Alzheimer’s patient decided to donate a kidney

[okarol]

An Alzheimer’s patient decided to donate a kidney to his friend Randy Parsons, a former music minister at Trinity Baptist Church in Lubbock and instructor at Wayland’s University’s Lubbock campus.

Check this video - so sweet-- A Kidney Transplant Story http://youtu.be/dgyggG24IH4 Living donors are amazing people!

[paris]

I think it is interesting that an Alzheimer's patient could make that decision.  I would have hated anyone to take my Mom's word for anything after she was diagnosed.   LOL   Who knows what she would have given away.   Of course, I am the first one to promote living donation.  Just thought this was a little interesting.

The donor seemed really "with it".  He must be in the very early stages.   He was quiet a charactor!    In my mind, I was picturing my Mom fishing from her bed and watching the bears walking outside her window!!    Sorry, I may have misspoke. This man knew exactly what he was doing.   

[okarol]

The description says he is an Alzheimer's patient but it never comes up in the story. I guess if I was diagnosed, and felt I wanted to help someone else while I still was able to decide, I would do it. The social worker, therapist and transplant team has to determine if the person is willing and able, so he obviously cleared any obstacles.

[Rerun]

Hmmmm, I think I'm going to visit Aunt Betty today.

                               

[galvo]

Rerun, you are a shocker!

[paris]

You're right, Okarol. The transplant team would have had to clear him.  He must have been in the very early stages and still clear in his thinking. 

Rerun--- you are too funny         

[Jean]

the Devil is making me say this, but I cant help it. Did he remember he volunteered the kidney the next day? Having a friend who is in early stages of Alzheimers makes me a crazy person sometime.

[okarol]

I have a dear friend who is in the early stages. She is aware of her memory lapses, and embarrassed by it too. We keep telling her we don't care, we all feel forgetful sometimes, we would rather spend time with her rather than have her isolated.

Jean, I was thinking about your post. Even if they don't remember, what difference does it make, all things considered? I guess some people think it's wrong to take a kidney from someone who will be losing touch with reality as we know it. I think it's ok, and obviously so does the transplant team and the recipient. There's no harm to anyone. But I know it makes some people uncomfortable. If it's my body, I say take my kidney. I should put it in writing, so even if I no longer remember anything, I give permission to take a kidney.

[Jean]

Agree with you 100% Karol. I too should put it in writing that whatever they need that is useable should be taken. Why do we put these things off. But, anyways, does your friend lie about things and then forget what she did? Mine does, and I so wish she wouldnt do that. she also tries to hide it and that is no longer possible. I think people would be kinder to her if they knew instead of thinking she is a crackpot. I try very hard to keep my patience with her, and it is very difficult at times. She now says she does not need to see the Dr, since she is cured. OY!!!

[paris]

My step dad would argue with my Mom. Tell her she did something and she didn't think she had.  He would keep saying "you remember - you did this"   It sure didn't help Mom and ususlly just agitated her terribly.  Mom thought she was fine and just as smart as ever.  I didn't argue - and we got along fine!  LOL   And I was the only one she remembered.   It is a devastating disease for everyone involved.

This guy seemed extremely with it and knew what was going on and could carry on a conversation intelligently. There wasn't a moment in the video that you could tell he had Alzhiemers.   Good time to get things in order and give a kidney!