread out near home plate at the field that i played on the most.

I personally want to be cremated and my ashes spread over Lake Erie from Buffalo Harbor.

But I alternate between this and donating my body to science every couple years....

I have to get flabotamys (sp?), which is pretty much the same thin as donating blood, the only difference is that the hospital does not keep my blood

You have Hemocrhomatosis

A "Phlebotomy" means "removing blood from body/vein". Also called a "Venipuncture", it's most common use is to take a blood sample from the body for laboratory analysis. Infrequently, as in your case; it is used to "bleed you" and thus remove excess "iron".

Thanks for the responses one and all!


cheers,

 

[dick van cock]

My first blood sample showed a "false positive" result for something (nothing of importance), so I wasn't allowed to register with the blood bank. They told me to come back twelve months later - which would be around July.

I have not registered as an organ donor because in my country it is sufficient to put down your willingness to donate on a simple piece of paper. I carry this in my wallet at any time.

 

[member006]

I think "The Gift of Life" title to the thread covers blood donations and organ donations. Why would another thread be needed?

Anywho, I am a organ donor and a Lions Club eye donor since forever. I can't give blood anymore because of severe anemia, but I have worked as a volunteer at blood drives a few times. My Doctor had asked me to help.

LL

 

[Roughneck]

in my country it is sufficient to put down your willingness to donate on a simple piece of paper. I carry this in my wallet at any time.

Nice! I wish this was truly possible in my nation of bureaucrats!

I think "The Gift of Life" title to the thread covers blood donations and organ donations. Why would another thread be needed?

Hi LL,

You could possibly be correct.

My focus on creating a new thread was simply because 90% (in my experience anyway) of the folks who show up at medical centers for treatment do not:
1. Have an "advanced directive"
2. Do not name a POHCA - "Power Of Health Care Attorney"
3. Do not list their "Code Status" - in other words "give an idea of what kind of measures ought to be taken if your medical condition was to take a serious turn".
I often invoke the case of Terri Schiavo - just to illustrate the importance of having what you desire in written form with signatures from trusted witnesses.
4. Do not have any kind of documentation on them and thus we are forced to treat them as we usually do: "Keep them alive no matter what". I'm not passing judgement on these folks - I've personally cared for a patient who was in a coma and never got off the ventilator for 14 years till he died.

I'm just stating that other alternatives might be available.


These - and some other reasons relating to legality - are the reasons I would like to start a separate thread on the issues.

I would have no problems if moderators decide that such ideas belong in this thread ----- my sole purpose is to spread awareness and seek action.

Nothing more. Nothing less

Anywho, I am a organ donor and a Lions Club eye donor since forever. I can't give blood anymore because of severe anemia, but I have worked as a volunteer at blood drives a few times. My Doctor had asked me to help.

LL

And I personally thank you for your voluntary effort!

Every little bit counts! And I hope the "severe anemia" is not a serious condition!


cheers,
R.

 

[member006]

That is another issue that many "put off till tomorrow". The "Living Will" , many never look at life for what is is, a gift to be treasured and "fleeting" at best. Everyone should take care of these small but important things for their own benefit/peace of mind and certainly for their families.

A "Living Will" is easy, if nothing else a discussion to make clear your wishes with those that will be left with the decision making should something happen. I have to recommend a serious talk too, not a quick "Oh hell I want to be cremated" lol type deal. Leaving others to wonder if you were joking. I'm so glad my family was always open about death and such things, not wanting to "avoid" the morbid talk. Its not morbid its what life is, a journey to our death. Talk about it, makes you wishes clear and understand those of others. A trip to get a cup of coffee can be life altering, don't leave or be left with unanswered questions. Sorry about the rambling, lol I got a little sleep last night for a change.

LL

 

[mula0207]

i dont donate as much as i should..O+ blood type...but i do wen i remember i guess...i am a registered organ donar...i figure i'm dead...why not let someone else live

 

[Philbert]

I was always a donor on my dl, until some family members pointed out that there were considerations other than my thoughts when I am alive.
There are religious concepts that prohibit organs purposely being removed before burial; I have family who feel very strongly about traditional values and would be very upset if my body was missing things at burial. I obviously wouldn't care and have donated blood many times (without being paid for it).

If you see news footage of a homicide bombing, there are religious people who work at the site to gather all the body parts and such to see it gets buried properly.
I would have to make pre-dead guy arrangements with some family to see if there was an emergency need for any of my decripit body parts; otherwise funerals are for the living and I wouldn't need to make any decisions after I pass on, or really be able to.
No garbage bags in a dumpster for me!
Those who donate to help the living have my vote for people of the year; a little needle pain is so minor, I can't read anyone's whine about fear of tiny needles leaving people without blood stock, without thinking how quick the same people would accept someone's donated blood during and after surgury.

 

[Roughneck]

*Badabump*

 

[senob44]

I am precluded from donating blood due to medications that I take. However, I am registered as an organ donor should I die. Or, I suppose I would donate if one of my family or friends needs a kidney or part of a liver.:dunno:

 

[Member2019]

Marrow donation ... wow! Impressed ...

I'm registered for 3 and 4 (The wife donated part of her bone marrow to a 10 year old with leukemia a few years ago).

Wow! Now that is really giving life!
Marrow donation is not fun, I don't know if I could do it.

I give blood, even though I have a tendency to clot.
But instead of dealing with the mobile blood buses, I give it directly to a RN.
I've never had any issues since going directly to a RN to give blood.

Some people say they've had "issues" giving and stop.
I always still do when I make time, I just make sure I give it to a RN.

 

[sterobbo01]

I have not donated nor registered but I am interested in giving blood.

 

[mongo18]

I did give blood regularly, but haven't gotten around to organizing it since moving to the USA. I'm registered to donate everything if I die.

 

[silent_blue]

I have only done it once but everyone in our family does so I will do it more.

Mel

 

[Becks...poamr]

I am registered to donate organs.

 

[BlueBalls]

I would donate blood, but I have doubts about donating anything else

 

[dick van cock]

*bump*

I'm just back from my first blood donation. I feel a little bit dizzy. But I'll definitely do it again!

It was a bit of a challenge for the nurse to find a decent vein and I only managed to pump out 480 ml (min.: 450; recommended: 500).

I received 20 Euros and a tasty sandwich. (no special "service" by the nurses, though!) The downside: I had to have my picture taken (for the donor's registration card).

I'll go back there in six weeks. Do it,too, folks!

 

[tartanterrier]

I've never done and don't intend to.They can take whatever they want when I'm dead

 

[Vanilla Bear]

*bump*

I'm just back from my first blood donation. I feel a little bit dizzy. But I'll definitely do it again!

It was a bit of a challenge for the nurse to find a decent vein and I only managed to pump out 480 ml (min.: 450; recommended: 500).

I received 20 Euros and a tasty sandwich. (no special "service" by the nurses, though!) The downside: I had to have my picture taken (for the donor's registration card).

I'll go back there in six weeks. Do it,too, folks!

1. Is there that big difference between 480 and 500 ml? Its only 20ml. So why did you say only 480ml?

and

2. You still get money for it? Where did you do it? DRK?
I thought the "clean" organizations like the DRK dont pay anymore...

 

[dick van cock]

^^ 480 is sufficient. But they have to take the pipe out after 12 minutes. Average people manage to fill the bag in 10 minutes. (I pumped a rubber ball to keep the flow steady, but still... )

There are private organizations still paying you (20 Euros for full blood; 15 Euros for plasma)

 

[Eric Lindros]

I have not donated because I had an big accident by myself and I cant give blood therefore.