Remember 20 years ago when you received a diagnosis and the Dr would tell you a few things about it but if you wanted to know more you went to the library to research it yourself? The information was limited to the books available. After learning a few more things (the Dr didn't tell you about) you were satisfied that this diagnosis was correct or in some cases incorrect because certain diagnostic tests weren't done. Some conditions have similar symptoms but in order to properly diagnose it's a process of elimination, such as ALS.
These days when you receive a diagnosis, you simply ask Google if you are still unsure of things after the Dr's brief explanation of the diagnosis. Or if you start to feel sick you ask Google first or Web md. Often depending on the information available by the click of a mouse and not by an actual diagnostic test to determine diagnosis. This can be dangerous. In the case of ALS many of the symptoms can be associated with other illnesses.
Once you get the diagnosis you seek out blogs and forums to learn what to expect. Reading other people experiences with the diagnosis can be enlightening, educational and dangerous. What makes it dangerous? Some people search out the people who has been recently diagnosed to encourage the end. It happens.
Because some take each new day after the diagnosis with a grain of salt. While others don't take well to the changes or deteration, deciding to Write the final act of their life themselves.
Craig Ewert contacted Dignitas soon after his diagnosis. Did he seek out forums or just happen to hear about Dignitas in passing? Perhaps he learned about Dignitas from a newspaper article? The documentary never did say. Craig spent over 30 years as a Professor in computer science so he of all people knew how to search for things online. Most likely he read every article available about his illness.
Craig and his wife spent a few months saying goodbye, discussing the trip to Switzerland. If you listening closely to his thoughts on suicide he seemed depressed that he didn't have more time. Was he sad to have assisted suicide? I don't think he was. I think his sadness was that he didn't have more time with his wife.
Switzerland is the only country in the world that allows outsiders to come in for assisted suicide but the person has to drink the barbiturates themself. Craig Ewert had a NIV (non invasive ventilator) so his breathing was affected. His arms were useless and used a voice activated computer. Maybe he thought his ability to swallow would be next. Or if he waited longer his wife could be held responsible for his choice. Craig was American but residing in the UK. Maybe if it was available in the UK he could of spent more weeks enjoying his time with his wife.
It's just a thought.
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