Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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katie 04/04/2019

I need to renew my driver'slicense soon, and it indicated that I'm an organ donor - but that was before I was diagnosed and started the current regimen of methotrexate and Stelara, and did a year of Humira before that. Does anyone know if that means I'm no longer a viable donor? If so, I'd like to change it on my license.

nonightshades2 04/04/2019

I wonder as well katie. They won't let me give blood a anymore.

gingergirl1961 04/04/2019

I have never looked into the answer to this question. But my body will be donated to science when I pass.... so will my brother's and mom's. It's not a decision for everyone, but one I made about 8 years ago.

gingergirl1961 04/04/2019

I've had RA for ten years now.

katie 04/05/2019

Yes, I figure that's an alternative. I can see how in a traumatic injury / emergency situation, valuable time could be lost, or hopes could be raised, if my license says I'm an organ donor but i can't actually be. I have an rh appointment next week, I'll ask and let you all know.

MarleneJ 04/05/2019

I do not think we can be. First, there is the issue of passing on an organ or tissue that has the gene for RA. How awful to get the badly needed kidney or organ, only to develop RA! I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy.

Then there are the medications we take, which are toxic. I don't think i would want a new liver filled up with biologics, pain killers and biologics.

I guess we need to check this out where we are living. And if you are not allowed to, probably best to get rid of the "organ donor" on your license.

I am also giving my body to science. I think it will be very interesting for some researchers to take a part!

MrsOtto 04/06/2019

Hi
I personally removed it from my license.
After 20 plus surgeries a person in need needs better body than mine.

katie 04/09/2019

The rheumatologist says we can still be donors. She says nearly everyone over a certain age has some issues anyway, and it's evaluated on a case by case basis. i'd be interested to hear what your rheumatologists say, if there's consensus on this.

SusieG 04/19/2019

I will def leave it on my license. Even an RA patient's organs can save a life. Trust me, if one or more of your organs is not viable, it won't be used, but it doesn't mean that another organ is just fine!

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