General Discussion

Texasgal

(17,037 posts)

176. I don't think most people know

Wed Dec 11, 2013, 10:02 PM

Dec 2013

what it even takes to GET on the transplant list in the first place.

The federal guideline exam is thousands of dollars and not available in many places, you have to travel for it! Many times to other states. It's no easy and not a financially viable choice for alot of people! Not only that but you are placed depending on your condition, that's after you've met all the financial requirements. And ALOT of insurance companies will not pay for that.

Alot of people just die. It's easier.

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I can't believe this: To get on Heart Transplant list, one needs to be nicotine free 6 months. [View all] FarPoint Dec 2013 OP

You know what I can't believe ? Bonx Dec 2013 #1

This is why they don't waste hearts on smokers: XemaSab Dec 2013 #61

Why can't alcoholics get a liver transplant? NYC_SKP Dec 2013 #136

Pretty much. Drunken Irishman Dec 2013 #178

Sorry to hear about that, DI. NYC_SKP Dec 2013 #179

Thanks... Drunken Irishman Dec 2013 #182

Yours is the answer to the question above. AuntFester Dec 2013 #63

Welcome to DU! BlueToTheBone Dec 2013 #181

SMoking makes the blood "stick" increasing chances of clot formation. SharonAnn Dec 2013 #113

And his cardiologist is doing this: Brigid Dec 2013 #127

If she changes her name to CHeney she can smoke during surgery elehhhhna Dec 2013 #2

Are you aware that Cheney waited far longer on the list than average? Ms. Toad Dec 2013 #158

i think there are many restrictions liked this because there are limited number of hearts available JI7 Dec 2013 #3

I understand.... FarPoint Dec 2013 #5

this may sound harsh and it probably is but i am very curious JI7 Dec 2013 #8

I think it is related to her poor social group. FarPoint Dec 2013 #17

either way it's sad for her daughter, i hope things still end up being ok JI7 Dec 2013 #33

I do not know if the 1 year old has the condition.... FarPoint Dec 2013 #35

I still don't think it's fair OwnedByCats Dec 2013 #140

When they are desperate for an organ, people can muster up all sorts of good behavior. Ms. Toad Dec 2013 #159

Yeah I understand that there are risks associated OwnedByCats Dec 2013 #160

That is the unfortunate reality with organ transplantation. Ms. Toad Dec 2013 #162

No...and I never asked. FarPoint Dec 2013 #57

It is very sad. But there are other young people waiting for hearts pnwmom Dec 2013 #54

It's not just the addiction. Smokers don't heal as well. Walk away Dec 2013 #60

It is sad, but not policy meant to be punitive, but to ensure such a rare & invaluable resource hlthe2b Dec 2013 #82

seems reasonable... handmade34 Dec 2013 #4

What is sad is that the girl did not avebury Dec 2013 #6

Youth has it's unfortunate characteristic of denials....we all have had our share... FarPoint Dec 2013 #9

You sound as though you are a disciple of "The Secret". TheDebbieDee Dec 2013 #15

if you throw a ball in the air it isn't a matter of "deserving" to have it fall on your head. KittyWampus Dec 2013 #29

What I believe in is the saying that those who do not avebury Dec 2013 #36

I do not see it as Karma, nor judging, it is simple mathematics and physiology Drahthaardogs Dec 2013 #51

LOL! JVS Dec 2013 #78

I wasn't endorsing The Secret either..... TheDebbieDee Dec 2013 #83

I agree with you completely. JVS Dec 2013 #85

Oh, well maybe I should have used bad vibes instead of bad karma..... TheDebbieDee Dec 2013 #87

The book does NOT say that people DESERVE bad things. Ino Dec 2013 #103

Whatever.............. TheDebbieDee Dec 2013 #107

What deserving recipient would see denied a transplant so that this woman could get one? Marr Dec 2013 #121

While the smoking probably didn't help matters, there's no indication it *caused* the condition. moriah Dec 2013 #133

According to what came out over the thread, avebury Dec 2013 #145

Wait! Her father dies of a cardiac problem Blanket Statements Dec 2013 #7

That is easy to say at the moment.... FarPoint Dec 2013 #10

I have no doubt that it is heartbreaking Blanket Statements Dec 2013 #14

She is a kid for cripes sake. Good grief. Mojorabbit Dec 2013 #12

21 is not a kid Blanket Statements Dec 2013 #16

Yes it is. Demit Dec 2013 #21

And unicorns are real Blanket Statements Dec 2013 #24

She's learning the hard way? Your compassion knows no bounds. nt babylonsister Dec 2013 #28

I feel bad for her but she put herself in this predicament Blanket Statements Dec 2013 #30

What are you, twenty-two? Demit Dec 2013 #69

So at what age should people be responsible for their choices in life? Blanket Statements Dec 2013 #76

