Im too scared to be an organ donor!?

Question

Hi,

I just checked out an oran donor site because I thought if I die, im not going to need my organs and it will save another persons life. So I got to the part where you fill in the details of your name and what you want to donate, which I said any organs or tissue that someone may need, but then all of a sudden I got really scared and backed out.. Now I feel so selfish because I really want to do it. I know this sounds silly but I can't get the thought of it hurting out of my head. Dumb I know as I'll be dead and wont feel it...

I definatly want to do it but I just can't get these thoughts out of my head and Im also scared when I get the card I will be too scared to carry it around..

If I just say to my parents "When I die, I want to donate my organs" will this be the same as having a card because surely they can choose when im dead..

Im 17 by the way... x So please can I have some advice..

Thank you
Jade xx

I live in London where its all free health care... NHS

Answer 1

You can tell your parents, and since you're under 18 they will have to tell the doctors what to do with your body if you happen to not make it to 18 (but let's hope you do! :-)). The problem is that they might decide that they don't agree with what you want, and since you're underage, they have the final say. To make it more official, you can write your wishes down and sign it, have a witness sign it, and go over it with your parents. Keep it in a safe place.

When you turn 18, you might consider filling out advance directive forms. These allow you to specifically describe what you would like or not like done for you (i.e., a ventilator, a feeding tube, antibiotics, etc.) if you were to be unable to speak for yourself (like if you were in a coma), and you can write on them which organs you'd like to donate if you died. If you do this, it would be a good idea to send a copy to your doctor(s) and hospital.

That's very generous and thoughtful of you to want to donate your organs. But I understand that it is scary to really think about it. That's totally normal and ok. It will be your decision when you're 18 because it's your body, and if it takes a while for you to make that decision, that's ok too. You've got to make sure you're doing what feels right to you.

Answer 2

First, I don't know what website you were on, but, generally speaking, you shouldn't give any stranger or strange website your personal info, even if it's for a charitable cause (there is virtually nothing online that you can't do, more safely, in the "real" world). Likewise, you should not give your name on this or any similar website (most people won't believe it, anyway).

Second, although your motives seem altruistic and noble, you should discuss any major life (or otherwise) event with your parents, including, but certainly not limited to, organ donations. There could be religious, medical, or other reasons, of which you aren't aware, preventing you from donating organs, at least for the time being.

Third, in most US States and even in some foreign countries, people under a certain age (usually 18 or 21) cannot be designated as organ donors (at least not without parental or guardian consent), because, presumably, minors aren't aware of certain issues, such as the ones mentioned, above, so that may be a consideration, as well.

Answer 3

Once you turn 18, you can donate an organ. If it's a kidney, they can do it while you're alive. Any other organs can only be taken after death, or else the donation would kill you, such as a heart transplant. Kidney surgery is safe. They will take all of the necessary precautions to keep any bad thing from happening. You will have no pain because of anesthesia, and they put you to sleep. When you wake up, it will be like you took a long nap. You will not notice a difference in bodily funciton, because you will still have what it takes to function like before. For example, you only need one kidney to survive.

Answer 4

You should check with the laws in your state, but in some areas it won't matter (legally) if you signed your donor card or not. All the donor card does is tell other people "yes, I want to donate my organs". However, if you're under age, the physicians will still have to ask your parents (or other legal guardian) if they want to donate your organs. Having signed your card, or having expressed your wishes to your parents, can be a very helpful decision maker for your parents; but, ultimately it's up to them, as your legal guardian, to make the final decision.

Answer 5

You can let your parents know what your wishes are, but they don't have to honor them.

Most driver's licenses now have a box to mark on them if you want to be an organ donor. You don't have to specify what you are willing to donate, just check a box and don't think about it.

And it's alright that you freaked out. You're 17 and you just realized that you aren't going to be around forever.

Answer 6

Don't worry about it..I don't know about in The UK ,,but here when we get our drivers license..that's one of top question...do want to be a donor? and they put that info on the back of your license...so we have to carry that around, or you can get a ticket...I know it might feel weird .but you want even think about after a while..

Answer 7

when you get your drivers license they ask you if you want to be a organ donor and its printed on that. you dont have to go on line and sign up for anything

Answer 8

in australia, it is also on your drivers licence if you wish to donate organs.
but it is still up to your next of kin, so it is important that they know what your wishes are .

------If I just say to my parents "When I die,
I want to donate my organs" --------

that should be enough !!!!! if they were to respect your wishes , that is....