| User | Comment |
|---|
cantilever  | | posted 13-May-2007 8:44pm |
I always thought "Soylent Green" really was the best solution. I've seen 2 parents and a sister die horribly of cancer. Wouldn't it have been better to have slipped them a Micky Finn and let them pass whilst still a person - not a near cadaver.
And religion has NO say whatsoever.!!! |
| kitkat | | posted 13-May-2007 9:11pm |
If it were a terminal illness that was painful and my doctor couldn't provide optimal pain management, I'd opt for euthanasia. |
| llamamama | | posted 13-May-2007 9:54pm |
At my command. Unless the terminal illness was painless..but if not..then at my command. |
LJD  | | posted 13-May-2007 10:09pm |
I feel it is a sin to allow a person to die in pain. There was a law suit a few years ago, regarding this subject. The family of an elderly man sued the doctor and hospital for allowing their father to die a very painful death. |
| Enigma | | posted 13-May-2007 10:12pm |
My uncle recently died from cancer. He had a round or two of chemo a year or two ago that gave him some more time with us all. When the cancer came back again and they suggested chemo again he decided to pass on it and chose to go home to die. He was pretty morphened up near the end but he died at home as he wanted to. He had the grace of final perserverance.
I would like to think that I could face death that way but I understand the pain of a terminal illness can be pretty tough. My uncle was one strong, beautiful person. |
romkey  | | posted 13-May-2007 10:13pm |
I'd prefer not to die.
If I can't have that then I'd prefer to die in my sleep.
If I can't have that, I'd prefer it be under my control. |
they  | | posted 13-May-2007 10:55pm |
Naturally, with the option of at my command.
|
jettles  | | posted 13-May-2007 11:18pm |
i would die naturally if i would not be suffering for a longer time and spending all of my resources and extending the inevitable. i chose to have control of the situation and would chose euthanasia if it became too much. |
| ultamate | | posted 13-May-2007 11:53pm |
My Dad died from brain cancer. For 3 long months he laid up in a hospital. Although they claimed he was in no pain, I know my Dad better than anyone and just being in a hospital and unable to get out of bed or have any control over his bodily functions was painful enough for him. I don't want to die like he had to. If I'm going to die anyway why should I suffer? Put me out of my misery! |
| Pomeranian | | posted 14-May-2007 12:09am |
Whatever is quickest. |
| JessicaWoman99 | | posted 14-May-2007 12:11am |
Please I have had enough and now at my command euthanize me right now, or let Dr. Jack Kevorki do the job
and just let me die right now I beg you |
| RGirl | | posted 14-May-2007 12:40am |
Other. If I were in pain or suffering I'd go with at my command. As long as I have what I say is some quality of life I will continue to live. |
| RGirl | | (reply to ultamate) posted 14-May-2007 12:43am |
What I liked about working in oncology was that the doctors I worked with understood that not all pain is physical. We treated the mental/emotional/spiritual pain of patients. They could look at a patient and see that suffering was there even if the person was not in physical pain. |
| cabinfever | | posted 14-May-2007 1:25am |
Other.... depends on the illness. Is it painful? Am I bedridden? What is my life expectancy? Most likely I'd want to go out on my own terms. |
| Irene007 | | posted 14-May-2007 2:25am |
I don't want to think about crap like that. I figure that I'll cross that bridge when I get to it... |
| Kristal_Rose | | posted 14-May-2007 4:41am |
At my command, I think.
I'd really want to just teleport out into some other life. |
Iseult  | | posted 14-May-2007 10:16am |
Can I just not die? |
| dab | | posted 14-May-2007 11:51am |
If you give me an "other" option, then I choose not to die. |
| ultamate | | (reply to RGirl) posted 14-May-2007 8:20pm |
My poor Dad could only mumble a few words such as "home". He could verily lift his arms and when he did it was to point at the door. His eyes were nearly in the back of his head most of the time, but when he could look at me I could tell he was trying to tell me something. Spiritually I seen to it that he got his last rights even though it was 2 months before he passed on. My sister who was the care taker for 3 months decided that after 75 years he was no longer Catholic and she listed his religion as the one she practices. Thank God he happened to be in a Catholic hospital where I was able to track down a priest. So you see since he was unable to communicate his wishes there was very little mental, emotional or spiritual support anyone could have really given him. My Dad was suffering mentally and emotionally and no one could see it but me and my brother. My Dad was a tough man physically and I guess emotionally too but he always hated being fussed over or being taken care of. He hated doctors and hospitals too. I don't even want to imagine how terrible it was for him to be stuck in that bed and in his own mind. |
| thecomic22 | | posted 14-May-2007 9:18pm |
I'd rather die at my own command |
LindaH  | | (reply to romkey) posted 14-May-2007 10:08pm |
Let's work on a formula for immortality. |
| Amanda | | posted 14-May-2007 10:33pm |
I'd rather die at my command. I saw my mother suffer through so much pain...I don't think I'm strong enough to go through that. |
| romkey | | (reply to LindaH) posted 14-May-2007 10:59pm |
Sounds good!
