Transplant Needed

Submitted by lgunnoe on Sat, 02/26/2005 - 10:06pm

My FIL has just been added to the receipient-waiting list for a heart transplant.

I can't bring myself to pray for one, though, as it generally means that some otherwise healthy (probably much younger) person has had an untimely, tragic death.

I believe in organ donation, and have all papers on file and have had the conversations necessary for me to be an organ doner myself....but I just can't "wish" it...KWIM?

Prayers for FIL, DH, and all "future others" involved would be welcome.

Thanks, friends

Lenora

Think Good Thoughts for Me

Did you get any indication of

Submitted by heidic on Sun, 02/27/2005 - 3:51pm.

Did you get any indication of where he is on the waiting list? I too am an organ donor as stated on my driver's license. My family is aware as well. But I didn't know what other papers I needed to have??

Positive thoughts going his way.

Heidi

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I know Lenora

Submitted by Kerri on Sun, 02/27/2005 - 5:56pm.

I'm very glad that he one organ my mother needs - a kidney - doesn't require me to pray hard for someone's death!

but think of it this way... you aren't praying for someone's death... people die all the time anyway. What you're praying for is that someone who is going to die anyway has a suitable heart for your FIL. You're praying for the right match, not someone's death.

And I can pray for that with you Lenora. Also that the wait isn't too long because it drains the strength of everyone.

Kerri.

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You, your hubby, FIL and his family

Submitted by Jana on Sun, 02/27/2005 - 6:12pm.

are in my prayers. I second what Kerri said. We can pray that if people want to donate that they take the proper steps so that when it is their time someone else can live longer from their heart.

I know your feelings are mixed up and confusing. Not on one issue but on the other. This is a tough issue on all sides! It can be very stressful time for all families involved. My prayers are for everyone involved!

Jana

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((((hugs))))

Submitted by Honey on Mon, 02/28/2005 - 2:02am.

Lots of love to FIL and all of you, Lenora.

love, Honey xx

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Bring to light your wishes!

Submitted by Rooney on Mon, 02/28/2005 - 2:49am.

Your local hospital has paper work for living wills or advance directive.
Most advance directives contain a section about organ donation where you can express your wishes as to whether or not you want to donate your organs or tissues upon your death. But organ donors who do not have an advance directive also need a way to let their families and doctors know their wishes. Your family will ultimately decide whether or not to donate your organs. Being able to read your wishes about organ donation will make their decision-making much easier, but discussing your wishes with your family now is the best way to help them make this decision.
Please make sure you are registered, if you want to go on-line and do it here

This is not a flippant thing...as Kerri stated, people die all the time, to add to that; alot of them would have liked to donate, but never let anyone know.

AnneP.
A child enters your home and makes so much noise you can hardly stand it--then departs, leaving the house so quiet you think you'll go mad. -Dr. J.A. Holmes

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All of the world

Submitted by Candice on Tue, 03/15/2005 - 6:50pm.

In Australia, the organ transplant/donation issue is just so neglected. We also have licences that state whether or not a person wishes to donate, but should the worst happen all it takes is for the NOK to refuse the donation and all the plans have fallen apart. it really took until a very very high profile celebrity died here that people really started to think about organ donation and make their wishes clear to their loved ones as well as on their licences.
Lenora, as an ICU nurse myself i know how difficult this time will be for both you and your family. My thoughts are with you at this time.

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Update

Submitted by lgunnoe on Tue, 03/15/2005 - 8:37pm.

After telling my FIL that he will not live without a heart transplant, a team of doctors has determined that he is NOT a viable candidate for a new heart after all...He is, of course looking for other opinions and options, but basicaly it doesn't look good.

Dh and I are trying to arrange a trip to see him, (DH and FIL are not close) and we both feel that "sooner" is better than "later," and certainly more purposeful that "after."

It is a sad and difficult situation. Thanks for caring!

Blessings,
Lenora
Love nurtures, develops, cares for,
Shelters, comforts, and makes a home for us.
~Laozi

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I'm sorry

Submitted by Becky on Tue, 03/15/2005 - 10:44pm.

Lenora, you should probably be able to get a compassionate plane fare if time is short, or even if it might be. DH and I got one last month from United when FIL had a heart attack and we wanted to go see him in the hospital, even though he ended up surviving and doing well so far.

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My thoughts are with you

Submitted by Candice on Thu, 03/17/2005 - 5:13pm.

