Organ donation *maybe abit sens for some*

My mum is on the transplant list so for us it's vital that we are on the list to donate our organs. I think you don't really see anyone's pain wanting an organ unless you know them personally. A friend of a friend doesn't count. Well I didn't anyway.

I'm on the transplant list - I've told my family too (because they get the final say, even if you've signed up) I also give blood every three months and would have loved to give platelets but the units are too far away to drive to regularly. I know it's a bit controversial, but I think they should register everyone on the transplant list - but with an easy way to opt out. There are too many people dying from needing transplants - yet others dying who just never got around to registering (yes we all picture ourselves dying happily in our 90's)

Though we did watch a programme the other day where they used a 3D printer and cells from patients to create body parts, like an ear. They're hoping this is the future - to just print out what people need. That would be pretty amazing.

I'm registered, as are my 2 kids.

I'm registered, as is Boy. My immediate family are too, and suspect Boy's are the same.

But a big fat no to 'opt out' lists.

It's already been passed in wales that people have to 'opt out' I am registered, have been for years and also give blood.

I am a registered donor, as is OH. It was one of the 'important things' we discussed when we first moved in together, making sure that we both knew what the other wanted in a situation like that.

I give blood as often as I can but a series of annoying health issues, tests, and medication mean it has been no where near as frequent as I would like. I keep pestering OH to give blood but it's not as conveniently located for him as it is me.

Flora - do you mind if I ask what made you originally say no to the donation of eyes, and was there a particular reason that you changed your mind? I ask because it was something I considered not donating to begin with too. I'm still not sure what I actually ticked on the form...

I'm on the register. I don't agree with an 'opt out' policy.

My brother recently committed suicide and although it was traumatic for us sitting by his bedside waiting for the transplant team to ready themselves before 'switching him off', it's been a reassuring thought in our minds that he has helped someone else live a life they desperately wanted to keep, even though he didn't want that for himself.

I'm on the list for whatever is needed. I'm a bit crap about giving blood cos I'm more than a little squeamish but I do try at least once a year to force myself to go. Having come very close to needing a transfusion myself I know how important this kind of thing is x

I've been a donor since I was a teenager. H wasn't but we had a good chat about it a few years ago and he is now.

I'm not allowed to give blood. H used to but he's not allowed since he found out he has haemochromatosis.

I'm on the organ donor register for everything, have been since I was about 16/17. Not sure if OH is though as he's really rubbish at talking about those sorts of things.

I would love to give blood but I'm not able to neither is OH.

When my brother died suddenly in 2010 at the age of 36, we were approached by the transplant team. My brother didn't carry a donar card and he himself had expressed mixed feeling regarding the issue at different points over the years and to different people. In the end the agonising decision was taken that he would have wanted some good to have come from his death so we gave our consent, despite not all family members agreeing with the decision. The transplant co ordinator was amazing, explained everything fully and kept us updated with every step. One of the things that was offered to us was an anonymous letter from the organ recipient ( if they agreed to do so ). Several of my brother's organs were transplanted sucessfully and a number of months later we received a letter through the transplant team from a 33 yr old dad of 2, who expressed his gratitude to us for finally allowing him to become the dad he never thought he would be as he didn't expect to live to see them grow into adults. His kids were 6 & 2 but previous to the transplant he was barely able to pick them up let alone play with them. Only months after the transplant he expressed his joy at the simplest of things such as being able to take them to the park, pushing his kids on a swing and being able to kick a football around with his son. My brother, (who's was an over grown child by nature), never wanted his own kids but adored being an uncle (and adopted uncle to his friends kids) would have been proud to have given those kids a chance to have "real dad" and we took a great deal of solace in the fact he did exactly that.

My Aunt & MOH died suddenly in October last year and ironically not only did she pass away from the same condition as my brother but we were approached by the same transplant co-ordinator, consent was given for the transplant without a second thought as that is what my aunt would have wanted but we were stunned to learn that the team were only able to get consent to go ahead from 20 families in the last few years (unsure if this was throughout scotland /only central belt or UK) and the team were so thankful to us for doing this a second time.

I haven't written this as any sort of guilt trip and respect the choice of any individual who has to make this decision for themselves or on behalf of a loved one at what is the most difficult of time. but if like I once did you just find the whole idea freaks you out a little then speaking from personal experience I have to say its extremely humbling to have given someone and their family such a life changing gift. Needless to say I wouldn't hesitate to do it again.

Thank you for sharing your story. I hope it's a comfort to know the diffirence your brother made to that families life.

Oh mrs b that made me well up. It seems strange to say what an amazing thing to do but I hope you understand what I'm trying (badly) to say.

I'm on the register as is my H. However I couldn't tell you whether or not any of the rest of my family are.

I just got a little tear in my eye reading that mrs.

I am on the thing as I selected it when I did my driving license. As far as I know H is too. I don't mind what anyone has of me. My mum though is adamant nobody gets her eyes!

CILLA-really sorry to hear about your brother, I know exactly what your feeling sending massive hugs.

2b-MrsB-like mini said thank you for sharing your story thought it was very brave of you. Sorry you've had a crap time of it last year too. Sending you massive hugs also.

xx

I am on the organ donation register and have been since I was about 16. I also give blood and am on the bone marrow register. The way I see it is that I have no need for my body once I am gone so I am happy for any of it to be used. My H on the other hand is not on the register and I struggle with this. I appreciate that it is his decision and I respect that, but I don't agree with it.

Didn't mind sharing my story, I know my opinion on the matter has become strengthened by the experience itself.

On the matter of donating eyes, I totally get that and we couldn't bring ourselves to give our consent for either my brother or aunt. Not quite sure why but ther eyes felt too personal a thing to donate to another person IYKWIM !

H3LEN - Thanks for the hugs and thankfully the year wasn't all bad I did manage to get married and have a great honeymoon. ?

I am and so is Mr RK - but the dr told us recently that all the drugs he is on means he wouldn't be a suitable candidate for most organs - I understand that. I think he said that he could still donate something bone related - I wish I could remember what it was but it's all a bit blurry.

?

I never used to be until about 3 years ago when one of my best friends was diagnosed with acute kidney failure and needed two new kidneys as well as a pancreas. Luckily she got the organs she needed but not until Christmas just gone. I dont give blood because I am so phobbis of needles I practically pass out at the sight of them, god help me if I ever get pregnant! OH is on the list but isnt allowed to give blood.