I suspect it involves not having a lot of fun though  |
| RGirl | | (reply to ultamate) posted 15-May-2007 1:13am |
We focused on not just the patients pain, but the family's as well. Home could have meant many things.
I took care of an elderly man one evening and at the end of my shift me and an aide went in to make sure he was settled and whatnot. He kept telling us, smiling the whole time, that he was going to bed. 'I'm going to bed.' We proceeded to explain that he was already in bed but he seemed so happy we let him be. He died within the hour. That is just one example.
IMO, it was a little rude of your sister to put down her religion and not his. |
| Enheduanna | | posted 15-May-2007 9:23am |
It would depend on the illness and how bad it was making me feel, but if I were really in pain and suffering, I think I would just want to end it, not wait it out. |
| ultamate | | (reply to RGirl) posted 15-May-2007 7:18pm |
Knowing my Dad when he said home he meant home as in back to SC. I let my sister take my Dad to Nebraska 'cause she said she could quit her job to take care of him. I found out later that she didn't quit her job. When my Dad's mind went he stopped writing so I would call him. She wouldn't let me talk to him because she said it confused him to much. Every week I continued writing him and always sent a copy of a picture of him and I together hoping he would remember me long enough to write something, anything back. I'm almost certain now that she threw those letters away. When I had enough and decided I was going to talk to my Dad one way or the other she accidentally blurts out that Dad had been in the hospital for a month and weeks before had a brain tumor removed. When I asked why she didn't tell me, she claimed she didn't want to worry me. I told her I was coming to Nebraska as soon as I could get the money. She told me there was no need, he was fine. The next day I called her back and told her I'd be at the Denver air port (about 2 hours form her house) the following day. She insisted that I not come cause she would not be able to come get me. To make a long story short she seemed to do every thing possible to keep me from seeing him even after I got to her house. I ended up taking a 3 hour bus ride to get where my Dad was. According to her he was fine but when I got to the hospital he was in ICU where he had been for 2 weeks and I found out the day I told her I was coming he was on a breathing machine. He would have never wanted that! Ok well I'm getting upset thinking about it but I found out there was a lot of things she lied about. Nearly 6 months after his death she still hasn't admitted that she did anything wrong or that my brother and I should have had some say in his care. He had a beautiful military funeral service in Arlington National cemetery and the dog didn't even come to it! I hope her lying, deceiving ass gets to die the same agony my Dad did and I hope she burns in hell!! |
cloudhugger  | | posted 15-May-2007 8:07pm |
I want to live till my body is done. I wouldn't want to risk missing out on anything. Like that moment just before death when the light gets brighter and the pain dims and there is a peace that is like no other wraps itself around me to signify that it was all for a reason. |
| LindaH | | posted 15-May-2007 11:32pm |
I can't imagine being in so much pain that I can't get the the very last ounce of joy out of life that I possibly could, and die naturally. Hopefully my life will be like Maxwell House. |
| RGirl | | (reply to ultamate) posted 16-May-2007 3:12am |
Do you have any idea why she didn't want you involved? Sounds like a bit of a witch. What I used to hate, and ran into often, was that one family member was the caretaker but for some reason another had power of attorney and happen to live far far away. This meant that the person who was involved in the day to day care, who would know what was going on couldn't sign papers or anything. We'd have to call and explain and get consent that way. |
| Kristal_Rose |
> I want to live till my body is done. I wouldn't want to risk missing
> out on anything. Like that moment just before death when the light
> gets brighter and the pain dims and there is a peace that is like
> no other wraps itself around me to signify that it was all for a reason.
I can't imagine that any light at the end of the tunnel is reserved for those who suffer long in a hospital bed rather than being hit by a train or accidentally mixing the wrong prescriptions.
