Perspective Part 3

Most coal miners that get trapped underground during a collapse normally die of CO2 poisoning. Their lungs don't have clean air to breathe, CO2 will build up in their blood and they go to sleep. Eventually they will die without proper intervention.

My Mother-In-Law has CO2 build up in her blood and carbon monoxide in her lungs. She is a medical miracle, why she hasn't been less alert we may never know. I guess God will decide when to call her home.

Her respiratory problems started 10 years ago with bronchitis that was reoccurring frequently. She was treated with antibiotics several times a year. Four years ago she was put on oxygen but she didn't need it all the time.

Three years ago she had a heart attack. It was so bad the hospital was surprised she even made it there. The hospital attempted to do a catheterization but found an aneurysm on top of her heart and life flighted her to a larger hospital better equipped to deal with the aneurysm. The larger hospital tried twice before they were successful. She developed pneumonia during this time and during her checkup a dark spot was seen on her lung. We now know that spot is cancer. Her lung function is very limited and only partially does the job it's supposed to thus the CO2.

She made her choice to decline further intervention such as being put on a ventilator. That is her right to do so, I would do the same thing. Know your rights and let your family know what you want. It's your body and life. Put it in writing so there's no confusion when the time comes.

Perspective part 2

Accepting a close family is terminally ill has been very difficult. She wants to live but in all honesty the odds are stacked against her. Her heart is weak with some blockages but she has an aneurysm that sits on top of her heart that prevents a catheterization or putting in stents. Her lungs are weak and are no longer able to function properly, she has poisonous gases building up in her blood. The CO2 if it continues to build will eventually cause her death. Her lungs are too weak to inflate.

As you can tell by reading the previous paragraph my mother-in-laws prognosis is poor. Her condition is terminal. My M-I-L is alert and orientated most of the time. During this last stay in the hospital she has made two important decisions.

1) She appointed my husband's sisters as her Medical Power of Attorney. If some things can be done that does not go against her living will the POA can say yes or no. They act on her behalf if she can't speak up. This is a signed legal document.

2) She set up a Living Will indicating what she wants and doesn't want. She is DNR (do not resuscitate), if she passes away she doesn't want CPR . She does not want a ventilator keeping her alive. Or any machine keeping her alive.

As her family we will make sure her wishes are honored. That her care is compassionate without causing too much suffering.

I know this particular blog is about Euthanasia discussing the option but wanted to mention alternatives to Euthanasia in places where it isn't available. I'm American and live in the Bible Belt. Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide will never be available in my state. Even if it was my Mother-In-Law would never consider it and that should be her right to make not lawmakers.

Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide is available in very few places but living Wills are everywhere. Check to know your medical rights in the state or country  that you live in. Each country has it's own policy regarding medical intervention and what is acceptable. Know your rights and indicate your wishes on legal documents so your not put through un-necessary treated you did not want in the first place.

Living Wills and Power of Attorney can be changed or amended at anytime. Know your rights and speak up while you still can.