Organ "donation"

[KC0VWU]

I think that if someone dies and their organs are harvested, their family ought to receive some sort of compensation. Why? Look at the facts...

All of the doctors will get paid.
All of the nurses will get paid.
All of the hospitals will get paid.
The company that did the harvesting will get paid as will its technicians. (This is often done by private firms btw.)
Even the courier service that transports the organs will get paid.

Everyone, and I mean everyone, gets paid and usually it is handsomely. Everyone that is except the organ donor's family - they get nothing. For some reason, that is "wrong."

I would change my mind if everyone along the way donated their services too so that the entire procedure was free. It's good enough for the organ donor's family, why not everyone else?

[KW4MW]

If organs harvested from a deceased relative are used to save or improve the life of another individual that, to me anyway, is just compensation.

It is comforting to the deceased family to know that in spite of their losing a loved one his or her gift has made someone else's life more pleasant. #

There are some things in this world that you can't put a price on, nor should you.

[kc7jty]

Same with blood. When the hospitals and doctors start donating their services that's when I'll donate blood.

[ka5piu]

Hello.

I have that type of blood that is all but immune to AIDS.
Yes, I can contract HIV, but it is very unlikely that I would suffer any ill effects, I would become a carrier.
As I do not have this affliction I can donate blood and bone marrow.
This is used to cure HIV in newborns or can be used to put AIDS in remission in an adult.
There are MD's who will tell you that this is all done for free, but I can tell you flat out that I can make a quick 2 grand in one hour.
Why, because somebody who is dying of AIDS will pay a few grand for an extra year of quality life.
Look at Micky Mantle, that was the worst choice for organ donation, a history of massive alcohol use as well as adiction to a cocktail of drugs and his advanced age.
But, the medical community did everything short of ripping organs from the living to keep him alive.
Fame and fortune, that is the issue.

[KC0VWU]

Quote[/b] (KW4MW @ May 19 2007,22:06)]There are some things in this world that you can't put a price on, nor should you.
The entire medical industry might disagree with you on that one.

[KC0VWU]

Quote[/b] (kc7jty @ May 19 2007,22:14)]Same with blood. When the hospitals and doctors start donating their services that's when I'll donate blood.
Yup, couldn't agree more. The blood racket is probably worse in a lot of ways.

[WS2L]

That is why it is a "Donation", no expectation for compensation. If one of my family donated organs my compensation would be the knowledge that it helped several people have a chance at a longer life.

[n2nh]

Quote[/b] (WS2L @ May 21 2007,05:36)]That is why it is a "Donation", no expectation for compensation. If one of my family donated organs my compensation would be the knowledge that it helped several people have a chance at a longer life.
I agree with you to a point. If the most important part of the process is the organ being donated, why are all the doctors and companies associated with this becoming millionaires with OUR organs?

And yes Virginia, there are allegedly places in some countries where they rip the organs out of living people - usually convicts - to sell on the transplant market. Not a pretty picture.

[WS2L]

I agree that there is an organ black market probably even here in the USA. Doctors and Hospitals are obviously going to make money as they don't provide services for free. As far as a donation goes I see it at just that, a donation. Personally my thoughts would be with the person(s) who have another chance at a longer or better quality of life.

[VK3ZL]

You can have one of my kidneys or an eye or any other spare part of a pair of gizmo's I may have while I am alive.
When I am dead,well bugger off.I may need all my bits in the next life.

[KW4MW]

There is a point where you realize that there are more important things in your life than money. #To me, being able to do the right thing is much more gratifying than a large amount of money. #If it came right down to the nitty gritty to where you either had to donate a kidney for free or let some person die what would you do?

