Re: ADVANCE DIRECTIVE/ final wishes
Originally Posted by
bakerman
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Annie, I apologize if I have upset you. That was not my intension.
I don't think I'm afraid of death itself, but rather the idea that I might end up being in a coma or otherwise unconscious for a lengthy time, yet still, somehow, being aware that I am in intense pain and not being able to communicate with a doctor.
With the current Covid virus crisis, I'd hate to be on a ventilator (unconscious and in pain ?) for God knows how long. With my own personal experience, I know for certain that it is very possible to be "unconscious" yet in agonizing pain. If that should ever happen to me again, I'd want to end it quickly. Thus, the desire to have an "Advance Directive" which would force the doctors to "end me" quickly.
Bakerman I can totally understand how you feel particularly given your awful experience. They were very negligent as someone should have been monitoring your stress levels. I'm not quite sure how they do this but perhaps the effects of anaesthesia dumb down the blood pressure which would normally rocket if you are in severe pain.
Perhaps on a ventilator that is monitored more closely and pain meds administered? I am not sure but my understanding is that they induce a coma. Have you thought about talking to a nurse or doctor about how the process works, just to put your mind at ease?
I really do hope that the vaccine works to reduce the spread. I have the same fear of being on a ventilator. The thought of anything like that sends shivers down my spine. You could ask them not to put you on a ventilator if anything happens. Do they need your permission to use one? Something as simple as a medichain around your neck or wrist could list your wishes. I used to wear one for my allergies.