Myth 5: I could still be alive when they sign my death certificate.
Reality: This myth is an old one that cycles in and out of the tabloids every so often. The truth is not only are tests run to make sure a person is actually dead, but people who have signed up to be an organ donor receive many more tests than those who are not registered organ donors!
Myth 4: I’m too old to become an organ donor.
Reality: organ donation does not have any set age requirements. People as old as in their 80s have been successfully transplanted from. Any organ donation decisions should be discussed with your doctor before making any decisions on your own.
Myth3: Famous and/or wealthy people will go to the top of the list for organ donation.
Reality: This is another popular myth that many people assume to be true. Celebrities are treated no differently from anyone else. In fact, the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), the organization responsible for maintaining the national organ transplant network, subjects all celebrity transplants to an internal audit to make sure the organ allocation was appropriate.
Myth2: My poor health makes me automatically ineligible to become an organ donor
Reality: Very few medical conditions automatically disqualify you from donating organs. The decision to use an organ is based on strict medical criteria. It may turn out that certain organs are not suitable for transplantation, but other organs and tissues may be fine. Don’t disqualify yourself prematurely. Only medical professionals at the time of your death can determine whether your organs are suitable for transplantation.
Myth1: My religion prevents me from being an organ donor
Reality: Organ donation is consistent with the beliefs of most religions. This includes Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam and most branches of Judaism. If you’re unsure of or uncomfortable with your faith’s position on donation, ask a member of your clergy. Another option is to check the federal Web site OrganDonor.gov, which provides religious views on organ donation and transplantation by denomination.
I just wanted to comment on all of this together and say that I am a heart Transplant reciepent of 15 years in march,2011.I moved down here from Seattle,WA where I had my surgery at the age of nine. Dad is a retiree of the Air Force and picked South Carolina becuase of MUSC. I’ve been with them for 12 years going to the childrens side and now I’m on the adult side. The nurses and every doctor I have met have been sincerly nice to me. Heard on the radio today about the new heart monitor while waiting for a new heart and I think that’s amazing. March 9th is my anniversary, like to call it my re-birthday of 15 years and I’m excited about it. I wanted to share with everyone that miracles do happen. <3