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RHP

RHP User

F42

The Conversation We Have To Have

August 24 2018

A unsexy forum Two weeks go during MIFF , I unwittingly attended a screening of a Australian doco called "Dying to Live" about the lives of 7 potential organ transplant recipients in Australia, waiting patiently for donors. It wasn't a particular cheery subject matter and not a film I wanted to watch after a long day at work. After 90 minutes, I stood along with others, clapping, the film received a standing ovation It was heartbreaking, thought provoking, funny, intense, snaughable and has a twist you never see coming. A mega twist. My understanding is, it will be on general release in November I urge every Australian of eligible age to see it The stats as fed to us by the director who was at the film premiere, is that 8 out of 10 Australians strongly believe in organ donation yet only 36 percent are registered to do so. Here in Australia more than any other country in the world, we have the highest success rate of organ transplant. We have excellent doctors and nursing staff specifically trained in this field, with access to all the drugs required and the medical equipment etc and yet.. Most people believe that their wishes regarding potential donating is is attached to their drivers licences, its not. You must register your wishes at Donate Life a government program which takes only less than 3 minutes online to complete. It is attached to your Medicare card number We are the only country in the world that elects to "opt in" to this program. Whereabouts in other countries they have a "opt out" system, which has led to a higher rate of donating but they do not have the outstanding successes that we have Lobbyists are hoping that we too will embrace the "opt out" system in time As discussed, one of the most difficult jobs in the world is Transplant Co-Ordinator or, the person who approaches those family members of the deceased, requesting donation, knowing that even though the deceased may have requested their organs maybe used, their wishes can be over turned unless it is specially written in a will This film was subtitled: The conversation we have to have Have you had this conversation with your loved ones ? Your thoughts and views *MIFF: Melbourne International Film Festival Present at the film also was 5 out of the 7 recipients whose stories were shared on screen and the Q and A that followed was heart rendering, and joyful. It was a blessed night and yes I registered there and then as they gave out forms for us to complete if we were so moved. No regrets whatsoever and I was ashamed that I believed we had a opt out system via our drivers licence. I simply didn't know.

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Comments

  • jedi_knight

    jedi_knight

    7 years ago

    Awesome that you have highlighted this - so much important work often goes unnoticed! - Posted from rhpmobile

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  • DynamicCouple36

    DynamicCouple36

    7 years ago

    Not only in our previous country , of birth, but also here in Aus when we arrived several years ago . Have a card in our wallets. - Posted from rhpmobile

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  • RHP

    RHP User

    7 years ago

    Thanks so much Pipsqueak.Unexpected, because I wasn't expecting such a topic to be canvassed in this forum.Awesome, because it is such a great topic.Thanks for raising it. I will definitely be watching this when it is released.Cheers.

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  • boobsandbusted

    boobsandbusted

    7 years ago

    i thought i was already in ,but thanks pipsqueak i will double check to make sure ,can never have too many registered ,it’s a great cause and to be honest people ,you never know what’s down the track and you go from donor to recipient , mr b - Posted from rhpmobile

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  • egr2please69

    egr2please69

    7 years ago

    Been an organ donor for nearly 30 years now. Was one of those things I thought I needed to do when I was a teenager because you never know what bus is around which corner and I wanted to help as many people as I could if I checked out. While we are talking great causes, after you register to donate your organs feel free to talk to the red cross to donate some blood too. Its just as vital, if not more so to the living, if that's even possible. Just hope the goofballs we call our government will finally one day adopt the 'opt out' policy, with our success rate in organ transplants, so many more people will benefit. Big kudos to you Pipsqueak for bringing up such a wonderful topic, I hope it prompts this great community of people to add themselves onto the registry.

