Ask a mortician

LittleHearseDriver

Were they from Georgia?

Nope

odusgolp

So. Many. Questions.

OK, Why does the blood go down the drain? Is it not usable once someone dies and why?

What is the most common place they take skin from in a skin donation? Muscle?

How DO you keep a mouth shut if it isn't cooperative?

Did they use to sew eyes and mouths shut before your fancy contact things?

Why is open-casket seemingly the biggest tradition? I've heard it's to "say goodbye" or provide peace to the family, but really... I'd rather they not have an image of me dead in their heads. Why?? Why why why? Can I voluntarily insist on a closed casket before they burn me? While playing Purple People Eater? Maybe?

Is jewelry removed before cremation? What about that big mac and fries? Can you burn that with the body?

Tweaking_Time

I made it through this whole thread...just got to the end and hit refresh to make sure. Great thread OP!!!

Yes - count me in on the book pre-order.

Now for my two questions:

How hot is the fire used for cremation?
and
When you cremate someone, does smoke come out of the chimney?

LittleHearseDriver

@odusgolp In the old days when embalming took place in the home, the blood was drained into large jugs, but over the years when embalming moved to the funeral home it is more convenient for the blood to go down the drain as we are washing the body and massaging the muscles to help fluid distribution.There are several factors about post mortem blood donations make them less than ideal. It would require additional consent from the family and their medical history is unknown. It would be very expensive to test each donation for HIV/AIDS and most people who are in the process of dying are usually on large amounts of medication. Blood begins to coagulate shortly after death. It isn't worth the hassle.

We use needle injectors to help close the mouth. The "needles" which looks nothing like a needle is injected into the gums and embedded into teeth. Then we twist the wires and whoop there it is. Snip the left over wire and your good to go.

Not everyone has to have it wired shut, many times individuals die with their mouths closed and rigor sets in and we don't have to do anything. If the lips part a little bit we can super them together if they try to rebel. Before needle injectors they did sew the mouth shut, but not in the way you think. A string would be run through the top and bottom frenulum's and tied together. Stubborn eyes can be closed by draping a wet paper towel over the eyes while embalming. The weight will hold the lid down while the formaldehyde stiffens the tissues.

You know that saying "Seeing is believing"? Many people believe seeing the deceased helps with the five stages of grief ( denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance). In my opinion, it does help the family realize that they are truly gone. I had a friend that died a few years ago and I didn't get to go to his service. Not long ago, I ran into his mom and I almost asked her how he was doing. It doesn't feel like he is gone, it feels more like he is traveling across the world. I know that might sound odd, but it is hard to explain. If you don't want your family to view you, let them know what your wishes are. Its very common to have a close casket service or to do a cremation with no viewing. If someone has jewelry on, we ask the family if they would like to have it or for it to stay on. Big Mac and fries are permitted in the crematory as long as you bring me one too

@Tweaking_Time The retort runs between 1600-1800 degrees. When the first body goes in there may be a little smoke,but after that there isn't any smoke. The EPA frowns on smoke from crematories.

LittleHearseDriver

Thank you madam

futureicon

littlemissbgiff wrote: »

Still the most interesting thread on the board! And I adore your new profile pic.

Agree. On both counts.

rather_be_snacking

This thread is absolutely fascinating! Can I be your friend too, please. Why is there no smoke from the crematorium after the first body??

LittleHearseDriver

If we could combine it with the selfie thread then we would really have sumtin!!!

Oh goodness, I would get life in prison and be sued a million times! If I do go to prison will you at least bring me a big mac and fries?

@rather_be_snacking It goes out the chimney

LittleHearseDriver

Sounds like a plan

wrknonmedaily

I tell my kids, 24 and 19, that if I drop dead, cremate me in a cardboard box because I do not want to be laying in that casket 10 years later looking the same. How long does the body stay in that state with embalming fluid? Can you choose not to have the embalming fluid?

LittleHearseDriver

wrknonmedaily wrote: »

How long does the body stay in that state with embalming fluid? Can you choose not to have the embalming fluid?

Embalming doesn't stop decomposition, it slows in down drastically. Some people stay intact for years and others decay quickly. It all depends on how well they were embalmed and what the cause of death is. Embalming is not required by law in Tennessee, each state has their own rules and regulations.

xaryo

What about aquamation?

ninerbuff

LittleHearseDriver wrote: »

Embalming is not a requirement. Most people think embalming is required by law, but its something the old funeral directors would tell people so they could make more money.

But doesn't the body decompose faster without embalming fluid? And the smell would be noxious right?

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

LittleHearseDriver

Embalming is kind of like pickling eggs. It won't make them last forever, but it will make it last a lot longer.

ClubSilencio

Do you listen to music while working, or is that too awkward?

Elise4270

LittleHearseDriver wrote: »

Embalming is kind of like pickling eggs. It won't make them last forever, but it will make it last a lot longer.

What's the purpose of the embalming? I know it's so they don't decompose so quickly and burial can be arranged. But is that the only reason? Is there some historical/religious reasons for embalming?

I do not want to be embalmed. My husband says I have to be buried (Catholic) but I don't wanna be locked in a box for ever. I'd rather be creamated or a green burial. Maybe if the blood went to the dirt and not to the doody recycling facility.

And if I make my wishes known in a will, can my family do what ever they choose with my remains?

fr3smyl

MadMaxV8 wrote: »

My wife wants me to make a lamp out of her leg.

I hear ya. My daughter wants me stuffed so that i can sit on the porch and greet her dates.

fr3smyl

cee134 wrote: »

Would you rather be cremated or buried and why?

I don't think you are actually allowed to taxidermy a person (but I haven't done in depth research), so I would go with cremation since it is cheaper than burial.

AdamAthletic

Fairly sure this is the first time I've voluntarily sat and read through a thread from start to finish in about 2 years!
Very interesting, some great questions and fantastic answers!

jennifer_417

Have you had any creepy/weird incidents involving bodies?