You're references to the doctors, medical companies, etc getting rich off of OUR organs speaks blatantly of class envy. #So what if they get rich? #They prepared themselves for their profession at great cost, you had or have the same option. #You're the guys that also bitch about CEO's making oodles of money, stock market gurus hauling in huge profits, etc. #yet any one of you, placed in the same position, would act exactly the same way. #

What you give out to the universe will come back to you multiplied. #If your miserable with the idea that someone is more successful or richer than you then you will just become more miserable. #Why don't you try being thankful that their are people out there that are willing to freely donate an organ? #Why don't you be thnkful that there are doctors out there that sacrificed six to eight years of their young lifes so that they could be caregivers and provide decent medical service to you and yours. #Is it too much to ask for them to receive just compensation for fixing your boo-boo or saving your life? #

It's just money guys. #There are things in this live that are way more important.

[kl7aj]

My organ makes a racket too. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[ve2nsm]

I think it's normal they get paid for doing THEIR JOB, it's not their responsability if you decided to donate your organs, their are doctor/nurses/technicians just working their shifts.

I think organ donation is a beautiful thing to do and as other have pointed out, the satisfaction of saving a life is priceless.

[KC0VWU]

Quote[/b] (ve2nsm @ May 20 2007,11:19)]I think organ donation is a beautiful thing to do and as other have pointed out, the satisfaction of saving a life is priceless.
That is exactly why transplants are free, right? Give me a break.

[KC0VWU]

Quote[/b] (KW4MW @ May 20 2007,08:24)]You're references to the doctors, medical companies, etc getting rich off of OUR organs speaks blatantly of class envy.
Ah okay so it is okay for a doctor to profit from a transplant but not the family of the organ donor? Nice double standard you have there.

[K0RGR]

Not all doctors get rich - some places make sure they are very well compensated, but not in a position where their medical judgements are affected by profit motives. The jokes about the doctors looking at surgery candidates as prospective Porsch payments don't apply to all.

At Mayo Clinic, all the doctors are salaried. Yes, some of them apparently draw 7-figure salaries, but none-the-less they are salaried.

I think this is becoming more the norm in HMO hospitals, too.

There's no argument that doctors deserve just compensation. Not only do they go through a training regimine that closely resembles Hell, they are not allowed the luxury of making many mistakes. In my work, I occasionally kill a 'patient'. That patient can always be rebuilt. Not so, a human mistake. Those have to be buried.

Yes, it's very important to remember that 50% of all doctors finished in the bottom half of their class, and that medical personnel only think they are God. I also think that we grant doctors a monopoly on delivering health care, and in return, they should be satisfied with 'just compensation'.
Nurse Practitioners should be allowed to take over the simpler cases, to reduce the load on our doctors.

[KI4PEQ]

Quote[/b] (KC0VWU @ May 21 2007,10:53)]Quote[/b] (KW4MW @ May 20 2007,08:24)]You're references to the doctors, medical companies, etc getting rich off of OUR organs speaks blatantly of class envy.
Ah okay so it is okay for a doctor to profit from a transplant but not the family of the organ donor? #Nice double standard you have there.
Sounds to me like you are a money grubbing bastage. I hope you never need a transplant, with your attitude, only the rich could get transplants, as the organs would be sold to the highest bidder.

[KC9JIQ]

Quote[/b] (KC0VWU @ May 21 2007,09:53)]Quote[/b] (KW4MW @ May 20 2007,08:24)]You're references to the doctors, medical companies, etc getting rich off of OUR organs speaks blatantly of class envy.
Ah okay so it is okay for a doctor to profit from a transplant but not the family of the organ donor? Nice double standard you have there.
Sounds to me he believes in the free enterprise,and free trade system.

BTW you can always go to CHINA to get your organs, they are bound to have a prisoner that is a perfect match.

[KF0RT]

Quote[/b] (KW4MW @ May 21 2007,07:24)]There is a point where you realize that there are more important things in your life than money. #To me, being able to do the right thing is much more gratifying than a large amount of money.
Quote[/b] ]Dear Abby,

Gas prices have increased roughly 30 cents per gallon in the last 3 months or so. At the same time my ExxonMobile shares (XOM) have increased about $10 a share in price or about 13.5% higher than their Feb price.

