Dying and Living Wills, Part 2
Between 1900 and 2000 our life expectancy nearly doubled due to improved antibiotics and medical techniques. As we started the 21st century we were aware that molecular and cellular biology would allow for the future development of targeted and more effective medication and a greater understanding of disease.
The problem with all this ability is that just because we CAN do something doesn't mean we SHOULD do that particular thing. If a person's last days are spent prolonging their dying then we have accomplished nothing with our technology. Medicine is remarkable, but for all of our ability, we still die.
If you haven't thought lately about what your end of life wishes would be, then I suggest that you do. There are all sorts of living will forms available that you can fill out without the assistance of an attorney. Look them up on the net. Download them, print them out and fill in the blanks. Talk to your family and your health care providers about your wishes. This is important! Do it before someone has to make decisions for you because you can't speak for yourself. Don't put anyone in the position of having to make decisions about your end of life care without your guidance. It is a common theme among family members of people with heart disease who come to my Heart Disease message board at WebMD ; they ask, "why didn't my parent tell me what they wanted before this happened?"
Will it be hard to talk to your family? You bet it will. Don't be surprised if your kids don't want to talk about it or if it makes them angry. Give them the forms anyway, and tell them to come talk to you when they're ready. They will. When they do you'll have an opportunity to have one or more of those great talks that will very likely make you closer, resolve some of those old hard feelings, and put your last days at peace for everyone.
It will be worth the effort.
Laurie
Related Topics: End of Life Decisions, Heart Failure
The problem with all this ability is that just because we CAN do something doesn't mean we SHOULD do that particular thing. If a person's last days are spent prolonging their dying then we have accomplished nothing with our technology. Medicine is remarkable, but for all of our ability, we still die.
If you haven't thought lately about what your end of life wishes would be, then I suggest that you do. There are all sorts of living will forms available that you can fill out without the assistance of an attorney. Look them up on the net. Download them, print them out and fill in the blanks. Talk to your family and your health care providers about your wishes. This is important! Do it before someone has to make decisions for you because you can't speak for yourself. Don't put anyone in the position of having to make decisions about your end of life care without your guidance. It is a common theme among family members of people with heart disease who come to my Heart Disease message board at WebMD ; they ask, "why didn't my parent tell me what they wanted before this happened?"
Will it be hard to talk to your family? You bet it will. Don't be surprised if your kids don't want to talk about it or if it makes them angry. Give them the forms anyway, and tell them to come talk to you when they're ready. They will. When they do you'll have an opportunity to have one or more of those great talks that will very likely make you closer, resolve some of those old hard feelings, and put your last days at peace for everyone.
It will be worth the effort.
Laurie
Related Topics: End of Life Decisions, Heart Failure
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