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.