Lenora, my best wishes are with you and your family and your FIL at this time. I hope things turn out ok and that a viable option can be found to at least assist your FIL in enlonging his life and its quality in the meantime. Prayers.

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Oh heck...

Submitted by Kerri on Thu, 03/17/2005 - 9:03pm.

did the doctors explain why your FIL isn't considered a viable candidate?? Is it anything he can hope to remedy??

I hope your DH and FIL, and the girls too, have a particularly meaningful visit. It's a lesson to all of us not to let things drag... as you say, 'after' is pointless.

Which reminds me... I got this Irish proverb in one of my many newsletters yesterday (they were all bloody Irish yesterday!):

Tis better to buy a small bouquet
And give to your friend this very day,
Than a bushel of roses white and red
To lay on his coffin after he's dead.

how's about we all try to mend a bridge today... as well as thinking of Lenora and her family.

Kerri.

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So sorry

Submitted by Honey on Sat, 03/19/2005 - 12:49pm.

I'm so sorry to hear this news, Lenora. Thinking of your FIL and all of you,

Honey xx

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Latest on FIL

Submitted by lgunnoe on Fri, 09/16/2005 - 2:34pm.

My FIL has held on longer than expected and his other health concerns were reduced enough for the medical teams to place him on the transplant list at the beginning of the summer at a priority of "1B" (lower than those at "1A."

In the last few days his condition has deteriorated so much that he is now at the top of the list but if he does not get a heart this week-end they will have to perform surgery to hook him to a mechanical heart pump...or he will die.

Please do whatever you do to connect with a higher power and petition that all works for the greatest good, and that all involved parties receive the maximum grace available from the universe.

Thanks

Blessings,
Lenora

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In my prayers {{{{}}}}

Submitted by Marlene on Fri, 09/16/2005 - 3:33pm.

Lenora, you and yours are in my prayers.
Marlene

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Candle lit

Submitted by Honey on Sat, 09/17/2005 - 11:58am.

and thinking good thoughts for your father in law and all the family.

Love
Honey xx

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Prayers said!

Submitted by Jana on Mon, 09/19/2005 - 7:54am.

Jana

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Candles burning

Submitted by Anhata on Mon, 09/19/2005 - 11:13pm.

I'm so sorry your family and your FIL are going through such a harrowing experience. I'm lighting a candle and praying for everything to work out for the greatest and highest good for all concerned.

Anhata
www.familynaturally.com
Your Family's General Store, Naturally

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Pray Harder...

Submitted by lgunnoe on Tue, 09/20/2005 - 1:13pm.

Tuesday, 5:07 EST: FIL is surgery right now...NOT with a heart...just trying to keep him alive long enough to get one. SIGH. It looks to be a long evening.

Blessings,
Lenora

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thinking of you, Lenora

Submitted by Lynn on Tue, 09/20/2005 - 1:22pm.

Lynn Siprelle, Editor

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prayers

Submitted by Andrea on Tue, 09/20/2005 - 4:30pm.

Lenora - My thoughts and prayers to you and your family - I hope your FIL will get through this ordeal - Andrea

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Lenora

Submitted by jamielea on Wed, 09/21/2005 - 2:06pm.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family tonight.

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Update

Submitted by lgunnoe on Mon, 10/03/2005 - 4:15pm.

FIL was put on a mechanical heart pump (9/20) in the hopes that it would keep him alive long enough for a transplant. On Thursday (9/29) he was put on a ventilator, as well. Today (10/3) they have added dialysis due to kidney failure, and it looks like his liver is shutting down, too.

We are just waiting.

SIL is there, and on Saturday she felt like FIL was conscious enought to know she was there, so that helps.

Thanks for your prayers and warm thoughts, friends...they do wonders for my soul.

Blessings,
Lenora

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Oh Lenora

Submitted by Lynn on Mon, 10/03/2005 - 7:33pm.

So sorry. May his passing be gentle and may you all be there for each other.

Lynn Siprelle, Editor

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So sorry

Submitted by Andrea on Tue, 10/04/2005 - 2:19am.

So sorry to hear this Lenora - blessings upon him and all of your family.
Andrea

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tough times

Submitted by Kerri on Tue, 10/04/2005 - 2:51am.

it sounds like the best you can really hope for now is that he passes quickly and without further discomfort. Must be very hard for all of you to see the deterioration - hang in there.

Kerri.