Organ Donation Explained: Things Every Individual Needs To Know!

Patients in need of organ donors often have to wait for years. For some, the story doesn’t always end on a good note. The number of organ donors in the US is pretty limited. Many patients often choose to write a letter to a donor family, expressing their gratitude. If you are considering the idea, you have to do your homework well and know the pros and cons.  You could choose to become a living donor or can agree to donate your organs after death.

Who can become a living donor?

Living donors need to be 18 years of age or older. They can choose to become a donor, if they are compatible with the patient being considered for implant. You need to share all the medical details, including history, with doctors, and must be in excellent health. People with certain diseases, such as hepatitis and HIV/AIDS, cannot become living organ donors. Multiple screenings are required for both the transparent candidate and donor, and the donor must know of the possible complications, which may arise in the future. Note that paying for organ donation is illegal.

Pros and cons of becoming an organ donor

Regardless of whether you want to become a living organ donor or want to donate your organs after death, you will have the satisfaction of saving a life. This could be for someone close to you, or sometimes a stranger you don’t know. While this is a major decision, people have saved lives of many patients after death by donating different organs, especially heart, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, skin and bones.

On the flip side, any kind of surgery, including organ donation, has complications. There could be serious consequences, which you need to be aware of. While healthy people don’t have much issues after giving a part of their pancreas, or one kidney, there are risks involved.

Final word

Get educated about being an organ donor. It is an important decision – One that shouldn’t be influenced by anything or anyone. Make sure that you have weighed the risk, especially if you want to become a living organ donor for someone you love. There are also other ways you can help patients and nonprofit organizations that are trying very hard to bridge gap. Volunteer, donate or just encourage others to become organ donors after death. Each step does matter, even if you cannot become a living organ donor.

Post Author: Ryan Luka