Have you heard this one?

smvargo
smvargo Member Posts: 39
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I saw the surgeon who will be performing my ovarian ablation. As I was given form after form to sign, I was presented with a form that stated that my ovaries, and anything else they remove during the surgery, will be the property of the Univ. of Pittsburgh Medical Center!! It also stated that they could do anything they wanted with my ovaries. I said, "Well, what if you find some loose change in there or a diamond?" The answer, "It will be the property of the medical center." I signed the form because I thought, "What am I going to do with them?" Several hours later I started thinking about cloning experiments, having a hybrid daughter cousin walking around that I wouldn't know about...crazy 1950's science fiction stuff. I mean even when you tranfer the title of a car, the buyer has to give you one buck to make the purchase legal. Well, I want two bucks to transfer them over. Truly, I am having odd feelings about this. Is this some new HIPAA requirement? They did promise not to release any identifying information about my ovaries. It just gets more and more bizarre.
Stephanie

Comments

  • DeeNY711
    DeeNY711 Member Posts: 476 Member
    #2
    It is standard for pre-op paperwork to include a release permitting the facility to dispose of removed tissue/parts but I guess that it is so far buried in the pages and pages of forms that it does not make a big impression until we are contemplating what will be done with an actual part. Sometimes, people opt to have the part(s) picked up by a mortuary to permit burial of all body parts together at some future point. Hugs, Denise
  • SCmom
    SCmom Member Posts: 46
    #3
    I also went to a Medical University Hospital for my surgery, lumpectomy. Had to sign the same kind of form. I feel that if my tumor will help with the research of cancer, then I want them to have it. I know people at the Medical University who are in research. I wouldn't worry about the negative type of research, think about the positive. Your ovaries may be able to save lives in the future. Good luck with your surgery. Laura
  • inkblot
    inkblot Member Posts: 698 Member
    #4
    Hi Stephanie:

    Strange indeed! As someone else stated, that clause is standard...for any and every piece of tissue or body part which is to be removed surgically. Beyond the required pathology, the tissue also must be disposed of and I suppose they don't want anyone coming back later and saying they want their ovaries back. If you're really concerned about what will be done with the ovaries, then enter your own clause as to what you prefer to be done or not done with them. Any contract is (as far as I know) subject to additions and deletions at any time, up until it is a done deal. You may add or delete anything you choose. For example, you may add that you do not want your ovaries used for scientific purposes, beyond the ususal pathological examination (which I believe is required by all hospitals to deem them healthy or not, etc.). You can inquire about their ususal disposal methods and then choose one which suits your thoughts about it. Why not, if you feel strongly?
    The ovaries are yours, after all.

    Just some food for thought.

    Warm wishes for a successful and uncomplicated surgery!

    Love, light and laughter,
    Ink

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