There’s nothing more powerful than giving the gift of life to another through the generosity of organ donation.
If someone is suffering from a failing organ, a new one can restore their health and help give them a longer, more fulfilling life.
If you’ve ever wondered how long transplanted organs can last and how you can get involved in organ donation, Gift of Life Michigan is here to assist.
The Lifespan of Transplanted Organs
Every organ is unique, and as a result, can behave slightly differently from one person to the next. Many factors go into the lifespan of transplanted organs.
That said, the lifespan of transplanted organs generally go as follows:
Kidneys
Transplanted kidneys can last up to several decades fromliving donors and an average of 7-9 years from deceased donors.
Pancreas
A transplanted pancreas has an average lifespan of 20 years but can increase when paired with a donated kidney.
Liver
Transplanted livers last an average of 5-10 years.
Lungs
Transplanted lungs last up to 10 years on average.
Heart
The average lifespan of a transplanted heart is around 12 years.
Although there are factors that may prevent a transplanted organ from lasting a lifetime, such as inflammation, underlying health conditions or lifestyle choices, medical advancements increase the chances of the organ thriving. With ongoing progress in healthcare, there is hope that your transplanted organ will not only survive but also flourish.
Why Organ Donation Matters
Organ donation is one of the greatest marvels modern medicine has produced and a way for people to give a priceless gift to someone in need. More than1,300 lives are saved every year by Michigan’s deceased organ donors. Another 140-200 or more people receive the gift of life from a living organ donor.
Organ donation doesn’t just have a positive effect on the person receiving the organ but on everyone in that person’s circle of influence, including family and friends.
People of all ages and backgrounds can become registered organ donors, including those with certain pre-existing health conditions. When you choose to become a registered organ donor, you’re choosing to help a family through a difficult time and giving hope to those in need.
What is a Living Donor Transplant?
While most organ donors choose to help save lives after they’ve passed, you can also opt for living organ donation. Many people are eligible to give either a kidney, a part of their liver, or a lobe of their lung. You can choose to donate to someone you know who is in need, or to a stranger on the transplant waiting list.
Either way, becoming aliving donor is a generous gift that changes lives. easy.
Starting the living organ donor process is easy. All it takes is filling out a quick form online, contacting one of Michigan’s transplant hospitals to indicate your willingness to donate, followed by a screening process to ensure you aren’t at high risk of complications from the potential surgery. Even if you think you aren’t eligible to donate an organ, consider taking the first step and contacting a transplant center. Many health conditions that might otherwise pose a barrier to organ donation can be treated so you can get on track to saving a life.
Living donation is relatively safe, and every precaution is taken to protect the donors from harm. Living organ donation dates back to the 1950s, and in the decades since, medical professionals have refined the process and made it even safer for everyone who wants to donate an organ to do so.
Be the Change in Others’ Lives
Signing up on the Michigan Organ Donor Registry is easy and quick, and it can be a life-changing experience for you, while giving hope to those waiting for a second chance at life.
Consider signing up today on the Donor Registry and see how good it can feel to make a positive difference in someone’s life.
To learn more about organ donation or to become a registered organ donor, contact us at Gift of Life Michigan today!
Image Source: PW creative design/Shutterstock
