I was really torn about this whole Shiavo situation. They're claiming abuse, which I dunno about. But I think that depriving her of water was just horrible. I was told (by my mother) that it doesnt hurt, it just looks bad, they kept her on morphine so she felt no pain.. I think that its best that its over now, she isnt suffering anymore, but I dont know what to think of the whole situation itself.
Between this and seeing Million Dollar Baby Ive had a rude awakening as to these types of things.
I also read that the increase in living wills went up by 90% since the Shiavo case hit the news.
Being that my health is very bad, instead of a living will, which is very vague, I did a Medical Proxy.
You dont need a lawyer, you can goto lawdepot.com or any archive of legalease medical forms, and do it yourself for MUCH cheaper. $15-30 USD compared to $500 for a lawyer to do the same thing.
Basically you get to choose what you want, and who you want to adminster (make the decision) food/water/drugs or a DNR. I chose no heroic measures, but I want pain meds until the last moment. After calling my mother in tears over Terri Shiavo we discussed it and I decided I wouldnt want food or water either...Just gimme the drugs, and let me go gently.
Im 31, and I keep telling myself that I'm too young for this, but my mother (whos a Dr.) says everyone should have something like it...
I guess most people dont want to admit it, but its a fact of life for me. I know my father would make me suffer by keeping me alive, but my mom would let me go if the need arose, because Ive suffered enough already.
I wouldnt want to live in a hospital, or a hospice, nursing home or any other place to be a burden on those that I love & love me. I wouldnt want to live on machines either as I spent 5 years of my life in hospitals.
So yeah thats the end of my very personal rant.