COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
This is something rarely talked about and of course for good reasons. Washington and oregon have passed laws whereby voluntary euthanasia is legal. When one is in really terrible shape and suffering I believe they have a right to end it. Other more advanced countries already have this law. Most people do not know that one of the main reasons for keeping it illegal are hospitals, drug firms and nursing
homes. And again for good reason. About 80% of the costs are during the last few months of a persons life. Don't worry or be concerned about the individual suffering and wants to die, the buck is all important. I know it will be a long time before other states get more rational, and not in time for me. I am 81 and in quite good shape overall, But, if It got to the place where the quality of life or the suffering were too much,, I would like this option. I am sure some wise guy will say why don't you move to washington, well for one reason, one must be a resident of the state for one year. And of course the expense involved. I would like so see what others think.
homes. And again for good reason. About 80% of the costs are during the last few months of a persons life. Don't worry or be concerned about the individual suffering and wants to die, the buck is all important. I know it will be a long time before other states get more rational, and not in time for me. I am 81 and in quite good shape overall, But, if It got to the place where the quality of life or the suffering were too much,, I would like this option. I am sure some wise guy will say why don't you move to washington, well for one reason, one must be a resident of the state for one year. And of course the expense involved. I would like so see what others think.
People should have the right to make their decisions on all aspects of their life, including the end. The law was drafted well with plenty of safeguards to prevent what might be considered "abuse".
We have the choice to live our lives the way we choose and should also have the right to make those decisions to the end.
Thanks for bringing this up..
People can opt to have what is known as a living will where you can state that you do not want to be resuscitated or go on life support.
People in Europe who want euthanacia can travel to a clinic in Switzerland where assisted suicide is permitted. However they do not assist every person who asks for it. They take that person through thorough psychological assessment for days and only assist those who meet the criteria for the procedure.
Don't ask me what the criteria is as I don't know.
Its important that this is not made law without the the proper screening to be in place before it can be carried out, - many depressed people talk of suicide for instance, whether they are depressed because of their illness, suffering with a long term chronic illness, in constant pain, these will not necessarily qualify for assisted euthanacia all avenues of treatment will be explored before any such decision made.
I don't think it should be made too easy for people.
I feel the same way today and hope that other states will follow Origin,and Washington's example.
With the safety nets in place it is only available to those who are close to death, with no chance of survival.
I support choice.
Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment
http://www.ohsu.edu/polst/
The Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Paradigm program is designed to improve the quality of care people receive at the end of life. It is based on effective communication of patient wishes, documentation of medical orders on a brightly colored form and a promise by health care professionals to honor these wishes.
Sadly too many people are undereducated about the limitations of a "Living Will" ..especially the fact that these are not generally available to EMS or ER staff (since they are usually part of your medical record) and front line folks are required to support till you reach a facility that then can make the decisions. Unfortunately, by that time folks are often intubated and then the decision falls on the family to remove life support.
Some great discussions about this , palliative, hospice etc. can be found at http://www.dailystrength.org/groups/dying-well
I keep mine in a "File of Life" package from my local Emergency Squad.. its a cool little magnet folder they give that you place all important medical info ( in case you can't talk) and they have a sticker you place on your front door to let EMS know to look for it.
Its adviseable by paramedics in some countries to ensure hospitals, doctors, everyone connected with your medical care, be made aware of your choices, also the police, your lawyer, next of kin etc etc.
Some people have a tattoo on their chest 'do not resuscitate', others have it embossed on their medic alert id.
The lung foundation in your state or country may well be able to advise on this, also organisations such as heart foundation, Age Concerns, Cancer Awareness Charties etc.
We did not seem to be overly concerned about these killings, but worry a lot about somebody suffering and wanting to die.We, as a culture, are a little insane I believe.
Her last days were spent in hospital, her legs black and...cant describe it n crying in pain as the morphine etc had no effect...Shed hold my hand n beg me to ask the doctors to let her go....I tried but they explained to me something about murder etc etc.
Mom's mind was as sharp as ever she did not deserve this...yes i really support the right of choice.