Guest Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 I've been meaning to do so for a long while but after watching the advert this morning I got my act together and registered to be an organ donor, just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on being an organ donor? If anyone has been a living donor? My mum was registered as a donor when I was younger and I always said I would do so when I was old enough however she is now a Jehovah's Witness (again) so cannot be on the register as they do not support the idea of blood or organ donation so I feel I am to a degree replacing her as donor...pretty sure she would support my decision as she does not impose her views on myself or my sister. My decision is based on the thought of being in the position of needing a donation of blood, organs or tissue and would hope (not that I wish to be in the position) that there would be what I needed available because of some very kind soul who was registered and helping me without even knowing it, I hope that I will be able to do the same when I can... if you are interested in registering online it doesn't even take five minutes and need to only state your personal details and whether you would like to donate all organs and tissues or specific ones...i googled 'organ donation' and followed the NHS link to organdonation.nhs.uk...there are currently just under 17 million people on the organ donor register, just though I would raise a little awareness today Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gezabel Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 just though I would raise a little awareness today Good idea I think for a variety of reasons organ donation is quite a personal issue. All of us in this house are happy to donate 'anything that can be used' with the exception of one son who chose not to donate any of his 'eye bits'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 lol thats fair enough about the eye parts, the thought of those being donated can be quite a bizarre... was hoping to donate blood soon but because I visited Tanzania in August I need to wait until at least March...I have been hoping to do this for some time too- I have a friend who regularly donates but the sessions they are open within my local area always seems to clash with our work patterns fingers crossed for 2010 though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 Well you have inspiried me so i have just regitered x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 well done jennywreny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnyday Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 Well done! My brother is seriously ill and will almost certainly need a stem cell transplant in the not too distant future. It was hoped that either me or my sister would be able to donate for him....but after tests it transpires that neither of us are compatible.........I can't tell you how sad and disappointed we were to receive that news.......his specialists are trying to find him a match through the Anthony Nolan register but so far no luck....... So thanks for raising this important issue........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
narnia Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 I am not allowed to give blood any more, due to having cancer, but curiously, i AM able to remain on the organ donor list, which I have done. i signed up years ago, on the basic premis that, exactly as the advert is now saying...................if I would accept an organ, which I probably would, then I must be prepared to donate organs when they are no longer of any use to me. My husband and daughters and one son all say anything of theirs can be used, but one son is adamant that he ill never be a donor and can't really explain why, though of course, he doesn't have to, it's a very personal issue. Good reminder though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 Thanks for putting this in the spotlight! I have 2 friends who both need a kidney transplant One has been on dialysis 3 times a week for 3 years already. He's missed so much of the time he should be able to spend with his wife and 3 sons. Last year, an incredible family gave permission for their loved ones organs to be donated and 5 lives were transformed in his family! The donors kidneys, heart and lungs and corneas were all used, benefitting 7 families across the country. I'm so in awe of the parents for making their sons wishes come true. A "living donor" transplant is going to be carried out for my other friend. His Mum, sister, and 3 children were all tested and none were able to help. Amazingly, his wife is a "near perfect" match and will be the donor Let's hope that if we all mention organ donation to our family and friends we can boost the numbers who register. I firmly believe that we should consider changing to the opt-out policy in future. Nona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 (edited) Hi, My ex-husband has had diabetes since the age of 6 years old. Due to the complications from this his Kidneys failed as did his mothers who also had diabetes. During her life his mother had 2 very successful kidney transplants but unfortunately when the second transplant failed she developed complications after a dialysis session and sadly never regained consciousness after the dialysis. He was fortunate enough to recieve a double transplant of a kidney and a pancreas in Nov 2002. The day that phone call came and the amount of testing and waiting to know if the organs would be suitable are engraved in my mind for ever!!!! The kidney may have now failed but the pancreas continues to work so he no longer needs to have daily insulin injections. Sadly his transplant operation resulted in lots of complications but at least he is still alive whereas in 1998 he was told his life expectancy was only 5 years at the most. He maynot be well but he is at least getting to spend valuable time with our 2 lovely and very special daughters. Regardless of the fact that he is my ex husband without his transplant he would no longer be with us and the girls would be without their natural father. I signed the donation register before he got to the point of needing a transplant but his donor who is unknown had died in an accident. None of my ex's family would have been suitable as a donor due to the diabetes in his family. I can't give blood due to an underactive thyroid but would really encourage anyone who can to do so and if possible to think about signing up to organ donation and then to discuss it with your family so that they knopw your wishes should anything happen to you. Sunnyday I really hope that a solution is found for your brother soon Nicky Sussex Edited January 10, 2010 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dublinbay Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 My 16 year old daughter has just become an organ donor. She sent off for it herself and has explained the reasons why she wants to do this. My husband donates platelets for his quite rare blood group and received a reward for 100 donations a few years ago. I never felt I had the time or was always too busy to sort something out but my daughter's act has made me think more about it and I've since registered to become an organ donor and to give blood. Hope I can help someone in the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
narnia Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 Nicky.........................have you been told by the blood service that you can't give blood because of your thyroid?? Is it a recent diagnosis?? I had to stop for a year while my thyroid stabilised on the drugs, but then i was able to resume normal blood donations.it might be worth checking out? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rea Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 I've carried a card since the early 80's. I understand how some people might not want to if they have a religion, thats fair enough, but as a non-believer I see it as waste if I take all the good bits with me. Someone else might as well have them, but lile yu son Geraldine, not my eye bits! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beau Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 I am already a donor but thanks for raising awareness. My sister in law developed a very rare condition in 1997 and within 6 months she was seriously ill. She was rushed to Papworth and we were all told she had 2 days at most unless a donor could be found for a heart and lung transplant. Miraculously an almost perfect match came up within hours and she had the transplant. Since then she returned to education and despite being badly dyslexic managed to get a degree and also married a very lovely man 2 years ago. Without the donor none of these things would have been possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 Been registered for many years since a school friend died when we were 17 of Leukaemia. Her parents set up a charity and there is a blood disorder ward named after her at the local hospital. It's not just organ donation on death. You can register with the Anthony Nolan trust for bone marrow. I got quite far with additional investigations when I was a close match to a stranger. I was a little disappointed when I wasn't a perfect match in the end. You can join the register at 18-40 but they can still use your marrow until you are 60. I'm in 11% of the population blood group so I may still beable to help someone. Like others I just have a thing about my eyes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 Will defo discuss with family later. Is there an age restriction for signing up or will my 15 and 17 yr olds be able to go ahead and do it. That reminds me I've got blood doning later this month - must check and find out when Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
narnia Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 they can have my eyes...................................I'd personally hate to be blind, and would like the thought that I had helped restore sight to someone so they could see wonderful things again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 Biccy does it hurt to donate bone marrow?What process do you go through (as far as you went through)? I hope that for everyone who has posted about personal stories that donors are found soon, fingers crossed for your brother Sunnyday Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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