I'll let you know when I get there. Chan790 Dec 2013 #96

When it comes to smoking 21 ChazII Dec 2013 #111

Except when you develop the habit in your OwnedByCats Dec 2013 #149

for some people, never Puzzledtraveller Dec 2013 #157

Spoken like a GOP committee chairman. n/t Comrade Grumpy Dec 2013 #77

Anyone Blanket Statements Dec 2013 #86

I find that worldview cold and a bit cruel. n/t Chan790 Dec 2013 #95

Who should be denied a heart so a girl Blanket Statements Dec 2013 #97

I know. I really do. The callousness of it irritates me. Chan790 Dec 2013 #105

I totally agree with you - I can't believe the remarks on this thread Samantha Dec 2013 #112

That's why she has been given six months fujiyama Dec 2013 #169

But it's not a punishment or judgement or anything, just basic medical triage. cemaphonic Dec 2013 #118

21 is plenty old enough to understand the dangers of smoking. Brigid Dec 2013 #130

From your description, it's clear you didn't start smoking b/c you found it unpleasant. Demit Dec 2013 #146

Everybody coughs and chokes on their first cigarette, that's nothing new OwnedByCats Dec 2013 #150

Um, yes it is. n t Mojorabbit Dec 2013 #23

Not in the real world Blanket Statements Dec 2013 #26

our brains are not fully developed until we're 25 dflprincess Dec 2013 #102

Soooo why is it legal to sell her cigs or booze? Blanket Statements Dec 2013 #126

Are you suggesting... Foolacious Dec 2013 #131

I'm not the one arguing a 21yr old is a kid Blanket Statements Dec 2013 #132

You must be the rare person who never made a stupid move when young dflprincess Dec 2013 #135

It's old enough to know smoking isn't smart when Blanket Statements Dec 2013 #137

She started smoking younger than 21 OwnedByCats Dec 2013 #148

Further down this thread it is avebury Dec 2013 #98

You should put that on a Hallmark card and send it to her to better assuage her discomfort. LanternWaste Dec 2013 #123

She's learning a lesson Blanket Statements Dec 2013 #125

I think if a little psychic birdie told her OwnedByCats Dec 2013 #147

No substance abuse beyond cigarettes malaise Dec 2013 #11

I understand.... FarPoint Dec 2013 #19

Well given the volume of propaganda she may have felt they were harmless malaise Dec 2013 #22

The Surgeon General's report about smoking SheilaT Dec 2013 #106

It's bad for you to eat too much sugar, fat and calories OwnedByCats Dec 2013 #153

No - they don't operate that way. Ms. Toad Dec 2013 #171

you will be rejected for smoking Cannibis, mitchtv Dec 2013 #187

LOL malaise Dec 2013 #188

You know what the irony is for me in all this? As a medical provider? Aristus Dec 2013 #13

That is a rationale.... FarPoint Dec 2013 #25

Nicotine is addictive, no? Gormy Cuss Dec 2013 #47

She has been treated for cardiac as a child FarPoint Dec 2013 #56

To some people, if a parent enforces discipline they are an authoritarian FrodosPet Dec 2013 #93

I started smoking when I was 14. Hardly an age to make rational decisions, Sheldon Cooper Dec 2013 #68

Many of my childhood friends had disabling respiratory conditions by their 40s. Gormy Cuss Dec 2013 #74

I did too and it took almost 40 years of trying to finally quit. Mojorabbit Dec 2013 #101

Nicotine has an effect on the vascular system. dballance Dec 2013 #18

I can accept that rationale much better. FarPoint Dec 2013 #27

Thanl you for a rational reason and for not blaming the victim csziggy Dec 2013 #55

I have a relative who needs a liver but he's an alcoholic. Nine Dec 2013 #20

Now I don't struggle with this guideline for the liver due to alcholol so much. FarPoint Dec 2013 #32

now you seem to be the one treating the restrictions as punitive magical thyme Dec 2013 #164

I can relate to this one. Bohunk68 Dec 2013 #70

Addiction of any kind is a terrible thing. Nine Dec 2013 #79

There is a reason the standards are high. They want those who have the best chance, and smokers are lostincalifornia Dec 2013 #31

Oh, I hope you are right about her survival. FarPoint Dec 2013 #34

I do too. There are inequities in the system, and we all have heard of those such as David Crosby lostincalifornia Dec 2013 #40

Yea...such individuals came to mind FarPoint Dec 2013 #45

As hard as it is for you to believe right now, this isn't a punitive measure riderinthestorm Dec 2013 #37

Whoa....that make so much sense! FarPoint Dec 2013 #42

Smoking babylonsister Dec 2013 #38

Hey DU'ers....I feel better now... FarPoint Dec 2013 #39

What a travesty CFLDem Dec 2013 #41

The post-op regimen is difficult enough without Ilsa Dec 2013 #43

Your right... FarPoint Dec 2013 #53

how long is the waiting list? 0rganism Dec 2013 #44

I sense if she gets thru the six months she indeed FarPoint Dec 2013 #49

well, the best of luck to her 0rganism Dec 2013 #52

The list isn't a queue. Ms. Toad Dec 2013 #172

That's awful LittleBlue Dec 2013 #46

It's sad, and a shitty situation. But it's logical. RedCappedBandit Dec 2013 #48

I can't believe tabasco Dec 2013 #50

I'm working on it. FarPoint Dec 2013 #59

Different transplant centers have different standards. pnwmom Dec 2013 #58

Thank you for the link.... FarPoint Dec 2013 #62

That is the one of three advantages people with resources have - Ms. Toad Dec 2013 #173