My dilemna is this: Should I feel guilty for being a capitalistic profiteer or should I feel good seeing my profits rise every week as I travel about the country in my gas guzzling SUV?

I guess that choice isn't always an easy one, eh? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

73, Rob

[KW4MW]

Quote[/b] (KF0RT @ May 21 2007,19:42)]Quote[/b] (KW4MW @ May 21 2007,07:24)]There is a point where you realize that there are more important things in your life than money. #To me, being able to do the right thing is much more gratifying than a large amount of money.
Quote[/b] ]Dear Abby,

Gas prices have increased roughly 30 cents per gallon in the last 3 months or so. #At the same time my ExxonMobile shares (XOM) have increased about $10 a share in price or about 13.5% higher than their Feb price. #

My dilemna is this: #Should I feel guilty for being a capitalistic profiteer or should I feel good seeing my profits rise every week as I travel about the country in my gas guzzling SUV?

I guess that choice isn't always an easy one, eh? # http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

73, Rob
I'm saving up to buy a new organ Rob! # http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[KC0VWU]

Quote[/b] (KI4PEQ @ May 20 2007,18:30)]Quote[/b] (KC0VWU @ May 21 2007,10:53)]Quote[/b] (KW4MW @ May 20 2007,08:24)]You're references to the doctors, medical companies, etc getting rich off of OUR organs speaks blatantly of class envy.
Ah okay so it is okay for a doctor to profit from a transplant but not the family of the organ donor? Nice double standard you have there.
Sounds to me like you are a money grubbing bastage. I hope you never need a transplant, with your attitude, only the rich could get transplants, as the organs would be sold to the highest bidder.
That's not the case at all, I just think (correctly) that the organ donor's family should receive some compensation OR the entire process should be done for free.

Please refrain from further personal attacks, I would hate to have to report you.

[ae5rc]

Well to each his own concerning this topic.

I received a kidney transplant 10 years ago. The donor was killed in a car wreck. She was hit by a drunk driver going back to college after a weekend home with her family. The drunk driver was not hurt at all in this wreck. I know this information because of my nurse transplant coordinator. Additionally, the young lady donated (aside from her kidneys) her liver, eyes to the eye bank, and her bone marrow. She impacted the lives of several people.

As for payment, my insurance paid the nearly $500K the surgery cost. I was fortunate. I went back to work after being on dialysis for 1 year and 3 months. I was on the list for approximately 5 months. I could never have paid everything my surgery cost. Thank goodness I worked and paid my share so insurance was an option to me.

The family did not get any money but they knew they raised a person who believed in more than the almighty dollar. Her character and caring was (apparently) amazing. I was not allowed to contact the family however my coordinator made sure my sentiments were passed along nevertheless.

Until you have been through this situation, you do not have a real appreciation for everything that goes along with it.

I am proud to say I support organ donation and transplantation. #Without it, I would either still be on dialysis or dead. I am a survivor and each day that goes by i am thankful for the "Gift of Life". Do not take it for granted and do not try and lessen the goodness of people of character and caring for others more than themselves.

[KC0VWU]

Quote[/b] (ae5rc @ May 20 2007,22:36)]I received a kidney transplant 10 years ago. The donor was killed in a car wreck. She was hit by a drunk driver going back to college after a weekend home with her family. The drunk driver was not hurt at all in this wreck.
It seems like that is always the case. The innocent person ends up dead and the drunk walks away from it.

[N4AUD]

I intend to remain an organ donor. Anyone can have any organs I've got when I'm done with them, and if it helps someone who really needs them, all the better.
I wouldn't want to deprive some poor soul in need because of the people who are making a profit. It wouldn't be the recipient's fault, would it?

[KC0VWU]

Quote[/b] (n4aud @ May 20 2007,23:57)]I intend to remain an organ donor. Anyone can have any organs I've got when I'm done with them, and if it helps someone who really needs them, all the better.
I wouldn't want to deprive some poor soul in need because of the people who are making a profit. It wouldn't be the recipient's fault, would it?
No but shouldn't your family get something out of the deal? Everyone else is.