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  • RHP

    RHP User

    7 years ago

    That’s exactly what I was hoping for, awareness This forum is not about guilting anyone, your body, your life, your decision But if I can share my ignorance and others check like you just did, then yay And if just one person reads this forum, maybe sees the movie and thinks yeah I’m up for donation, triple bonus yay I’m blessed with good health myself but as you said, you just never know what your journey holds Thanks to those who have shared so far, and for those who are already registered, a big shout out to you :-)

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  • RHP

    RHP User

    7 years ago

    I went into this film ignorant and a bit ho hum. Within 90 minutes my whole attitude changed with the viewing of this heartwarming doco tackling such a sensitive issue, without drama, just real stories I’m so glad I saw it and it wasn’t morbid, far from it. It was moving, up lifting and funny, with a kicker twist. The power of docos It’s also important to note that people can still donate once they have passed away with bone, skin, cornea donation. You do not have to be a “living”donor to donate. There are a few options Unsexy subject, but such an important topic. One persons decision, can have a butterfly effect

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  • egr2please69

    egr2please69

    7 years ago

    Quoting 'pipsqueak' I went into this film ignorant and a bit ho hum. Within 90 minutes my whole attitude changed with the viewing of this heartwarming doco tackling such a sensitive issue, without drama, just real stories I’m so glad I saw it and it wasn’t morbid, far from it. It was moving, up lifting and funny, with a kicker twist. The power of docos It’s also important to note that people can still donate once they have passed away with bone, skin, cornea donation. You do not have to be a “living”donor to donate. There are a few options Unsexy subject, but such an important topic. One persons decision, can have a butterfly effect I saw something along the same lines when I was a teenager dealing with organ donation and realised that it could be so much more than a couple of organs. The amount of joy this amazing gift gives from something so tragic is truly breathtaking. That's why I have told my kids that if I was to pass that they are to help as many people as they can from whatever they can safely use as, funnily enough, I won't be using them anymore lol. To me its the ultimate 'pay it forward' for those less fortunate due to illnesses I see everyday at work.I hope this thread can spread awareness and ultimately more donors onto the registry from the kind hearted people in here. I know you are out there people, I have met some of you and you can't hide your warm hearted generosity from me lol

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  • MsSuperFoxy

    MsSuperFoxy

    7 years ago

    My father was an organ Donar. We received the call not long after he has passed away. We were honoured to be part of his discussion. Recently we were invited to a morning tea and meet with other families, whose loved ones also donated. I know someone out there is having a better quality of life, thanks to my dad. Ms Foxy

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  • RHP

    RHP User

    7 years ago

    That so fucking rocks

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  • RHP

    RHP User

    7 years ago

    That came out wrong. Not that your Dad passed but that he was a donor Aplologies if that came out wrong :( but I think you know :)

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  • RHP

    RHP User

    7 years ago

    Hi pipsqueak thanks for the post. It is indeed a very important subject. I haven't seen the movie but have already registered years ago and would encourage as many people to do so as well. I have the honour and privilege to work with a couple of charities one for children and see first hand how acts of kindness can change people's lives. I hope to be able to do the same when I am gone! - Posted from rhpmobile

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  • sugar_vanessa

    sugar_vanessa

    7 years ago

    With subjects like this every conversation matters! I often appreciate your posts and comments, they're mind-opening - Posted from rhpmobile

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  • SassyRascal

    SassyRascal

    7 years ago

    Have been registered for years and have my card. Just hope I don't wear everything out!!

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  • RHP

    RHP User

    7 years ago

    I figure, if something happens to me it's not as if I'm going to know anything about any of my bits that go to help someone else. Although I disagree on principle with having an opt-out process. I believe it is too easy for an opt-out process to be added to things that you don't want, or might not know about - MyHealthRecord being a perfect recent example. Far better would be for an opt-in card to be sent out with the AEC pack you get when turning 18, and also made available with your ballot papers at elections, which would remind the entire adult population on a regular basis. - Posted from rhpmobile

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  • RHP

    RHP User

    7 years ago

    I have been an organ donor for years. I work in the Medical field and am very aware of the needs. I also have a friend that has had a heart transplant and he simply would not be here today without it. If any of my family are undecided and it comes down to me i say "take everything you can use" Definitely think we should have the "opt out" version as there are simply too many people that are apathetic about so many things including organ donation.

