IRiSHMaFIA wrote:
That's one thing my dad always instilled in us was to be an organ donor. I agreed right off when he suggested it, but when he passed on it was a very hard decision to make when they wanted his kidneys.
We knew how serious he was about it and had no hesitation, but when you're in the situation where they're basically keeping the patient alive for organs it seems so clinical and non caring, but when the grief of loss eases a wee bit you know you've done the proper thing.
We had notification not long after that my dads kidneys saved another persons life, so the way we looked at it was a bit of my dad is still here with us and a life was saved which is precious in itself.
I'd not give a second thought to do it myself because the experience taught me what it really means and how important it is.
I've heard that from a few people, Irish. I was quite close with a colleague at work who was a transplant coordinator and it was very hard to to ask these things of people why they were still on machnes and such to keep them alive. I think that's why it's so important to talk with your family and let them know what your wishes are, as well as signing a donor card. I don't know how many people know this but, just signing the card really doesn't have any legal bearing, it really only lets the family know what the persons intentions are when they can no longer speak for themselves.
Frustratingly even when I have tried to give blood there are rules in Canada regarding pepole who ahve lived in the UK since certain dates which rules them out.
All connected with the paranoia surrounding mad cow disease.
maycm wrote:Frustratingly even when I have tried to give blood there are rules in Canada regarding pepole who ahve lived in the UK since certain dates which rules them out.
All connected with the paranoia surrounding mad cow disease.
Too right, maycm.... I'd forgotten about that. It's not easy to try and do the right thing sometimes, is it?
