Inspired to donate

[cindiedunkley]

I have signed on to the transplant register today after being inspired by the Jeremy Vine Show. I never considered it before but I intend to recycle myself as much as possible. I think I need to put a tattoo near my liver area with a health warning that it is 90pc Chardonnay. If the transplant people get enough publicity then there should be an increase in people signing up for organ donation and the current debate debate will become moot. I do hope other people have been inspired.

[321hds]

Any one else want to join in?

www.uktransplant.org.uk/ukt/how_to_become_a_donor/registration/consent.jsp (https://www.uktransplant.org.uk/ukt/how_to_become_a_donor/registration/consent.jsp)

[Eels100]

Well done! It's SO easy to join too - these days it's even an option when you apply for a driving licence. It's scary that so many people theoretically want to be donors but never discuss it with their next of kin, who have to be the ones who make that final decision at the moment. It's a real stumbling block for the transplant service, and so difficult for the nurses and doctors who have to guide the families into making what they feel is the right choice for their loved one at such a traumatic time.

To be honest, any sort of debate on this issue is a welcome one if only to raise awareness and encourage people to do as you have done. Personally I think an 'opt out' system is far preferable, given that we would all still have the right to choose not to donate and put simply these organs are going to waste otherwise. But whatever people's feelings are, I think the publicity is fantastic and just think of all the lives that have been saved or extended as a result of this debate - not just those awaiting organs but their families and loved ones too.

[Justie]

thanks I keep meaning to add my details and have now done so - I've carried a card for years and my family know my wishes but it doesn't hurt to make sure my names on the list too.

Personally I prefer an 'opt in' system (as grieving families have rights too imo) but I agree any debate and awareness-raising of it is a good thing.

[mel_233]

Hi
This is my first post here and have read through all the arguments for and against the opt-out proposed organ-donating system on several postings on this site.

I guess I am biased because I received a heart transplant 3 years ago last May. I only had a few weeks to live when given my chance of life. I am now back from being bed-ridden to leading a normal useful life once more.

I was not on the organ donor register before needing my transplant. Not because I disagreed with this but like so many, ‘never got around to it’. This is where the Opt-out system benefits. Surveys show that about 70-80% of ppl would donate but only a minority ever get around to it.

In the proposed new system if you disagree to being a donor then just ‘Opt-out’. OK so it may be a bit of bother but look how many lives the system will save. Once opted out you are ‘safe’ if that is how some ppl might see it.

I do think though that all the ppl against giving their organs or there loved ones organs after their death would not hesitate for one minute to receive an organ themselves that will save them and give them many years of useful life. I know this to be true, as when asked to give my consent to receiving a new heart I didn’t have to think twice! Accept the heart or die!
So.. if a person is prepared to receive which there is a very high chance they would if necessary, then please be prepared to give.

The question of how donation effects families can be debatable but until a family has gone through this they will never know. I have spoken to my donors husband by letter and he said his wife discussed this beforehand and made it clear she wanted her organs to be donated and did indeed carry a card. He said the donation of his wifes organs made losing his wife that little bit more bearable knowing that her life was not completely wasted but has given others who was about to lose theirs the chance of life.
More of his family have become donors too along with my family.

No matter how much this is debated, It is only until a person is in ‘that position’ that they will really know how they will feel.

Take care all of you and appreciate the life you now enjoy. Mel

[belfastgirl23]

I had a meeting a while back with someone awaiting kidney transplant and came straight back and signed the donor website. I hadn't known how difficult and potentially dangerous the dialysis process was until then. Nor had I ever paused to think how much it would impact on your life having to be sat in hospital for four hours at a time several times a week. Arrangements are pretty inflexible too so making arrangements to go away for work or on a holiday is very difficult as well. I do really think it should be an opt out rather than opt in system!

[andipandi]

yes i would like to sign up but not sure what i would leave would be worth having(seriously)

[Littlebean]

I just signed up too - takes 2mins to do. I have an old battered organ donation card in my purse that I've had since student days but the idea of a central online register is a great idea. I'll be telling all my work colleagues about it today. Personally I fully support the 'opt-out' system which has been proposed. I work in the NHS and see the impact that long-term dialysis has on patients lives and that of their families. I'm sure that anyone whose spent time on a dialysis ward would willing donate a kidney after their death. If you are willing to receive an organ should you become ill, you should be prepared to donate also IMHO.