August is known as Organ Donor Month. This is the time to reflect on becoming a potential donor by carrying a donor card. Although it might be seen as a small step, as an organ donor you have the honour of helping up to 50 people.

Currently there are thousands of patients in South Africa in desperate need of organ and/or tissue transplants. The sad news is that this need outweighs the availability. South Africa has only about 30,000 registered donors.

Who can be an organ donor?

    • Anyone under the age of 70 who is in good health
    • Anyone younger than 18 years will require parental permission.

Who cannot be a donor?

Any one of the following would disqualify a potential donor:

    • Death of unknown origin
    • Disease of the central nervous system
    • Hepatitis
    • HIV or sexually transmitted diseases.

Common excuses and myths that prevent people from becoming donors

Most of us are not donors because we have not given much thought to the topic. This is understandable as many people do not want to think about death while they are alive. The low number of donors can also be attributed to factors such as cultural beliefs, fear, misconceptions and lack of information about organ donation. It is therefore important to have a look at a few misconceptions.

Myth: I’m too old to donate. My organs will be of no use

Fact: Strict medical criteria, not age, are used to decide on the suitability of an organ donor. Even people who are 65 years of age or older may be acceptable donors, particularly of corneas, skin and bone.

Myth: I’m actually not very healthy. Nobody would want my organs or tissues

Fact: Very few medical conditions automatically disqualify you from donating organs. It may turn out that some organs are not suitable for transplantation, but other organs and tissues may be fine. It is also reassuring that not all cancers prevent you from donating.

Myth: What if I’m not really dead when they sign my death certificate?

Fact: It is only in movies and fiction books that people start to wiggle their toes after they’re declared dead. Brain death has to be certified by two independent doctors. People who have agreed to organ donation are given more tests to determine that they’re truly dead than are those who haven’t agreed to organ donation.

Myth: Organ donation means my body will be butchered

Fact: The utmost respect and dignity is given to the donor at all times. Donor organs and tissues are removed surgically and the donor’s body is closed, as in any surgery, leaving no outward signs of organ donation. Organ donation will not affect a funeral viewing.

Myth: My religion will object to transplantation

Fact: All organised religions support donation as it is consistent with life preservation. If you are unsure, you should talk to your spiritual leader.

Myth: The transplant patient and family will know I was the donor

Fact: Confidentiality is always maintained. Information about the donor will only be released if the family that donated requests the release.

Myth: I do not have enough financial funds to sign up as an organ/tissue donor

Fact: It costs nothing to sign up as an organ donor.

Myth: I heard that they take everything, even if I only want to donate my eyes

Fact: You may specify which organs you want donated. Your wishes will be followed. It is important to inform your family which organs/tissue you do not wish to donate.

Myth: My family cannot afford to pay for the cost of donation

Fact: The hospital or state will cover all medical expenses from the moment of diagnosis of brain death and when your family has given consent for the removal of organs/tissue.

Myth: I don’t want this donor thing to delay the funeral

Fact: Everything has to be done very quickly to improve the chances of success. The entire procedure should be completed within twelve hours.

Myth: Somebody told me I will not be able to change my mind

Fact: You can change your mind at any time. Simply tear up your organ donor card and remove your sticker from your ID document and driver’s license. Please inform your family that you no longer wish to be an organ donor.

I am ready to sign up to become a donor. How do I do it?

You can become a donor in three easy steps:

    • Talk to your family. Inform them of your decision to become an organ donor. You need to tell your family what your wishes are because they will be asked to confirm them after your death. It is best to draw up a living will in which you write down your wish to donate. Give your spouse and each of your children a copy.
    • Contact the Organ Donor Foundation – call their toll-free line on 0800 22 66 11. They will send you an organ donor card to carry in your wallet and organ donor stickers for your ID book and driver’s licence.
    • Get an organ donor bracelet, necklace or disc from Medic Alert. Call them on 0861 11 29 79 or visit www.medicalert.co.za.

 

Sources

http://www.bizcommunity.com/. August is Organ Donor Month
http://www.giveandletlive.co.uk/. Facts about donation
http://www.health24.com/Medical/. FAQ about organ donation in SA
http://www.mayoclinic.org/. Organ donation: Don’t let these myths confuse you
http://www.unckidneycenter.org/. 25 Facts about Organ Donation and Transplantation