Apprently it's death week in here



The answer to the above is not as simple as yes or no. At least.. not for me. I wouldn't mind donating my organs after I die, but the one big thing that is holding me back from actually registering is:

Would they be honest with my life?

I mean.. would they declare me dead earlier than they should, just for the sake of obtaining the organs? A silly fear maybe, but a fear nonetheless.. It's been bugging me for quite a while now.. I would like to hear some ideas on it.


I moved this thing, I posted in the wrong forum

I know that here in the states, many -*test*-('")s are done to ensure brain death before harvesting any organs.

Maybe you could contact your local organ donation organisation for information? I am sure they would be glad to answer any questions you may have.

I am an organ donor and have made my wishes known to my husband. He will be the one with the final say, after all. After discussing the issue with him, he changed his mind and decided to donate his organs, too.

I have already told my dad that he is free to do whatever he thinks is right. I can contact the organisation but they will say the same thing as you just did. That the doctors will ensure that I am really brain dead before actually declaring me dead ... etcetc.

However.. I guess it boils down to the fact that I don't trust those doctors enough to make that decision when they know that I have a donor's codicil (that is what we call that paper that states you are a donor).

I already know I will.

I am an organ donor-- Rhode Island puts a little red heart on our licenses to indicate it. I figure if, after my death, something of me can be used to save someone else- why waste it? I've talked it over with Erich and explained why I feel this way, and he respects it.

I can understand the fear, though, Eadwine. I guess I just put the trust in doctors to make the correct judgement.

I feel the same way you do, I really do.. but indeed that fear.. hrmph.

Somehow I would think it is easier for me if it were to be "donator, unless stated otherwise"

They have thought about that one here I believe. Maybe Oblio knows more about that.

Since it is insomnia time for me, I was mulling all sorts of things instead of sleeping last night and came up with a solution: Name someone as durable power of attorney for healthcare / healthcare proxy. Maybe your dad, brother, trusted friend or even a lawyer. That person would be responsible for ensuring that no hanky-panky was going on.

I don't know if you have such a thing available there, but it would help allay your fears if you do.

Well.. over here I don't know exactly for sure how it is, I'd have to look into it, but I believe that even if I had a donor slip, my direct relatives would still have a say in what happens.

Again, not sure, but that is what I remember.

i sent you a link in your gmail about the patient self determination act (psda).
i thought that you might find it interesting.

as far as donating my organs, ethically, i think it is the right thing to do.
i haven't made plans to because i'm currently diabetic and my organs might be less than pristine. i need to do more research on the legalities and whether, because of my medical history, they would want anything that i could possibly donate.

Yep, gave you permission to post it. Here it is.

It is however for the USA and not for Holland Laws and regulations differ, however I will take a looksee through it Thanks!

eadwine, here's that link that you thought others would find interesting.

http://www.pregnantpause.org/euth/erode.htm

Thanks, I posted it in my post earlier on *giggles* But thank you regardless for sharing!

Even in the US the laws can vary state to state. We also have the driver's license notification of intent to donate, but it still has to be ok'd with a relative before harvest.

Probably the best thing to do is what Lisa suggested...designate someone to have the final say.

I have to smile because this reminds me of my fear of having an operation before the anesthesia was fully in effect. I fall asleep saying "Don't cut until I am asleep..."