Helping others is always a gift. Doing something kind for others can make you feel good, especially if it fundamentally improves their lives. Organ donation is a great way to change someone’s destiny, but not everyone understands how the process works. See these organ donation myths to learn the truth about donating your organs to someone in need after you die.
1. An organ donor can only save one person
It’s easy to think that one person’s organs can only help another person. If you think no more people will need your organs after you pass away, you probably won’t sign up.
The fact is that when a donor dies, their organs can save the lives of up to eight people and help an additional 75 people. Experts drive or fly eligible organs to local people in need and those waiting for donors across the country.
2. Airborne organ delivery exposes them to radiation
Pilots have been transporting organs to recipients. Most organs only last six to ten hours outside the body, so the flight is rapid. It is also thought that these organs are exposed to radiation, as a very small amount of radiation enters every aircraft in the sky. Planes fly closer to the sun, so more radiation passes through windows and walls.
The good news is that flight organ experts around the world know about this minimal amount of radiation. They protect each organ with specific packaging to protect it from external factors. The radiation is very small and flying is safe whether your organs are inside your body or in the procurement package.
3. Disease disqualifies people from organ donation
Sometimes people think you can’t donate your organs if you’re sick. Although certain medical conditions can affect which organs you can donate, they may not disqualify you from the donation process.
Cancer on your liver may prevent you from donating your liver after death, but that doesn’t mean your heart can’t help someone in need. If you’re concerned about staying healthy for organ donation purposes, remember that lifelong habits can also pose a threat to your body’s vitality.
People who smoke throughout adulthood continue to inflame blood vessels and may damage them after donation. You can always talk with your doctor about your current lifestyle choices and how they can be improved to support your ultimate organ donation goals.
4. Doctors don’t try to save organ donors
Doctors help people get well and stay healthy every day. Traditional treatments and advanced testing can reveal the genetic likelihood of a specific disease, making it easier for individuals to care for themselves. Their organ donation status does not affect how much help doctors can provide to their patients.
Medical professionals will not leave you to die if you sign up for organ donation and then do poorly at their hospital. Their goal is to save every patient. The only thing stopping them from saving your life is you signing a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) form.
5. Family members pay for organs donated by their loved ones
Organ donation is altruistic, but surgeons still have to transfer the organs from one person to another. One might assume that the organ donor’s family pays the price. Thankfully, that’s not the case.
When a loved one donates their organs, the family receives no bill. The recipient and his or her health insurance company pay for the service. When you decide to become an organ donor, you don’t have to worry about your family’s financial situation.
6. Organs are eligible for donation, but tissues are not.
The term “organ donor” can be a bit misleading. This might make you imagine surgeons removing your heart, kidneys, or lungs to help someone in need. While these well-known organs are an important part of the donation process, tissue is equally important in providing for those on the waiting list.
Tissue donation includes vital body parts such as corneas, blood vessels and even bones. Even if you can’t donate an eye or a heart, you can help someone regain their sight or improve their heart function.
Countering Organ Donation Myths with Facts
Organ donation myths are all too common. It’s a complex process that many people don’t quite understand, but it’s easy to debunk these misconceptions. Keep this information in mind when you decide to become a donor or talk to others who may also want to voluntarily donate their bodies after death. You will feel more confident in your decisions.
