What's with the title? It is triggered by a post made by blogpal LBJ last week.
Medical donation of one's bodily fluids and parts is a noble thing. It is something I have always believed to be worthwhile - even before the Maestro arrived with all her attendant health troubles and the anxious wait for a donated kidney. That kidney, which has played a large part in extending her life-expectancy by a very considerable margin, is now showing signs of getting past it's own use-by date...
You'll recall a few weeks back I wrote of the burden of mis-health my own body has placed upon life. Before transferring to OZ, during the time when I was still adjusting to the diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis, there was a major campaign by the Red Cross for blood donations. They were specifically targeting the Universities at the time, and all the employees were encouraged by central admin to set an example for the students. Along I went with a couple of colleagues, all unsuspecting. I quite naturally owned up on the waiver form that the RA was present.
They wouldn't even take a swatch of my blood to test for viability. I explained that I was not on any of the expected drugs and that even the aspirin had been stopped for a while. No go. To console me, they still gave me tea and biscuits!
When I got to OZ, there came a time when I thought to have another go at offering myself to the vampires. It was before my lapse into the CFS. However, despite some differences Down Under, they still discouraged donation. On my Aussie driver's licence, I had indicated myself as an organ donor... after that rejection I began to wonder and it was barely nine months later that I had the whole CFS discovery, confirming my organs were not in such good shape either; so had to also withdraw that support. Indeed, at one point, there were hints that I might be on the receiving rather than giving end of donation! Thankfully that has been avoided. However it got me to thinking very deeply on the matter.
I discovered that, for myself, I was very accepting of the fact the body is simply my vehicle for this life and I have no particular desire to stick spare parts or lubricant into it. If it can't be fixed by non-invasive means, then it isn't meant to be fixed and one accepts the inevitable decrepitude. Remember, this was all happening at the same time as alternative (and sometimes quite mysterious) healing methodologies were making themselves known to me. Always inclined to what others have labelled as stoicism (and I just call mind over matter), even my philosophical researches were leading me towards minimal intervention. However, I am also very clear that, whilst I may not wish for surgical adjustments myself, there are many who do - or their families do on their behalf - and this is their Nature-given right. For that reason, I still believe that donation is a praise-worthy cause. I encourage you all to think on the matter and what (and how much) you can give of yourself in this way. It can be the difference in a life.
It might be the difference in the Maestro's life... Please; if you can, do.
Medical donation of one's bodily fluids and parts is a noble thing. It is something I have always believed to be worthwhile - even before the Maestro arrived with all her attendant health troubles and the anxious wait for a donated kidney. That kidney, which has played a large part in extending her life-expectancy by a very considerable margin, is now showing signs of getting past it's own use-by date...
You'll recall a few weeks back I wrote of the burden of mis-health my own body has placed upon life. Before transferring to OZ, during the time when I was still adjusting to the diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis, there was a major campaign by the Red Cross for blood donations. They were specifically targeting the Universities at the time, and all the employees were encouraged by central admin to set an example for the students. Along I went with a couple of colleagues, all unsuspecting. I quite naturally owned up on the waiver form that the RA was present.
When I got to OZ, there came a time when I thought to have another go at offering myself to the vampires. It was before my lapse into the CFS. However, despite some differences Down Under, they still discouraged donation. On my Aussie driver's licence, I had indicated myself as an organ donor... after that rejection I began to wonder and it was barely nine months later that I had the whole CFS discovery, confirming my organs were not in such good shape either; so had to also withdraw that support. Indeed, at one point, there were hints that I might be on the receiving rather than giving end of donation! Thankfully that has been avoided. However it got me to thinking very deeply on the matter.
I discovered that, for myself, I was very accepting of the fact the body is simply my vehicle for this life and I have no particular desire to stick spare parts or lubricant into it. If it can't be fixed by non-invasive means, then it isn't meant to be fixed and one accepts the inevitable decrepitude. Remember, this was all happening at the same time as alternative (and sometimes quite mysterious) healing methodologies were making themselves known to me. Always inclined to what others have labelled as stoicism (and I just call mind over matter), even my philosophical researches were leading me towards minimal intervention. However, I am also very clear that, whilst I may not wish for surgical adjustments myself, there are many who do - or their families do on their behalf - and this is their Nature-given right. For that reason, I still believe that donation is a praise-worthy cause. I encourage you all to think on the matter and what (and how much) you can give of yourself in this way. It can be the difference in a life.
It might be the difference in the Maestro's life... Please; if you can, do.
Organ donation is a gift to be applauded. I have been signed on for years and years, though my body is deteriorating apace and I believe I may now to reduced just to my corneas.
ReplyDeleteKnowing that I would be highly likely to opt for a donated organ if I needed it myself, I only think it right to sign myself on as an organ donor, although I could not bring myself to go as far as fellow blogger, Craig (the Hesitant Scotsman) who is in the process of beaming an altruistic kidney donor whilst alive and in good health. What a truly generous act that is.
ReplyDeleteGail.
Hari OM
DeleteOh yes, I occasionally drop over to Craig's bloggy and am aware of this offering he is making. It is quite possible my sister will be the only available donor for her daughter... each day is taken for what it offers, but had it not been for a donor 12 years past, the Maestro would not be with us, for sure.
Hope you are settling back well after your adventure! YAM xx
I got tested to be a marrow donor for someone I know but was not a match. I'll happily give up any parts I no longer need when I'm gone and am so glad others will do so as well. We never know when a family member might need a transplant.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
DeleteAbsolutely true - and thanks for providing a prompt - even if you didn't know it - bit like a "blog donation"! Yxx
I have it marked on my drivers license to be a donor. I used to give blood but no longer do.
ReplyDeleteI have low platelets, don't know if they would want my blood. and despite that my veins sometimes don't like to give it up. At one health fair at work they stuck me 9 times before they get anything to flow. Thank goodness they now just prick a finger
hugs
PugRanch Mom
Hari OM
DeleteThose who have given blood even once have done a great thing - those who give regularly are angels. There was news recently that researchers in UK are finding a possible method of creating blood from existing stocks and/or stem cells - and that is the positive side of science at work!!! Yxx
Sorry you can't help in the way you would like to, but you are raising awareness. (I am a huge fainter when giving blood, so it isn't something I can do. I support other people's decisions to donate organs).
ReplyDeleteHello, I have tried to donate a few times. It seems my blood does not want to leave my body, my veins usually collapse and or roll. :( At least I have tried. I do have that I am a organ donor on my drivers license. Enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteI have an organ donator passport (it's not marked on our driver licenses)... I can help someone in need and on the other side, something of me stays when I have to go...
ReplyDeleteHubby and I have had long conversations about quality of life and interventions.
ReplyDeleteI cannot give blood. I simply pass out, frequently, I recognize that!
Thank you for sharing your health journey. It is interesting to know what people are dealing with emotionally and physically, as well as mentally. You had a depth of spirit that shines in your work and play. hugs xx