General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I can't believe this: To get on Heart Transplant list, one needs to be nicotine free 6 months. [View all]IdaBriggs
(10,559 posts)Taking the source for what it is worth (I think it was "Scrubs"?) the surgeon (actor) talked about the challenge of actually *living* with an organ transplant and how they needed to be absolutely sure the patients were committed/capable of the level of self discipline required to ensure success. There are lots of reasons people make "bad" decisions like smoking, or alcohol/drug abuse, but at the end of the day, if you won't do what the doctors tell you ("DON'T DO THESE THINGS!" odds are good you probably won't be diligent about obeying the rest of their rules either (which are apparently necessary for success).
The surgeon/actor considered it a duty to honor the gift being given by making sure it went to someone who wouldn't take it for granted, and would obey the rules/do everything possible to increase the odds of success.
That was the reasoning used on the show anyway, and sadly I think it was a pretty realistic analysis. Maybe someday when organs are available for anyone who needs them, they won't have to be so strict about appraising the recipients.
I am sorry about your young friend. Odds are good she knew the rules long ago; I am sorry her choices have created the situation where she might not live to see her son grow up. It sounds like she was in denial about her situation / rebelling about it. Unfortunately...sigh.