My sibling needs a kidney but he is addicted to pain pills and cigarettes?!
Question: My sibling needs a kidney but he is addicted to pain pills and cigarettes!?
I don't know what to do!. He had a heart attack at 36 and has been taking pain pills for 20 years!. His back is really bad!. He also smokes 2 packs a day!.
How can I put myself at risk for this!?
How can I not break his heart with my answer!? I am a strong Christian and need to be at peace with my decision but I don't know what to do!Www@Answer-Health@Com
How can I put myself at risk for this!?
How can I not break his heart with my answer!? I am a strong Christian and need to be at peace with my decision but I don't know what to do!Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
I could see thinking that way if he were doing something that was going to put him in an early grave, but pain pills will not kill him and smoking *may* kill him in 20-50 years!. Picture yourself standing at his grave a few years from now (and look at the yearly survival statistics for people on dialysis if you do not think that will happen), knowing that he would have lived many years more but for your inaction, and ask yourself whether you'll be able to justify his death to yourself, or to God!. I'm confident you'll make the right decision!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
I think you need to have a serious heart to heart conversation with him about it!. You have got to let him know that you love him enough to give him a part of you!.!.!.a kidney, but you are not willing to do it only to have him die of lung cancer or an overdose!.
I would also see if you, him and his doctor could have a visit where you discuss your concern for his medication use and smoking!.
I don't think there is any excuse for his smoking!.!.!.however, some people must take pain medication every day but they are not addicted, if you are taking it as your doctor prescribed it and not getting it from multiple doctors then I don't see the problem in it!. I have bad problems with my back and have to take a pain pill almost every day at some point, but I am taking them as prescribed!.
I will be praying for you and your brother and hope the best for both of you!. God will lead you to the right decisionWww@Answer-Health@Com
I would also see if you, him and his doctor could have a visit where you discuss your concern for his medication use and smoking!.
I don't think there is any excuse for his smoking!.!.!.however, some people must take pain medication every day but they are not addicted, if you are taking it as your doctor prescribed it and not getting it from multiple doctors then I don't see the problem in it!. I have bad problems with my back and have to take a pain pill almost every day at some point, but I am taking them as prescribed!.
I will be praying for you and your brother and hope the best for both of you!. God will lead you to the right decisionWww@Answer-Health@Com
You are right to have reservations about donating a kidney to someone who will then "throw it away!." Don't put yourself at risk unless your sibling is willing to clean up his/her act!. You can either communicate this with your sibling, or with his/her doctor!. A good doctor would be able to articulate your concerns well, and it would help take the focus off of your choice and place it on your sibling choices!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Hi, you are giving yourself a really hard time over this, be kinder to yourself!. Serious illness in a family is stressful and can become the focus of everyone's life, this makes decision making difficult!. Ask for help, you don't mention other family members who may support you!. Do you have a church leader who can help with spiritual guidance!? Perhaps a fact finding mission would help put the condition into perspective, arm yourself with all the information about kidney disease and the transplant process so you're not building up a monster in your imagination!. An organisation like Frank may be helpful if you need information about the drug addiction, 0800 77 66 00 or www!.talktofrank!.com!. I've never called them but I hear they are good!. Above all, remember you can't change the behaviour of others, its outside of your control, so handing back the responsibilty of the addiction to your brother may help lessen the burden!. I wish you all the very best with this difficult journey, please don't feel you have to make it alone, there is support out there!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
I did the bone marrow transplant for my brother- it was great that we were a 6 of 6 match -same blood type-same sex!.
That was 3 years ago, and he is doing OK!.
My donation, does not compare to what you would have to go through, and after- have to deal with lifestyle changes, to preserve your one kidney!.
A kidney has only to be a 3 of 6 match!.
You don't have to do this if you don't want to!. It has the potential to degrade your future life, and you are very young!. Chances are you will be an OK match!.
If you have second thoughts, and don't want to donate-don't!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
That was 3 years ago, and he is doing OK!.
My donation, does not compare to what you would have to go through, and after- have to deal with lifestyle changes, to preserve your one kidney!.
A kidney has only to be a 3 of 6 match!.
You don't have to do this if you don't want to!. It has the potential to degrade your future life, and you are very young!. Chances are you will be an OK match!.
If you have second thoughts, and don't want to donate-don't!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
wow, that's a really heavy question!. Well, I personally believe that a recipient of an organ has a duty to both himself and his donor to take care of that organ!. It's a very selfless gift and should be treasured!. Kidney disease is very painful so I can understand why he's on pain pills!. The smoking's gotta stop!. It really impacts a patient's success!.
Have you tried support groups!? I'm sure there are groups/online forums of both recipients and donors who could give you more insight!. Maybe you and your bro need to have a real heart-to-heart!? Let him know that you love him but if you're going to put your faith in him by giving him a kidney, he's got to make a committment to take care of it!?Www@Answer-Health@Com
Have you tried support groups!? I'm sure there are groups/online forums of both recipients and donors who could give you more insight!. Maybe you and your bro need to have a real heart-to-heart!? Let him know that you love him but if you're going to put your faith in him by giving him a kidney, he's got to make a committment to take care of it!?Www@Answer-Health@Com
Hi you need to seriously speak to your bro and let him no that you dont like the way he already abuses his body, and what he will do to change his ways if you are compatible, he needs to realise that if you go ahead with this he is getting a second chance of living and unfortunetely alot of people dont get to have a second chance!. He is a very lucky man if you do it and i hope for your sake that he does change his ways, the body is a temple and should be looked after, as we all no we only get one body!!Www@Answer-Health@Com
No one who smokes two packs a day is going on an organ donor list, let alone someone who's addicted to pain pills!.
If he can't help himself, no one can help him!. If he can quit smoking, would that change your mind!?Www@Answer-Health@Com
If he can't help himself, no one can help him!. If he can quit smoking, would that change your mind!?Www@Answer-Health@Com
i agree with robertj but he might find himself in a dead end about his life and thats why he smokes ,you wouldnt denied him the pain kills must be terrible although the depression maybe this could light up his life!.!.!.!.you never know!.!.!.!.!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
some criteria have to be met before someone gets on a donor wait list!. By the way just because your related doesnt mean your compatable!.Www@Answer-Health@Com