I understand the taking nature for better or worse part, going through a traditional process, but I don't see death as some cosmic mechanical process which we are capable of botching up. Not like in 'Heaven Can Wait' where an angel accidentally picks up someone who wasn't going to die, in an effort to save their pain. Dang, now there's a grim thought if we had a punitive anti-euthanasia god: 'You can shut down your body ahead of schedule, but we'll still be picking you up on our schedule'. |
| Wackadoo | | posted 16-May-2007 8:21am |
If I were in severe pain and obviously suffering, I would like the right to end my life. Otherwise, I would rather die naturally in my sleep. |
| kitti723 | | posted 16-May-2007 11:39am |
The sooner the better. |
| RGirl |
I took care of a patient that wished to be aware of what was going on to the very end. She learned relaxation and meditation techniques to help deal with pain and then added the occasional Fentanyl sucker. I saw as very interesting for her. |
| cloudhugger |
It won't matter how or why and when you die, it's all there waiting for you. Whether it's premeditated, or suddenly or during sleep, life is done when it is done. I have no idea if my description is any where near what really happens, I didn't get it from watching movies or reading books. I imagine what it may be like by being near it. Even in the most tormented body, the moments before the last breath is the last chance to make peace with yourself. Who is to say that doesn't happen even in the case of someone who's life is suddenly cut short.
What I was thinking may be compared to someone running up a rocky cliff barefoot, carrying large bundles of weight to get to the top of the mountain and stop, take a breath, and say "I did it". I don't want to miss out on that moment. |
| cloudhugger | | (reply to RGirl) posted 17-May-2007 12:44am |
That's is what I'm thinking, I really want to experience it all. I believe pain to be a teacher. It is there, hovering over you telling you something is wrong. Listening to it and coming to terms with it may be my final lesson. No one ever passed a grade kicking and screaming, you have to keep doing it until you learn, and the quicker I accept it, the sooner I have peace. That patient may have had other reasons, I would think it's very personal. |
| RGirl |
She said that because death was such an important stage in life she didn't want to miss it. |
| cloudhugger | | (reply to RGirl) posted 17-May-2007 9:21am |
That is so awesome. Can you imagine how much strength it takes to die! Wow. Really puts it into perspective. |
| RGirl |
Stronger than me. I admired her decision. Me? I want to be drugged up so I don't know what is happening. |
| ultamate | | (reply to RGirl) posted 17-May-2007 10:04pm |
I don't know why she did the things she did. I wouldn't say we were extremely close by no means but when we spent time together we always done sister things and had fun just talking about what ever. I guess my theory is what my Dad's friends have told me; that she was jealous of the relationship my Dad had with my son and I. That doesn’t make much sense to me though because I always lived with in a few miles of my Dad and seen him almost daily. She always lived far away, naturally he would be closest to the one who was always there and I was after all his "baby girl". My other theory is that her husband, who is a know it all told her what to do and she did it 'cause she is stupid! I honestly can't make a real guess why she did what she did and I don't think I care. I know she loved Dad but she went against everything my Dad would have wanted and there was no good excuse for that as far as I am concerned! I think if my Dad could talk to me he would tell me to put it all behind me and continue a relationship with the only sister I have. It hurts me because I have lost her before (long story) but I can't bare to pretend that what she did to not just my brother and I, but her own Dad too is something I can forgive her for. It took 3 months for my Dad to be laid to rest in Arlington and I had decided when I seen her in DC I would give her the chance to make me understand, but when she didn't show up that was the last straw. I don't have a sister anymore, she is dead to me. |
| cloudhugger | | (reply to RGirl) posted 17-May-2007 10:11pm |
that's too bad. |
| ultamate |
> I want to live till my body is done. I wouldn't
> want to risk missing out on anything. Like that
> moment just before death when the light gets brighter
> and the pain dims and there is a peace that is
> like no other wraps itself around me to signify
> that it was all for a reason.
That should make the #1quote of the year! You have a beautiful way with words! It almost makes me look forward to death. |
| Kristal_Rose |
Ah, now I see your perspective. I've gone as far as imagining that being torn apart by wild animals might be the most interesting way to depart. |
| Kristal_Rose | | (reply to ultamate) posted 18-May-2007 12:30am |
It wasn't necessarily even rational. She may have been mad at him for dying. The advice you imagine your dad offering is good. He may be chuckling now at life's surprises. It's common to endure worse than that from your siblings and still get to become closer as the years go on. |
| RGirl | | (reply to ultamate) posted 18-May-2007 12:47am |
To go against what he wanted is pretty bad. If at any point of our lives we should have some control it has to be death. I find it annoying when people put their own agenda into some one else's wishes. She has her own death she can dictate. That is how I see it. I kind of did the same thing with my dad. Gave him one last chance not to be an butt-hole. He failed and I am happier without him. |
| RGirl |
Why? |
| cloudhugger | | (reply to ultamate) posted 18-May-2007 1:09am |
Um...bittersweet.
