Post by Dream Loxley on Sept 9, 2005 2:13:26 GMT -5
If I may take some space here and highlight a very delicate subject, often not spoken of and yet so very important.
A few weeks ago here in the UK we had several TV programmes featuring organ transplants and the very sensitive issues relating to donor consent. I had not realised that even though I have carried a Donor card since I was 16, having spoken of my wishes with my parents.........the biggest problem confronting Hospital staff is the fact that next of kin still have the right to refuse, even though you may have felt strongly enough to have made your own decision whilst able to.
I suppose the reason I am writing this today is perhaps to make others aware that it is all well and good carrying the card, placing your name on the Register, BUT you must make your wishes known to family and friends, most importantly your next of kin, so that in the tragic event of your death, your wishes would be carried out and hopefully others will benefit from something you felt was worthwhile.
I have a Cousin who is now living a much better quality of life, having received a kidney from an unknown person who wanted to make a difference even after they were gone from our World.
It is a very difficult time for those finding themselves in that situation when asked by hospital staff, but perhaps knowing others will live on may be of help.
Another thing we can all do apart from giving blood on a regular basis is to join the bone marrow donation list. I had the oportunity to come very close 3 times having been found a possible match for a patient, but I never actually got to be the one whose bone marrow was used. Unfortunately ill health has resulted in my name being taken off the list, but there are so many people who may be able to help. All that is needed is a little blood test to get you registered.
Many thanks for taking the time to read.........
www.uktransplant.org.uk/ukt/default.jsp
www.anthonynolan.org.uk/
P.S. Perhaps this quote from our dear Robin can join my thoughts today, it may have been missed from the Manic Monday thread of last week.
"But maybe .........just maybe........we can reteach the world to have such fun again...........where things don't have to boil down to whose side yer on.......what colours you wear.........perhaps such a minority group as us(windstormians) can make a difference.........you never know...........lets get our collective minds working..........and try and make a difference........in some way.....anyway........isn't it worth a shot ??......Perhaps we could create something that people can cling to as a life line.......perhaps not.........i guess it's up to us.........."
A few weeks ago here in the UK we had several TV programmes featuring organ transplants and the very sensitive issues relating to donor consent. I had not realised that even though I have carried a Donor card since I was 16, having spoken of my wishes with my parents.........the biggest problem confronting Hospital staff is the fact that next of kin still have the right to refuse, even though you may have felt strongly enough to have made your own decision whilst able to.
I suppose the reason I am writing this today is perhaps to make others aware that it is all well and good carrying the card, placing your name on the Register, BUT you must make your wishes known to family and friends, most importantly your next of kin, so that in the tragic event of your death, your wishes would be carried out and hopefully others will benefit from something you felt was worthwhile.
I have a Cousin who is now living a much better quality of life, having received a kidney from an unknown person who wanted to make a difference even after they were gone from our World.
It is a very difficult time for those finding themselves in that situation when asked by hospital staff, but perhaps knowing others will live on may be of help.
Another thing we can all do apart from giving blood on a regular basis is to join the bone marrow donation list. I had the oportunity to come very close 3 times having been found a possible match for a patient, but I never actually got to be the one whose bone marrow was used. Unfortunately ill health has resulted in my name being taken off the list, but there are so many people who may be able to help. All that is needed is a little blood test to get you registered.
Many thanks for taking the time to read.........
www.uktransplant.org.uk/ukt/default.jsp
www.anthonynolan.org.uk/
P.S. Perhaps this quote from our dear Robin can join my thoughts today, it may have been missed from the Manic Monday thread of last week.
"But maybe .........just maybe........we can reteach the world to have such fun again...........where things don't have to boil down to whose side yer on.......what colours you wear.........perhaps such a minority group as us(windstormians) can make a difference.........you never know...........lets get our collective minds working..........and try and make a difference........in some way.....anyway........isn't it worth a shot ??......Perhaps we could create something that people can cling to as a life line.......perhaps not.........i guess it's up to us.........."
) and was first wanting to say thank you for bringing up such an important issue. Secondly, perhaps you could also post it on the Kielder board as I think the word should be spread..~nods lots~