Oh...I don't know either FarPoint Dec 2013 #65

Liver transplants due to Cirrhosis Texasgal Dec 2013 #64

Oh my.... FarPoint Dec 2013 #66

He needs it badly Texasgal Dec 2013 #84

To be fair, I wouldn't accept a lung, kidney, or liver transplant. I did my own damage. FMalone Dec 2013 #67

Thing is many organ people Texasgal Dec 2013 #92

Yep. Ms. Toad Dec 2013 #174

I don't think most people know Texasgal Dec 2013 #176

I had a friend, age 72-74, who needed a lung transplant. lob1 Dec 2013 #71

I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. FarPoint Dec 2013 #73

Unfortunately, since the supply of organs is SheilaT Dec 2013 #108

That's what happened with my step dad RAFREE Dec 2013 #152

I remember this being discussed on a television show once. IdaBriggs Dec 2013 #72

Your right.... FarPoint Dec 2013 #75

no, no you don't 4 t 4 Dec 2013 #88

Some of us who have been sharing information Ms. Toad Dec 2013 #175

Can't she get a pacemaker or something short of a transplanted heart? JVS Dec 2013 #80

She already has a pacemaker and defibrillator. FarPoint Dec 2013 #91

She has a pacemaker and a defibrillator and just quit smoking 40 days ago??" tammywammy Dec 2013 #99

Its science. Nicotine is a risk factor. GeorgeGist Dec 2013 #81

I remember both my parents smoking as I grew up, littlewolf Dec 2013 #89

They should make an exception in this case. egduj Dec 2013 #90

Sad situation, but it's not an unreasonable standard. WillowTree Dec 2013 #94

Transplant organs are in short supply. You can't get one if you're trying to kill yourself. LeftyMom Dec 2013 #100

A thought...cigarettes are around $5 a pack, so a 2-pack a day smoker spends $300 a month. libdem4life Dec 2013 #104

It is amazing how much they cost. SheilaT Dec 2013 #109

Not so much necessarily Ino Dec 2013 #114

That much difference? Last time I almost passed out watcing somebody buying them in California libdem4life Dec 2013 #128

My friends made their own cigarettes Mariana Dec 2013 #138

My aunt starting smoking those OwnedByCats Dec 2013 #154

It's the transplant list in general. xmas74 Dec 2013 #110

There's another major reason for the prohibition that hasn't been mentioned yet. Xithras Dec 2013 #115

Your explanation OwnedByCats Dec 2013 #156

I'm a transplant nurse ismnotwasm Dec 2013 #116

Cigarette smoking causes heart disease in healthy hearts. I'm sorry, but that is a fact. Hekate Dec 2013 #117

There are similar standards in place for drinking and liver transplants in my country. sibelian Dec 2013 #119

Maybe instead of using this thread as yet another opportunity to shit on smokers SomethingFishy Dec 2013 #120

But how would that feed my sense of righteousness? Egalitarian Thug Dec 2013 #122

I assume you are referring to posthumous donations. I don't care to donate my heart totodeinhere Dec 2013 #139

It is possible to donate a portion of your liver dflprincess Dec 2013 #141

Thanks. I'll add that to my "learn something new every day" file. n/t totodeinhere Dec 2013 #143

Seriously? SomethingFishy Dec 2013 #155

Yes I did. Do you have a problem with that? n/t totodeinhere Dec 2013 #161

No not at all. Just confused as to why someone would think SomethingFishy Dec 2013 #165

I know you wouldn't advocate it, but there are moments.... moriah Dec 2013 #167

+1000 dflprincess Dec 2013 #142

There aren't enough hearts available for transplant . . . markpkessinger Dec 2013 #124

She is friggen 21 years old? HockeyMom Dec 2013 #129

Does it matter when she started? JustABozoOnThisBus Dec 2013 #134

Uh, actually, yeah, it does. Pack/years are how exposure is measured. moriah Dec 2013 #166

You're right. "Good on her" for quitting. JustABozoOnThisBus Dec 2013 #184

Thank you. moriah Dec 2013 #163

The Level RobinA Dec 2013 #144

Believe it. They already fredamae Dec 2013 #151

"MedCanna"? Medical Marijuana? JustABozoOnThisBus Dec 2013 #183

Under Fed Law fredamae Dec 2013 #186

You have to keep in mind that this rule isn't put in place for moralizing purposes fujiyama Dec 2013 #168

If we had an infinite supply of hearts, that would be unconscionable Recursion Dec 2013 #170

It's not that frightening Warpy Dec 2013 #177

They refused a friend of mine because he was gay. They did not say it that way, they said he led a appleannie1 Dec 2013 #180

Seems reasonable. A lifestyle change is a small price to pay for a second chance at life. n/t AngryOldDem Dec 2013 #185