Improperly Screened Organs in Donation

[girlunderglass]

In recent Long Island news, a young man whom died at the age of 15- thought to be caused by meningitis; had his organs donated as per request by his parents. They wanted something good to come from his premature death. Story Here

After an autopsy and his organs implanted on at least 4 known recipients, it was found that he died from a rare form of Lymphoma- which is a type of cancer that is very progressive.

Two recipients have died and the other two are struggling with their health after having the contaminated organs removed from their bodies.

As an organ recipient myself, I have thought of the possibilities involved in receiving a tainted organ and relied on the thoroughness of the medical profession to ensure that I have gotten a healthy organ. Yet, it is unsettling to think that I could have been one of those people who died or had to endure another surgery while my body is in a weakened state due to illness.

Meanwhile I feel for the family that lost their child and wanted to mark his passing with the gift of life for others. No parent should outlive a child and they carry much sorrow as it is. I also feel badly for the families of the recipients who lost their loved one in a time that they were given so much hope.

A new article now tells the story of one of the survivors of having received one of the tainted organs. I have to admit I'd feel the same as he does. He had been waiting 8 years for an organ. The order of receiving is compiled by medical necessity. He needed one, but was likely not a severe case.

What are your thoughts about this topic? Do you fell that the medical profession does all that they could to screen organs, blood and vessels harvested for the implantation in another?

[Gran Gran]

Frankly I had no idea that organs from donors dieing of other than accidental causes where used. I am not a doctor, but to me it seems risky...even if it was 'just/ meningitis.


So....on top of being sick they got even sicker....having 2 family members going through cancer treatment....that is ROUGH....

[CountessRachel]

Funny...I could have sworn meningitis was also highly contagious; even though I have been vaccinated for it, I still wouldn't accept an organ from a person that was presumed to die from meningitis. It's very disheartening to hear about those recipients of the tainted organs and I do believe, in most cases, organs do go through some intense screening.

Keep in mind tho, organs only last outside a living body for a very, very short period of time--even when put on ice. On top of that, you have so many waiting recipients who are desperate to get an organ and are willing to risk that the organ might not be 100% healthy.

I remember a while back, there was the issue of surgeons removing unqualified (deceased individuals who were not consenting donors') organs and implanting them in patients who couldn't afford the operation or didn't have the insurance OR they sold the organs on the black market and made a profit, and these organs were almost never screened for health issues. A very touchy subject that's a tad OT though...

[Atmos]

I second on Gran Gran's initial thought - I thought that they (legally) transplanted organs only from donors who died in an accident.

I never knew much about the magnitude and issues of organ donating until I watched a Nat Geo. Special with Lisa Ling investigating the underground market of "body brokers."

Organ transplants, as well as any type of surgery, are definitely always risky. The most you can do is get as much research of a situation as possible before undergoing surgery. And with organ transplants, knowing the condition of the organ to be recieved (and the donor) are key to being safe. But as CountessRachel already mentioned, many people wait years just to get an organ and when they do get that opportunity you only have so much time to react before the organ expires. I can't imagine how overwhelming that'd be.

[girlunderglass]

I agree with you all. I mean meningitis is pretty serious in itself- especially bacterial meningitis.

You are correct CR- organs only have X amount of time before they are unusable. My kidney came from a car accident victim. I am very grateful that he took the time and decided to check the little donor box on the backside of his drivers license. I am also very lucky that the kidney I have is in great health.

That's why this story really rattled my cage. When you're so sick that you require a new organ and waiting has become a bleak situation, you start preparing yourself to die. You make peace with your life and those around you. You walk with no regrets and muster up some bravery- because you have no other choice. You make sure every moment is worth your while; it might be one of your last. You tuck away your false hope when the phone rings.

And then to get that phone call- "Come to the hospital now. We have a donor for you."

You don't know whether to be relieved or scared. It's still surgery and any surgery comes with some sort of fear and uncertainty. And then you wake up and realize you're going to be alright.

I can not imagine having to go through all of that and then be told that the organ was bad- it needs to come out. Those people must have thought at first it was a cruel joke. And then two of them pass on from a disease that wasn't the one threatening their lives.

Just a horrible situation all around.