Dr. Phil Tomorrow

[kellyt]

This one looks like a good one to set your DVR's for.  He discusses "life changing decisions".  Apparently, there will be a guest who is hesitant about donating a kidney to his brother.  I'll attempt to post a link....  wish me luck...


http://www.drphil.com/   Look at Tuesday's Show.  I hope I did this right...   You can also read the Message Boards that discuss the upcoming show.

[monrein]

I'll try to catch it tomorrow at D.

[Sluff]

Thanks for the heads up Kelly, I don't have DVR but maybe I can catch it on the computer when I get home.

[kellyt]

Did anyone watch?  It was pretty good, I guess.  The brother is hesitant to test and possibly donate to his brother because 1) the brother who needs the kidney has a history of not taking care of himself ie. drugs, smoking, etc.  Actually, his drug of choice is Cocaine and he used as recently as 2 weeks ago.  2) the brother who is being asked to donate is on the cuff of possibly being able to play professional baseball.  Apparently, he's a top ranked college pitcher.

Personally, I think the main reason he is hesitant is because of his possible career in baseball.  However, I do agree that if the brother is not going to take care of the precious gift from his brother, then why should he test?  "If he's going to continue to live his life they way he is living it now, then I'm going to continue to live my life the way I'm livin it now."  stated the brother being asked to donate.

Thoughts?

[paris]

kelly, I watched it with mixed feelings.

 Is the brother with kidney failure even a candidate for a transplant?  They didn't talk about all the real problems regarding testing and evaluation.  My center wouldn't approve someone who is currently doing drugs like cocaine.  It seemed like a lot of pressure was put on the healthy brother. Questions like "will you beable to live with your decision if your brother dies?" seem very hard.  We all know donation isn't an easy process and chances are, it wouldn't be approved.  In the meantime, the brother is being made to feel like he is the only one who can save his brother's life.   I think they needed someone who deals with the transplant process to give that side of process.   At least someone was talking about kidney transplants---any news is good! 

[kellyt]

In 100% agree with you.   I thought they were placing a lot on the brother's shoulders, especially since the other brother was not even attempting to try to live healthy.  I really felt for him (donator brother).  I still think his decision has a lot to do with his possible career in pro-baseball, but I would never have EXPECTED my brothers to test and donate to me.

[monrein]

I thought the potential donor brother was right in wanting to see changes in his brother's behavior before potentially sacrificing an organ that may not be treated with the respect it deserves.   Living donors have to accept the risk that their kidney might not work but if the recipient is doing nothing to minimize the risks but instead doing something that might jeopardize it, I think I'd keep my kidney safely tucked under my own ribs too.

[Lori1851]

HI friends,
I had mixed emotions on this . I can see why the brother needing a kidney was taking drugs etc. Not that its right because its not. I seen what teh disease did to Dustin the depression, making choices that he should not have made at times. I seen what Dustin went through and can see people turning to drugs as an escape. On the other hand I can see his brother not wanting to donate. I think if the brother that needs the kidney gets clean and stays clean then it should be a go. Everyone makes mistakes and deserves a second chance.

Lori/Indiana

[kellyt]

I understand where you're coming from as well, Lori.

You know, they never mentioned if the brother was on "the list".  Did I just miss it?

[monrein]

The donor brother did say that he'd donate tomorrow if his brother would start taking care of himself better and quit smoking, cocaine and excessive drinking.

[paris]

They didn't talk about the list, testing or evaluations.  As we all know, it isn't as easy as it sounds.  And none of us want a kidney from someone who feels the least bit pressured.   But, we do want kidneys! 

[TynyWonder]

I know this is kind of an old thread and I did not see the show but was the brother *needing* the kidney on the show and if so, what were his thoughts on all of it?  I did not see (or read) anyone mention *that* brother................

[kimcanada]

 

Did anyone watch? It was pretty good, I guess. The brother is hesitant to test and possibly donate to his brother because 1) the brother who needs the kidney has a history of not taking care of himself ie. drugs, smoking, etc. Actually, his drug of choice is Cocaine and he used as recently as 2 weeks ago. 2) the brother who is being asked to donate is on the cuff of possibly being able to play professional baseball. Apparently, he's a top ranked college pitcher.

Personally, I think the main reason he is hesitant is because of his possible career in baseball. However, I do agree that if the brother is not going to take care of the precious gift from his brother, then why should he test? "If he's going to continue to live his life they way he is living it now, then I'm going to continue to live my life the way I'm livin it now." stated the brother being asked to donate.

Thoughts?

I never seen the show, but from reading this I have many thoughts swirling around in my head...

First off why get tested if you are not 100 % sure you want to donate, second...  why accept something like a kidney from someone that doesn't deem you worthy to recieve that kidney...

I get so sick of TV shows mostly talking about the Kidney recipent not being worthy for one reason or another, and its like if you need a kidney your ethics are somehow now 100%, sorry for the babble, lots on my mind I guess

[G-Ma]

I think if a show like this was to be done there needed to be people from both sides including case workers etc.  Should have been professionally done with two sides.  This was one reason I chose not to watch.  I would be sitting there talking to the box in the corner.   

[kimcanada]

I think if a show like this was to be done there needed to be people from both sides including case workers etc.  Should have been professionally done with two sides.  This was one reason I chose not to watch.  I would be sitting there talking to the box in the corner.   

Push over G-Ma I need to talkto the "box" also

These shows could be such an awesome tool in helping our cause, to educate people so that most people didn't think that only siblings could be donors, but then they have to show that people that get these kidneys are generally messes, I am SOOOOOOOOOOO sick of that RANT RANT RANT RANT