[kc7jty]

There's a sucker born every minute. What does the voter get compared to the politician he elects?

[N4AUD]

Quote[/b] (KC0VWU @ May 22 2007,01:42)]Quote[/b] (n4aud @ May 20 2007,23:57)]I intend to remain an organ donor. Anyone can have any organs I've got when I'm done with them, and if it helps someone who really needs them, all the better.
I wouldn't want to deprive some poor soul in need because of the people who are making a profit. It wouldn't be the recipient's fault, would it?
No but shouldn't your family get something out of the deal? Everyone else is.
I wouldn't have a problem with it, but I can't see letting someone die because that's not the way it's currently done. I don't see why it is considered "bad form" except I do know of a few families that might off somebody for the bucks. There are a few in every community. That may explain the current system.

[N4AUD]

Quote[/b] (kc7jty @ May 22 2007,01:50)]There's a sucker born every minute. What does the voter get compared to the politician he elects?
The shaft?

[kc7jty]

Quote[/b] (n4aud @ May 21 2007,23:08)]The shaft?
you seem uncertain?

[N4AUD]

Quote[/b] (kc7jty @ May 22 2007,02:34)]Quote[/b] (n4aud @ May 21 2007,23:08)]The shaft?
you seem uncertain?
It's 2:30 AM. I'm not too certain of anything at this hour.

[KI4PEQ]

Quote[/b] (KC0VWU @ May 21 2007,21:30)]Quote[/b] (KI4PEQ @ May 20 2007,18:30)]Quote[/b] (KC0VWU @ May 21 2007,10:53)]Quote[/b] (KW4MW @ May 20 2007,08:24)]You're references to the doctors, medical companies, etc getting rich off of OUR organs speaks blatantly of class envy.
Ah okay so it is okay for a doctor to profit from a transplant but not the family of the organ donor? #Nice double standard you have there.
Sounds to me like you are a money grubbing bastage. I hope you never need a transplant, with your attitude, only the rich could get transplants, as the organs would be sold to the highest bidder.
That's not the case at all, I just think (correctly) that the organ donor's family should receive some compensation OR the entire process should be done for free.

Please refrain from further personal attacks, I would hate to have to report you.
So report me. I haven't been this scared since when, KINDERGARTEN?

[nx6d]

Quote[/b] (KI4PEQ @ May 22 2007,12:12)]Quote[/b] (KC0VWU @ May 21 2007,21:30)]Quote[/b] (KI4PEQ @ May 20 2007,18:30)]Quote[/b] (KC0VWU @ May 21 2007,10:53)]Quote[/b] (KW4MW @ May 20 2007,08:24)]You're references to the doctors, medical companies, etc getting rich off of OUR organs speaks blatantly of class envy.
Ah okay so it is okay for a doctor to profit from a transplant but not the family of the organ donor? #Nice double standard you have there.
Sounds to me like you are a money grubbing bastage. I hope you never need a transplant, with your attitude, only the rich could get transplants, as the organs would be sold to the highest bidder.
That's not the case at all, I just think (correctly) that the organ donor's family should receive some compensation OR the entire process should be done for free.

Please refrain from further personal attacks, I would hate to have to report you.
So report me. I haven't been this scared since when, KINDERGARTEN?
I guess you know all about free meds, don't you?

[KI4PEQ]

Quote[/b] (nx6d @ May 22 2007,14:27)]Quote[/b] (KI4PEQ @ May 22 2007,12:12)]Quote[/b] (KC0VWU @ May 21 2007,21:30)]Quote[/b] (KI4PEQ @ May 20 2007,18:30)]Quote[/b] (KC0VWU @ May 21 2007,10:53)]Quote[/b] (KW4MW @ May 20 2007,08:24)]You're references to the doctors, medical companies, etc getting rich off of OUR organs speaks blatantly of class envy.
Ah okay so it is okay for a doctor to profit from a transplant but not the family of the organ donor? #Nice double standard you have there.
Sounds to me like you are a money grubbing bastage. I hope you never need a transplant, with your attitude, only the rich could get transplants, as the organs would be sold to the highest bidder.
That's not the case at all, I just think (correctly) that the organ donor's family should receive some compensation OR the entire process should be done for free.

