Thread: Euthanasia
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Old 03-02-2004, 07:09 AM   #18 (permalink)
mr sticky
Psycho
 
Location: NC
This is truly tragic...but you may be in for a longer haul.

We seem to be debating and confusing two different things.

Euthanasia is an active process, one currently not in vogue in the States. It involves the active administration of an agent to hasten the demise of the sufferer. The legalities are muddy and current societal vibe is against it. With your uncle's mental status impaired, I doubt, even in the most liberal states, that this could occur for him.

The other thing is to withhold extraordinary measures. Now this is an established practice in healthcare, and most of the doctors I know will only treat the patient as much as his family is willing to go along with. Most modern medical practitioners are realizing that we do death and dying rather poorly, and are stepping up to the challenge by initiating discussions very early on in the terminal process.

The key to the process is communication. In healthcare, the norm is to treat the disease. You have to be very clear that the entire family is behind the decision to let nature take its course. A living will is a great tool, but I've seen several revoked by the lone family member who disagreed with, or was uninformed of the decision, and just happened to be the person in the room with the patient when the demise was imminent.

It's best to talk with your physician about these things, as they can usually offer you things like hospice, and the ability not to provide artificial nutrition. It's never easy, but when you, your family and your physician are on the same page, you'll be surprised how easily the end can be for both the patient and the family.

Also, don't forget that this is not an all or nothing event. You can have degrees of care. You may want to initially treat a pneumonia, if it turns for the worse you may want to stall treatment at that stage and let nature take its course. Good communication is KEY! Your physician is there for YOU! Make him understand and tailor his treatment to your wishes.

I wish you well, and God bless.




EDIT: I've googled and it seems that the term euthanasia applies to both the active process that I associate it with, AND the passive *let them go* process. This used to not be the case. Sorry for any terminology snafu's. The point is still made.
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