My six year anniversary of transplant surgery

[RKEnnis]

This month, I'll be celebrating the six year anniversary of my life saving organ transplant surgery. I went home from the hospital the day before Thanksgiving six years ago. Since then, I've had even more reason to be thankful on Thanksgiving!

Interestingly, last weekend I saw a wing walking aerobatic team at the Wings Over Houston airshow. The pilot's life was ALSO saved by organ transplant six years ago. Check out the thread I posted in the Transportation section for more.

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...34#post1021434


And if you haven't already, please consider becoming an organ donor. It DOES save lives, and can be as easy as making a designation when renewing your driver's license, or filling out a donation card.

Thanks!

(I posted this in open talk, since some folks may not see my post in the transportation section. Hopefully it's ok to post both places.)

[tropicpine]

No need to wait until you renew your drivers license. This google search yeilded many organizations that will register you now.
Note: Be wary of supplying your Social Security or Drivers License number to any unknown entity. Check out these ORGANizations for yourself before providing sensitive information.

[janetg]

happy anniversary for sure!!

[jefft]

[QUOTE=tropicpine;1021526]No need to wait until you renew your drivers license. QUOTE]


I'm an ICU nurse and this is a common misconception. Texas DOES NOT register donors with their DL anymore. Donors need to go to this website:
https://www.donatelifetexas.org/TXDe...e/default.aspx
to register. They will be mailed a form that must be witnessed by 2 people and returned in a specific time frame. Once that form is returned, you're an organ donor.

[Imagebuffet]

[QUOTE=jefft;1021638]

Originally Posted by tropicpine

No need to wait until you renew your drivers license. QUOTE]


I'm an ICU nurse and this is a common misconception. Texas DOES NOT register donors with their DL anymore. Donors need to go to this website:
https://www.donatelifetexas.org/TXDe...e/default.aspx
to register. They will be mailed a form that must be witnessed by 2 people and returned in a specific time frame. Once that form is returned, you're an organ donor.

I don't know what you mean. I was just asked in June by the DL person if I wanted to be an organ donor, and I said I did. So, he marked it. It's right there, a red heart with the word, "donor" on the front of my driver's license.

[jefft]

If that's the case they have restarted the practice, because it was discontinued several years ago and I stand corrected.

If you sign up at the database your wishes will be carried out- family agreement or no. It's a binding legal document, which is why it needs to be witnessed by 2 people. I had my kids witness mine and have spoken openly and frankly with my family to avoid the tug of war I see way too often when a patient's stated desires are disregarded by family members who don't agree in emotionally trying times.

[RKEnnis]

I've seen reference on the web that mention registering as a donor in TX at the DMV. But it's sometimes hard to tell when web pages are out of date.

The link jefft provided would certainly be an easy and official way to register.

I know that registering as a donor can be a controversial choice, certainly some family members may not agree with the choice at first. With that said, making this choice is a very personal decision, which I believe should be proudly honored by family members.

Jeff, it's great that you've spoken openly with your family about your desires!

[staceylking]

Congrats on the anniversary! WOOOOOOO! We spent some time in the PICU when my daughter was two months old. Her heart was fortunately repairable, but the baby in the bed next to us was in bad shape waiting for a donor heart. I don't know if she ever got one. :(

Texas must have restarted the driver's license thing (YAY!); it wasn't an option when I renewed my license a few years ago--I asked and was told no.

I just registered on the Donate Life|Texas site, but it looks like I may not have to sign anything? I checked the electronic signature box.

YOUR ONLINE REGISTRATION HAS BEEN SUBMITTED. WITHIN TEN DAYS, YOU WILL RECEIVE A LETTER IN THE MAIL WITH YOUR DONOR CARD ATTACHED. YOU CAN DETACH THE DONOR ID CARD FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE LETTER.

YOU ARE NOW CONSIDERED AN ORGAN, TISSUE OR EYE DONOR AND YOUR NAME HAS BEEN PLACED IN THE DONOR REGISTRY.

[ggeen]

Back in May when I renewed my TxDL, the woman asked if I wanted to be a doner and I replied yes. A few weeks later, I had an organ donar card for my wallet. I renewed in Plano.

[mdurisseau]

I know it works...I'm a 22 year patient...

[RKEnnis]

Originally Posted by staceylking

I just registered on the Donate Life|Texas site, but it looks like I may not have to sign anything? I checked the electronic signature box.

Awesome! I'm so glad you signed up. :)

It's good to hear that is was so easy.