Please refrain from further personal attacks, I would hate to have to report you.
So report me. I haven't been this scared since when, KINDERGARTEN?
I guess you know all about free meds, don't you?
Yes, I do! All taken care of by the United States Air Force due to my faithful and steadfast service. Anything prescribed by my doctors that is not in the formulary costs me a measly $9 for a thirty day supply from my local pharmacy.

It is one of the perks of being retired military, along with space available overseas flights for $21 one way, and a serviceman's hotel room in Waikiki Beach with a view of the Pacific for only $56 a night, double occupancy. For a little more I can stay in the Bavarian Alps and go snow skiing. I can get a room on the Walt Disney World property in a hotel that is restricted to DoD patrons as well for about the same money, with discount park tickets to boot. #

And don't forget that tax free shopping for food, clothing, appliances, and gasoline that we military types get on base. Overseas I can even buy a CAR tax free and pick it up at the factory, and have it shipped home when I go back stateside! And my medical care? It's free for me, and only $500 a year for the rest of my family. If I were still on active duty my family would get free medical care too! Because of my disabled veterans status, my kids get a free college education in Florida, everything from tuition to books to room and board. Yes, we military types, active duty, Guard, Reserve, and retired are living the good life and socking away all that excessive pay and allowances that Uncle Sam provides. (Cough)

Why do I tell you this, Dave? Because you have shown that you are envious. I can only summize that you are jealous. I know that it really ticks you off. I know that you believe that all military personnel are leeches on the public purse, and if it were up to you, we would all be tossed out on our ass without a dime.

But it ISN'T up to you, thank God for that. I'll bet that these bennies we get really frost your naughty bits. Too bad. You want them, go to your recruiting station and volunteer. That is if you are young enough, moral enough, and fit enough.

Oh yeah, don't forget when you sign on the contract that the recruiter lies if he says you'll never be sent to war. To get all these great benefits, there is this nasty little part about having to carry a weapon, go into hostile territory when ordered without argument, and experience the chance of being captured, tortured, or killed. Don't like it after you are in the Army/Navy/Air Force/Marines/Coast Guard? You VOLUNTEERED! No one drafted you! You can't up and quit when the going gets tough for you. If you do, you go to prison and get a federal felony record.

I won't share any drugs with you, if that is the point of your asking. Get your own pharmacuticals. In Tulelake, it's as easy as going to your neighborhood drug dealer or next door neighbor. Probably one and the same. It being a small town and all you probably know him by name.

Back to the subject of transplants. I doubt I'll qualify for one due to the current state of my health. But the VA Medical Center in Birmingham is affiliated with one of the most prestigeous medical centers in the South, and they're in the same building. If they can help me, they'll let me know.

Have a fine Air Force day! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[N4AUD]

Back to the topic...If giving my organs to someone after I'm dead makes me a chump or sucker, oh well, I've been called worse. I'm still donating.

[kf6rdn]

Didja hear about the streaker in the church?

Yeah, they caught him by the organ!
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[n1ydx]

Golly Gee. My meds are $9.00 for a 90 day supply. Guess us Army guys got better bennies.

N1YDX - Lee

[w4rot]

I am an organ donor.
Whoever gets my liver will probably be really pissed off.
The eyes are good, especially the left one.
MakesureImdeadfirst,NC
rot

[N4AUD]

Quote[/b] (w4rot @ May 23 2007,22:49)]I am an organ donor.
Whoever gets my liver will probably be really pissed off.
The eyes are good, especially the left one.
MakesureImdeadfirst,NC
rot
It's kind of like giving a stranger your newspaper when you are finished reading it...and nobody's going to want my liver either. I've treated it rather harshly http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[G0GQK]

If anybody wants my organ after I've croaked they can have it !
It's always been too small anyway, perhaps I should have seriously read the spam mail !