|
| cloudhugger | | (reply to ultamate) posted 18-May-2007 1:10am |
Actually, it ought to make one look forward to living a life worth living. |
| cloudhugger |
I don't knowhow I managed to laugh at that...sorry *sheepish grin* |
| cloudhugger | | (reply to RGirl) posted 18-May-2007 1:14am |
never mind, it's a planet of free will, one needs to be able to make their own choice about life, and death. |
| RGirl |
Yeah, that is it. It isn't sad or anything if that is how I want it. I wouldn't be able to enjoy myself otherwise. I'd be panicked and moody. It would be very unpleasant for everyone. Now if we can laugh because I'm being goofy because I'm high as a kite, great! |
| cloudhugger | | (reply to RGirl) posted 18-May-2007 1:21am |
Legally too! |
| ultamate | | (reply to RGirl) posted 18-May-2007 7:00pm |
This is the second time I've felt I had to do this. I felt guilty after my mom passed away because I didn't make one last effort to 'fix' our relationship. It's not supposed to be like this when it's your family. May I ask what the main reason was that you had to "cut " your dad out? |
| ultamate |
Well I'm going by the light, dimming pain and peace at the end 'cause it sure as hell doesn’t seem like there is much of that in life. |
| cloudhugger | | (reply to ultamate) posted 18-May-2007 9:15pm |
It's the journey! It can be the road 'from' hell, or it can at most be interesting on those most darkest of days. I choose to see it as interesting things rather than seeming like being pelted by hail the size of small ships. It's all in perception and illusion. It can be half empty or half full. It can be glamorous or slighty nauseous. Sharp and jagged or a challange to overcome without getting my head cut off. and when you're tired, you take a nap. I like naps.  |
| RGirl | | (reply to ultamate) posted 20-May-2007 12:58am |
Because he is SO obsessed with appearances. He seems to think that if things look pleasant, organized, clean that they ARE pleasant, organized, and clean but they are not. He pushes his need for perfect appearances on everyone around him. His son from his current marriage couldn't splash when he was in the pool. He put in a pool so it looked like they could have any luxury and then turned it into something nobody would want to use for fear of splashing water on the deck. He will follow you around with a towel to wipe off any drip that might have made its way from your glass to the counter. Growing up with him was TORTURE!!! Get doged at for not cleaning my room and then get doged at for not doing it right.. He also thinks that if a person looks perfect their life is perfect. My accomplishments mean nothing compared to my step sister who is better looking in his opinion. And what ever you do, don't gain weight. I'm lucky my eating didn't turn out any more disordered than it did. During adolescence he made fun of my body as it developed. Totally screwed up what I see in the mirror when I look in it. Then he wonders why none of his kids want to visit him. I felt guilty so I visited. Inevitably he hurt my feelings. I dreaded every holiday because I felt like I had to contact him. For awhile I kept telling him 'Give me a call' 'Keep in touch' He NEVER calls me. Never has but makes ME feel like crap when I don't make an effort to see him. I just recently discovered that my brothers have discussed the issue I have with him but he doesn't get it. Also, he spends money he doesn't have. So obsessed with appearances. |
| ultamate | | (reply to RGirl) posted 20-May-2007 10:30am |
OMG he sounds kind of like my ex sister in-law. Forget the reality of things, it’s all about appearances and fooling people and herself that everything is just peachy. She had no problem with telling you everything that’s wrong with you and your family and how to fix it and she had no problem with telling everyone your business, but god forbid that the truth about her family issues come out in the open! I can’t stand people like that!! I can’t blame you for distancing yourself, no body wants to be around people who make you feel bad about yourself. His issues is with himself. |
| RGirl | | (reply to ultamate) posted 20-May-2007 5:03pm |
Exactly. It was so freeing to allow myself to put him aside. Some people are just toxic, serve no positive influence in your life. |
| bill | | posted 22-May-2007 8:39am |
It's hard to say without being in that situation. I'd have to be utterly convinced that I was going to die, and this would be hard to come by given that I don't tend to believe doctors 100%. Though, if I was in a lot of pain for a long time, I probably would just want to die regardless. But, that's really a bad reason to die, since the pain may be temporary... |
| Maarten | | posted 27-May-2007 3:03pm |
Euthanasia please! |
| EyesOfCharisma | | posted 16-Jun-2007 10:55am |
I would rather die at my command |
