Limited Resources

[BlancheNoE]

I came across an article in the Google Health section today on Steve Jobs taking a medical leave of absence. He's had his new liver for about what ?,...8 months now ? I wasn't aware that his liver transplant was related to pancreatic cancer. It is my understanding gained through experience with the transplant evaluation process that previous or current cancer greatly reduces your chance for transplant, the  logic being that we want livers to go to those who have the best chance of thriving with it thereby warranting the time, money and very limited and valuable resource of livers that are being invested. 

I really like my Mac and I've always respected and liked Steve Jobs. He's a nerd after all. I love nerds, but even they should not be able to jump the line.

I would do the very same thing if I had the money and other resources, of course.

This is why we need to do a much better job of enforcing the current policies and rules ( and change exception rules to make them fairer but that's a whole 'nother blog).

Those who are just as deserving but happen to be poor need to be protected,..

,...from assholes like Me and Steve.

[Chig]

Physicians here in AZ  have stepped up to help those who have lost the State funding.

It probably still is not enough.

 

[SydTheSkeptic]

The whole thing was kept under wraps until after the transplant.  Gotta wonder why, if it was all legit.

[photo2010]

It was controversial when the story came out that Jobs was approved for transplant so fast. Not surprising though.

[NatureJunkie]

I heard on NPR this morning that Dick Cheney is considering a heart transplant. He's had five heart attacks since the age of 37. There was no mention in the story that his doctors were actually recommending it, the story just focused on Cheney's statement that he is considering it. As though Cheney himself would determine whether he receives a heart or not. His confidence made me think that if he does indeed decide he wants a transplant, then it's a forgone conclusion that he will get one.

 

Whether Steve Jobs was unfairly given higher priority for his transplant than other more deserving patients, I can't say. But there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the wealthy and powerful have ways to leapfrog higher priority patients on transplant lists.

[photo2010]

There is a documentary film called 'Born Rich' about the advantages that children of wealthy parents have. It was also about how screwed up many of them are. It was directed by an heir of the Johnson & Johnson family. It can be seen here:  http://www.hulu.com/watch/174635/born-rich (for free ironically)

[lima]

@syd... sometimes people like to remain private in their affairs...

[Dana (scribblers sanctuary)]

Been thinkin' about you a lot lately.

[Pypermarru1]

didn't know Jobs was having health issues. 

 

Always sending good vibes to you and Pen.