G0GQK http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[n1ydx]

G0GQK
Quote[/b] ]If anybody wants my organ after I've croaked they can have it !
It's always been too small anyway, perhaps I should have seriously read the spam mail !

I guess mine would be like playing pool with a piece of cooked spagetti. No use donating it.

N1YDX - Lee

[k4avl]

I would propose that there be some sort of compensation in your own lifetime.
That if you give 10 pints of blood, if you ever need 1 pint in an emergency, the hospital bill would be free, same with organs, etc.

[WF7A]

I donate blood often at the blood bank, though they did raise an eyebrow once when I asked for a loan once. Anyway, with me riding a motorcycle and flying ultralights, I figure sooner or later I'll get my blood back, anyway...though the irony isn't lost on me: I'm a cynic at heart, yet my blood type is B(e)-positive. :S

I'm also an organ donor, but I figure anybody who ends up with my body parts won't live long, anyway, even though I don't smoke, drink, or live on high fructose corn syrup. The one item I still have to take care of is a DNR: a Do Not Resuscitate order. I figure that if I'm that bad a shape, let me go so The Wifoid can collect on my life insurance; I'm worth more dead than alive. :S

Wasn't it Tom Lehrer who said that he doesn't mind having flowers on his piano, but he'd rather have tulips on his organ? ;>

[n0jaa]

The only organ donation I am interested in is if someone donates a pipe organ to me that I can install in my house! #Anyone for a little Johann Sebastian Bach??

[WF7A]

Only if you're as good as Virgil Fox was. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[w4rot]

I have a lucky wart sitting dorsal on my pinky finger.
Will trade for 450 ohm feedline.
500 ft runs min.
Call me.
rot

[n0jaa]

Quote[/b] (WF7A @ May 25 2007,19:47)]Only if you're as good as Virgil Fox was. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
I'll be lucky if I could be 10% as good as Virgil Fox was!

[kd7msc]

Quote[/b] (kf6rdn @ May 23 2007,11:19)]Didja hear about the streaker in the church?

Yeah, they caught him by the organ!
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Hey John are you going to come to Oregon this year. Look us up if you are. 73, http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[kf6rdn]

Quote[/b] (kd7msc @ May 25 2007,16:42)]Quote[/b] (kf6rdn @ May 23 2007,11:19)]Didja hear about the streaker in the church?

Yeah, they caught him by the organ!
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Hey John are you going to come to Oregon this year. Look us up if you are. 73, http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Yes we are! Would love to, but yer up there in the cold North, my pack of reprobates, er family is down in Southern Oregon (near Grants pass).

[kb1oev]

Quote[/b] (WF7A @ May 24 2007,19:45)]The one item I still have to take care of is a DNR: a Do Not Resuscitate order.
FYI, DNR's are no longer used. The new document is called "Comfort Care". It details exactly what you do and don't want done. It also does not expire like DNR's did.

You may also want to look into a living will, DNR's/Comfort care only cover rescesitative efforts like CPR and defibrillation. (short term stuff) Living wills cover things like feeding tubes and ventilators. (long term stuff)

[k0dxc]

I too think that organ donors families should get paid.

[KA8DKT]

Quote[/b] (KW4MW @ May 20 2007,23:06)]If organs harvested from a deceased relative are used to save or improve the life of another individual that, to me anyway, is just compensation.

It is comforting to the deceased family to know that in spite of their losing a loved one his or her gift has made someone else's life more pleasant. #

There are some things in this world that you can't put a price on, nor should you.
I quite agree. Unfortunately, it is clear that a good number of people have found a way to profit from it. So, they should either share their profit with the donor's family or they should themselves volunteer their services.

-gary