honoring patient decisions

[canoehead]

Anyone watch Trauma- Life in the ER? A man injured surfing had no feeling or function below his clavicles, and was offered a spine stabilization surgery that would allow him to sit up, but would not bring back function. He did not want it, his wife wanted everything done, and they proceeded with the surgery in spite of his expressed wishes. The surgeon claimed he was incompetent to make decisions based on the fact he had been through a traumatic and frightening experience. They did not show any formal evaluation of his state of mind.

After all the dicussion of honoring patient wishes, and obtaining informed consent, are we throwing the patient's decision out just because they are currently under stress? That would invalidate the decisions of anyone admitted to hospital.

Does anyone know if this is legal, or common practice?

[PeggyOhio]

ECB,

I'm sorry to hear of your father's illness. I can identify with the fear. My father was diagnosed with Parkinson's a few years ago. I pray everyday that he dies of something quick and painless in his sleep. My greatest dread is that he will live long enough to loose the ability to swallow, because I know he will never consent to a peg tube.

Have you read "Tuesday's with Morrie"? I thought of it when you mentioned ALS. It is about a man's journey to death from ALS. My son gave it to me for Mother's day. It may sound morbid but it is more about his courage and acceptance, and how he helps others come to terms with it as well. I just started it a day or two ago. It might help you. I believe they also made it into a movie.

[imaRN]

ecb,

I KNOW how you feel,my sister was Dx. with ALS in her late 20's. She lived her life how SHE wanted to.When I used to hear about someone with ALS or have a pt. with ALS I felt like I would "throw-up". Movies, books and support groups might be good for some but for me I just couldn't do it. I wish I could say she didn't die but-she did. We made many, many memories in those years. My mom and I done what "she" wanted, she was a dietician and did not want any vent, or feeding tube, she had a Great Neurologist who supported her wishes.(Of course he would have been better if he could have found a cure!)I pray in my lifetime there will be one. People often "mean well" thrusting their views and opinions at you,but you decide how "YOU" will support your dad.I can say (even though I have tears in my eyes now) I am glad we supported her, and done things her way!She is a gift I will always have with me. She died in 1993, sounds like a long time, but I can still see her face and hear her at times. I was scared too, and on an emotional rollercoaster from day to day.Working some days was too hard, my friends were always there to listen, no one could fix it, but being able to vent. can help tons!Let me know if you want to talk, I'm here, we are both in a club that we never asked to be in.....imaRN