Great column on experience with end of life care
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This is a discussion on Great column on experience with end of life care in Nursing News, part of General Nursing ... " ... When they told my father-in-law the hospital had done all it could, that was not, in the...
by Altra Guide Oct 9, '12http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/08/opinion/keller-how-to-die.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1349802219-2UEZYc/nRtAUq3HSTlTIHA
" ... When they told my father-in-law the hospital had done all it could, that was not, in the strictest sense, true. There was nothing the doctors could do about the large, inoperable tumor colonizing his insides. But they could have maintained his failing kidneys by putting him on dialysis. They could have continued pumping insulin to control his diabetes. He wore a pacemaker that kept his heart beating regardless of what else was happening to him, so with aggressive treatment they could and many hospitals would have sustained a kind of life for a while. ...
... Its about recognizing that someone is dying, and giving them choices. Do you want an oxygen mask over your face? Or would you like to kiss your wife?
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Oct 11, '12 by LilyRoseRNWhat a beautiful article. Too bad something like the Liverpool protocol would never fly over here. We have to get over our fear of death and start doing what is best for people at the end of their lives.Altra likes this. - Guide
- GuideOct 11, '12 by AltraExactly what LilyRoseRN said ...
If needed, I fully intend to implement my own Liverpool protocol for myself someday.Last edit by Altra on Oct 11, '12 - Oct 12, '12 by Debilpn23Quote from AltraWhat a beautiful article.http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/08/opinion/keller-how-to-die.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1349802219-2UEZYc/nRtAUq3HSTlTIHA
" ... When they told my father-in-law the hospital had done all it could, that was not, in the strictest sense, true. There was nothing the doctors could do about the large, inoperable tumor colonizing his insides. But they could have maintained his failing kidneys by putting him on dialysis. They could have continued pumping insulin to control his diabetes. He wore a pacemaker that kept his heart beating regardless of what else was happening to him, so with aggressive treatment they could — and many hospitals would — have sustained a kind of life for a while. ...
... “It’s about recognizing that someone is dying, and giving them choices. Do you want an oxygen mask over your face? Or would you like to kiss your wife?”
