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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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If A Person Expires With Over Dosage Of Morphine, Can It Be Used As Lab Cadaver?

I have Charcot Marie Tooth Disease, end stage. I am making end of life plans. I would like to donate my body to science. But I also plan to take an overdose of my pain medication when the pain becomes unbearable, which it almost is. I am a female, age 70. I have no family and no next of kin. If I die because of an overdose of morphine, will my body still be usable as a lab cadaver? Which of my body organs or tissues will still be able to be used? Skin? Eyes? Am I correct in assuming that all vital organs will be too damaged to be of use to an organ recipient unless I die in a hospital and immediately put on life support? I live in San Jose, CA. I want to donate whatever is usable to a medical school, or for medical research.
posted on Thu, 10 Jul 2014
Twitter Sat, 30 Aug 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 1 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Your body could probably be used at a medical school or for medical research, regardless of whether death is from morphine overdosage. I don't believe your organs can be used because of your underlying disease, regardless of whether you die in a hospital or at home. If they are usable, they would need to be collected immediately after death, otherwise damage would be too great.

Please contact hospice and ask for end of life care. They can provide you with emotional support, pain control, and other help during this difficult time. You do not need to be alone, and you have the right to die with dignity. Hope this helps.
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If A Person Expires With Over Dosage Of Morphine, Can It Be Used As Lab Cadaver?

Your body could probably be used at a medical school or for medical research, regardless of whether death is from morphine overdosage. I don t believe your organs can be used because of your underlying disease, regardless of whether you die in a hospital or at home. If they are usable, they would need to be collected immediately after death, otherwise damage would be too great. Please contact hospice and ask for end of life care. They can provide you with emotional support, pain control, and other help during this difficult time. You do not need to be alone, and you have the right to die with dignity. Hope this helps.