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April 12, 2005
Wishes
So the whole Terri Schiavo thing really brought the idea of living wills and whatnot into the public consciousness.
Now my grandfather is at a point where we may have to start implementing the wishes he was always very clear about (ie, that he not just be "kept alive" if he wasn't going to get better).
So for the record, I'm in that same camp - if I show no indication of an improvement in condition, I don't want any extreme measures taken to keep me alive. If multiple, unconnected physicians and specialists say I'm not going to improve, I don't want feeding tubes or a ventilator or any of that. I would much rather die at home with people around me who care about me than in a hospital surrounded by freaky machines and strangers.
Any good wishes for my grandfather would be much appreciated.
File under: Musings
Posted by Ealasaid at April 12, 2005 11:11 AM
Comments
I hope your grandfather's death is as uncomplicated and peaceful as possible.
I'm in the same camp with you, too. No extraordinary measures once hope is gone.
In many jurisdictions it's not enough to have a living will. If you're in a bad accident or have a severe heart attack or stroke from which there's no recovery, and your living will isn't produced instantly, they're going to plug you in and be very loathe to unplug you. Happened with a friend's husband who had a massive stroke that wiped out his brain functions.
It's also helpful to have a lawyer set up a medical power of attorney to give someone the right to speak for you medically when you can no longer speak for yourself. That document and a living will gives an ironclad guarantee that your wishes will be followed.
Posted by: Marn, eh at April 12, 2005 11:37 AM
For what it's worth, my thoughts are with him.
Posted by: fling93 at April 12, 2005 02:12 PM
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