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  • RHP

    RHP User

    7 years ago

    Great that you highlighted this, I did not realise I needed to add myself to a register!! It's in my will but obviously would never have known there was another step to it...thanks for the awareness - Posted from rhpmobile

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  • RHP

    RHP User

    7 years ago

    Exactly. I didn’t know about the register either till I saw the movie, thinking I had become a donor when it used to be linked to your drivers licence a few years ago. In SA it is stilllinked to the drivers licence but nowhere else The reason as explained by the director of the film why it now it comes under donate life, the federal gov programme, is that’s it’s now linked to the Medicare card. Even children have their own number on the Medicare card, 1, 2, 3 etc and sadly children pass and are able to be donors. By being linked to a drivers licence they excluded many potential donors donate life.gov.au The film also has its own website “dying to live.com.au” to checkout, with the doco being released in November 2018, in cinemas. 90 thought provoking minutes Thanks everyone for sharing x

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  • tcm70

    tcm70

    7 years ago

    I believe it is a topic that needs awareness raised, and this platform is as good as anywhere to do so. The more people that get on board, or are made aware of it, equals more chances of The conversation we need to have, being had. It is a very personal topic and everyone has their own right to decide what option they’d wish to take. I know religious reasons can apply and also think those religions need to have the conversation themselves. I do implore everyone to heed Pips instigation here and take action and spread the word. Personally I have lost 2 friends in ways related to this topic, one was due to religious reasons and passed away after an accident and the refusal to accept blood transfusions. Not so much organ related, but similiar. My other friend suffered from cystic fibrosis and was on the waiting list for a set of lungs the last few years of his life. He also had a rarer blood type, B+ I think it was, same as his attitude. So due to his blood type and the scarcity of donors, organs were even less available for him. Unfortunately a set did become available, he had to scramble to the hospital in preparation, tho it eventuated that the coroner withheld the organs due to some circumstances of the donors death. By the time the coroner was satisfied, the organs were no longer viable. That was about 18 years ago and if my friend had of received those lungs there is a fair possibility that he could still be with us today. I’m looking forward to the doco coming out. I will be watching it. Thank you Pipsqueak for raising this topic.

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  • aussian43

    aussian43

    7 years ago

    Thank you for this post. I have yes on my drivers licence, but had no idea i needed to register elsewhere. Will go do that now. - Posted from rhpmobile

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  • AKAHunk

    AKAHunk

    7 years ago

    Somebody joked with me back in my early twenties when I bought a motorcycle that I should be ready to donate my organs sooner rather than later, and it got me thinking. After I'm gone my organs are no good to anyone, but my organs are apparently in excellent condition, so there's no point letting them waste away in a cemetary when someone could be kept alive by donating them.

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  • OzRednecks

    OzRednecks

    7 years ago

    What a fantastic studject! As usual, the way you write is compelling, interesting and written with absolute profession. Are you a writer? I enjoy reading everything you write. I remember the days when donors had the stamp on their drivers licenses. I was one of them. I wasn't sure how to re-register and, to be honest, not something I think about every day. So thank you for this thread. I can see that you have changed people's lives already. You are a star!! I will be sure to post details of this doco on social media too. Let's spread the word!!!! Top job pipsqueak xxx

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  • RHP

    RHP User

    7 years ago

    For your positivity, for rechecking your donor status and for registering That’s just mind blowing and I’m chilled that everyone is responding I respect the fact that this is not for everyone and that is totally ok. Your body, your decision But if I can raise awareness, address ignorance or convert the ambivalent and one person goes with this , then I will be beyond thrilled And Thankyou Meander for keeping this vital message going on other social media platforms. I’m driving all my friends, colleagues and family mad too but the reality is this doco really got to me and I’m hoping when it’s released in November, it will get the media attention and public support it deserves Donate Life is not asking for money nor will they, as it’s a federal program, just a signature that could end up being the ultimate donation you will ever give Thankyou all again and if you get the op, please have the conversation

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  • RHP

    RHP User

    7 years ago

    These are convos we have to have Now years ago when I went away OS to work , I put my affairs in order, minimal cost and maximum relief, so all good there But reading your post now, I’m not as sorted as I thought. I have not heard of this Advance Health Directive but I’ve just googled it and will look into this now. Again not a sexy subject but man, how important is all of this ?

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