1. < Aging Well

Cannot die in hospital even if you beg to.

Posted by slkanowitz @slkanowitz, May 11 6:37am

I recently went to hospital by ambulance because of intractable 10 level pain and I have had so many severe illnesses I had just had it with life and wanted to die. I’m DNR status. I begged everyone to let me go but they wouldn’t and ended up overdosing me on opioids for the pain to point I saw the tunnel of light but couldn’t go through it. They reversed the opioids with Narcan. The hospital staff determined my destiny and here I am. It’s their job to keep everyone alive no matter what you want or how terrible your quality of life will be. I guess my work here on earth is not done yet. Just consider this information if you’re ever in this situation as you will have no control of your fate in a hospital. I have seen this happen to others and it is sad we can’t make these choices for ourselves. Who knows what outcome is best. Perhaps God? Just want to plant seeds for thought for anyone in a similar situation.

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collison | @collison | May 25 10:03am
In reply to @gravity3 "We have MAID in only some states. I live in North Carolina where it is not..." + (show)
@gravity3

We have MAID in only some states. I live in North Carolina where it is not available. It is infuriating! I'm glad that it is available to you and others in Canada who want and need it. Some states who have it will allow folks from other states to come there and use maid. But that is a bit complicated. As a woman I've a belly full of others deciding what I can and cannot do with my body.

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Are you up for saying why so many others are deciding what your body can and cannot do? Maybe I missed a former post from you, but I'm interested. It's such a common and complex event. Thanks, and only of not too pushy a request.

REPLY
kb2014 | @kb2014 | May 25 10:55am
In reply to @collison "I am replying to this entire thread. I live in Ontario, Canada. We are blessed to..." + (show)
@collison

I am replying to this entire thread.
I live in Ontario, Canada. We are blessed to have legalized MAID. Medical Assistance in Dying. Does this exist in the States, anywhere? It is a compassionate and sane way to end acute suffering. It is never a quick fix, the procedure is rigorous.
What do you think of this as a choice? There's a beauty to this way of dying. You can choose a time. Conclude with family, friends, make your peace with your God, prepare to meet your Creator, or whatever your belief may be.
I've had several friends choose this way, and as a sufferer in progressing chronic pain, I know
I'd take this path.
I am sorry for the ineptitude in hospitals. I hope for an enlightenment around the normal, nature's way for all creatures and .beings.
How I wish for us to normalize dying in our societies, we've had generations now of denial of death as what we teach our children and it becomes a stigma, to talk about death and dying in any kind of every day exchange.
I pray for peace... I wish for freedom from suffering. I encourage laughter as every day ...at life's wonderful foibles and gifts and just beauty. Even in pain. Even when it feels hopeless. Perspective. Sanity. Joy! Pride, love..
love over fear.
There, my rant for today. Onward and ah, it hurts and I struggle... pull my walker to me one more time. Nearly 82. Living my best life!

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Thank you for your courage in speaking the truth. I do not know anymore about the so called legal assistance in dying anymore in the US. Our society has had its moral compass shattered. It is shameful to me to see this. I agree with your whole post. God bless you.

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collison | @collison | May 25 12:13pm

I am a dual citizen, my heart is broken in shards by what's happening. You sh uld still check for states with MAID. Who knows? And there are still people fight
Thanks for your kind words. Take care of you.
God bless

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1 reply
collison | @collison | May 25 12:14pm
In reply to @collison "I am a dual citizen, my heart is broken in shards by what's happening. You sh..." + (show)
@collison

I am a dual citizen, my heart is broken in shards by what's happening. You sh uld still check for states with MAID. Who knows? And there are still people fight
Thanks for your kind words. Take care of you.
God bless

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Sorry, my tablet jumped.

...still fighters for good. Maybe we see more from outside. June 14. Protest. Resistance.

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Kim Webb | @mrjohnwebb | May 28 12:48am
In reply to @gravity3 "We have MAID in only some states. I live in North Carolina where it is not..." + (show)
@gravity3

We have MAID in only some states. I live in North Carolina where it is not available. It is infuriating! I'm glad that it is available to you and others in Canada who want and need it. Some states who have it will allow folks from other states to come there and use maid. But that is a bit complicated. As a woman I've a belly full of others deciding what I can and cannot do with my body.

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One possibility is a VSED - voluntary suspension of eating and drinking. I believe you can look up whether this is a possibility in your state. It requires a form to be signed and witnessed. So sorry for your challenges.

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2 replies
gravity3 | @gravity3 | May 28 1:39am
In reply to @mrjohnwebb "One possibility is a VSED - voluntary suspension of eating and drinking. I believe you can..." + (show)
@mrjohnwebb

One possibility is a VSED - voluntary suspension of eating and drinking. I believe you can look up whether this is a possibility in your state. It requires a form to be signed and witnessed. So sorry for your challenges.

Jump to this post

Always an option for anyone but a really tough route to take.

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standinginfaith | @standinginfaith | May 28 10:01am
In reply to @mrjohnwebb "One possibility is a VSED - voluntary suspension of eating and drinking. I believe you can..." + (show)
@mrjohnwebb

One possibility is a VSED - voluntary suspension of eating and drinking. I believe you can look up whether this is a possibility in your state. It requires a form to be signed and witnessed. So sorry for your challenges.

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Ohhh this seems soo extreme..heartbreaking!!

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1 reply
Kim Webb | @mrjohnwebb | May 28 12:53pm
In reply to @standinginfaith "Ohhh this seems soo extreme..heartbreaking!!" + (show)
@standinginfaith

Ohhh this seems soo extreme..heartbreaking!!

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My father-in-law did it. He called my husband and told him, “Come now. It’s my time to go.” My husband jumped on a plane and his dad had already started VSED - alone. John got there and in 3-days his dad was gone. My FIL was a WWII vet. Perhaps his courage and conviction came from someplace much more difficult. He passed peacefully with John by his side. My uncle was passing at the same time and I was with him. It was rough.

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3 replies
Kim Webb | @mrjohnwebb | May 28 12:54pm

He was dying of lung cancer.

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Mentor
Miriam, Volunteer Mentor | @mir123 | May 28 1:31pm
In reply to @mrjohnwebb "My father-in-law did it. He called my husband and told him, “Come now. It’s my time..." + (show)
@mrjohnwebb

My father-in-law did it. He called my husband and told him, “Come now. It’s my time to go.” My husband jumped on a plane and his dad had already started VSED - alone. John got there and in 3-days his dad was gone. My FIL was a WWII vet. Perhaps his courage and conviction came from someplace much more difficult. He passed peacefully with John by his side. My uncle was passing at the same time and I was with him. It was rough.

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Thanks for this. My dad did the exact same thing. He was having a series of strokes. He could barely speak but told the family firmly he was stopping food, drink, and medication. He was already in hospice, so there was support in terms of pain control. He died very quickly--just a few days--and quite peacefully. I think it can be difficult to imagine not eating or drinking--but really at a certain point the body shuts down and I've had pets who stopped eating and drinking as death approached. I'm glad your husband was able to be there. My dad can serve as a role, model for me if I need this, as he was in many other things.

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