By Ivey D.
Over the last several weeks, we have shared information relating to organ donation, and kidney disease in particular.
As a quick recap:
- Kidney disease is a leading cause of death in America
- Thirty-seven million Americans have kidney disease; 40% do not know it
- Diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity are leading causes of kidney disease. African Americans, Hispanics and Asian communities are most affected
- Twelve people die each day waiting for a kidney
You might know someone in your family who has had kidney disease. The treatments are either dialysis or transplant. Dialysis flushes and cleans the blood and fluids in your body, replacing kidney function, though not nearly as well. It is also an exhausting and time-consuming treatment.
Transplant is the best form of treatment and can possibly prevent dialysis altogether if the transplant is performed before needing dialysis. This typically happens with a living organ donor. Transplantation is not a cure. Many people need 2 or 3 transplants because issues occur with the new kidney.
We all can help decrease the number of people waiting for a kidney and deaths per year by becoming organ donors. I am a transplant recipient and am also a proud organ donor!
This is what will happen when I pass and want to donate my organs:
- EMS, doctors, and nurses will do everything they can to save my life.
- If stable, I am moved to the ICU unit where tests will be done to assess the damage to my brain and organs. The medical team continues advanced life-saving measures during the tests.
- If I have no brain activity and cannot breathe on my own, I may be declared brain dead. This happens if all blood flow to the brain has stopped which is determined by many tests. Organ donation is possible after brain death is confirmed.
- I am evaluated by an Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) qualified official to see if my organs are viable for donation and transplantation.
- My family is briefed by a doctor and a member of the OPO. If my family didn’t know that I am a Registered Organ Donor, they are told and a summary of the organ donation process is gone over.
- If I did not sign the organ donation registry at the time of my death, my family takes time to think and ask questions before they decide. The donation decision is easier if the family has previously discussed donation.
If I am approved to donate, a few weeks later, the OPO sends a letter to my family informing them of the organs transplanted. My name is not revealed to the recipient family.
As a recipient, I received this letter. I wrote to my donor family and did not provide my name, address or identifying personal information. I received two letters back, one from my donor’s father and one from her twin sister. They were such lovely letters and are extremely happy knowing their daughter/sister lives on in full and vibrant health!
Here is where to register in CT to become an organ donor: https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/licenses-permits-ids/become-organ-donor-. It can also be done when you renew your driver’s license.
If you are interested in registering to become an organ donor and you have an iPhone, you can do it on your phone using the Health app by registering with Donate Life America. If you later change your mind, you can simply remove your registration. Your decision to donate is accessible to others in your Medical ID.
If you would like more information, please contact us. We are happy to answer any questions. Lessons@freshgreenlight.com.
We hope this information has helped to educate you on the topic of organ donation. For more information about Fresh Green Light, go to www.freshgreenlight.com.
