DNR or Full Code for Resuscitation?

Posted by grrranny @grrranny, Jun 26 7:31pm

How do you make the decision? Those of you who made the decision to have Full Code resuscitation (and have had it) instead of Do Not Resuscitate -- what factors did you consider, how old are you, and do you feel you made the right choice?
I have read that CPR is very hard on the body -- from breaking ribs to breaking bones. And there's also the possibility of being put on a ventilator -- which is sometimes deadly. What if an elderly person is already very frail, with multiple incurable chronic problems?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.

ezjersey719 | @ezjersey719 | 5 days ago

Such an interesting conversation and one I’ve been having with friends more as I get older. I’m learning that most of us feel similarly about aging and independence. I’ve acknowledged that there are no guarantees. I always thought I wouldn’t want resuscitation until last year at 69 - out of the blue - I coded x3 due to LAD STEMI heart attack! The first time I was in an ambulance and then in ER 2 more times. I remember only flashes of this experience until waking up flat on my back in CICU with the sweetest nurse looking down at me. Prior to this, I did not have heart problems. My major health issue was ongoing chronic constipation for over 2 years - lots of tests, no diagnosis. I don’t smoke, drink, or eat poorly. My weight is fine and I’m physically active but hardly athletic. Since then, I’m learning more than I’d like about drugs, tests, etc. My heart is healthy and now I’m back to addressing (hopefully) the on and off constipation. Keeping it simple, hopefully! Anyway - it’s good to have a plan for the future regarding these things as mine came so unexpectedly and I’m glad I’m alive and mostly healthy. My mother died recently and we were fortunate to have had conversations about what she wanted at 91 (except she wasn’t at home). Life is full of surprise!

celia16 | @celia16 | 5 days ago

In reply to @ezjersey719 "Such an interesting conversation and one I’ve been having with friends more as I get older...." + (show)

@ezjersey719 , I definitely think these decisions vary depending on health status and age. I have two men who work in my office who were in their 50’s when they had cardiac arrest! This happened years apart. They both received electrical stimulation to resuscitation. One was in an ER lobby when it happened. His watch told him he was experiencing a crisis. The other one was at the scene of an accident with paramedics treating him. They both recovered and are still working!

I’ve given it much thought, but for now, I’m opting to keep all resuscitation measures open, but I envision that changing as I change.

susanejw | @susanejw | 5 days ago

I’m 74. I’ve got mobility, though I can’t walk as far as I used to because of cardiac microvascular disease, only usually one mile instead of two. But I was just diagnosed with osteoporosis and also early stage Frontotemporal dementia. I don’t drive anymore. It’s incurable and I’ll end up in a nursing home. I want to get a DNR in place. How do you do that? At a lawyer’s? Doctor’s? Hospital?
Thanks.

gloaming | @gloaming | 5 days ago

In reply to @susanejw "I’m 74. I’ve got mobility, though I can’t walk as far as I used to because..." + (show)

@susanejw Social workers can help with that, or go on line (have someone help you if necessary) and go to the state/provincial government and do a search for the forms. A lawyer will help, but it will cost $200+/hr.

I live in British Columbia, Canada. I googled, 'BC Do Not Rescu...' and this popped up:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/forms/302fil.pdf

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | 5 days ago

In reply to @susanejw "I’m 74. I’ve got mobility, though I can’t walk as far as I used to because..." + (show)

@susanejw Here is a link for the Maryland version of what I have:
https://marylandmolst.org/docs/MOLST%20MM3%202013%20FINAL%20PROPOSED%2072613%20POSTED%2021714.pdf
Please read it carefully, and discuss it with a medical professional. It will need to be signed by one, anyways! For my POLST, I have a refrigerator magnet that gives my state registration number.

Let me know if I can be of further help?
Ginger

susanejw | @susanejw | 5 days ago

In reply to @gingerw "@susanejw Here is a link for the Maryland version of what I have: https://marylandmolst.org/docs/MOLST%20MM3%202013%20FINAL%20PROPOSED%2072613%20POSTED%2021714.pdf Please read..." + (show)

@gingerw Thank you!

susanejw | @susanejw | 5 days ago

In reply to @gloaming "@susanejw Social workers can help with that, or go on line (have someone help you if..." + (show)

@gloaming Thank you!

celia16 | @celia16 | 5 days ago

In reply to @susanejw "I’m 74. I’ve got mobility, though I can’t walk as far as I used to because..." + (show)

@susanejw , it depends on your state’s law, but generally you can have an attorney prepare the Advance Medical Directive for when it’s needed and for your Healthcare Power of Attorney to keep on hand.

You can also get a P.O.L.S.T. or M.O.LS.T. (Medical Orders For Life Sustaining Treatment) from your doctor. It’s a bright pink paper order signed by the patient and the doctor stating what life saving measures the patient wants. It is kept near the bed or on the fridge for first responders to see and honor. And to be carried with the patient to the ER.

susanejw | @susanejw | 4 days ago

In reply to @celia16 "@susanejw , it depends on your state’s law, but generally you can have an attorney prepare..." + (show)

@celia16 Thank you, Celia. Think I’ll start with my doctor.

danae25 | @danae25 | 4 days ago

In reply to @ezjersey719 "Such an interesting conversation and one I’ve been having with friends more as I get older...." + (show)

@ezjersey719 I had a friend whose stepfather was about two months ahead of my mother in progression of IPF (lung disease). The friend had worked at a trauma hospital and we had discussed DNR. At the time I was only thinking about what I had seen in TV shows. She emphasized how painful intubation is. During this period her stepfather (in his 70s?) had to go to the hospital and was intubated. When they removed it, he didn't even realize he had had it.