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 August 2006 Back to Table of Contents Back to Archives Main Page Section: Being Well The Need for End of Life Planning By Georgia Burnette RN, MSN
Margaret, a former registered nurse had been diagnosed with a collagen disease, called sarcoidosis, which affects connective tissue (tendons, and ligaments), and can strike any part of the body, most often involving the lungs. She had been ill for over 25 years and experienced many manifestations of the disease; a heart attack, several strokes and disorders of the eye. She also suffered severe spinal pain, unrelated to the sarcoidosis. Margaret’s first husband was a mortician; thus she had seen illness and death up close and personal. At age 72, she experienced a second heart attack, immediately undergoing open heart surgery. While the operation was a success, the patient never awakened. She was placed on life support, but within days, all brain activity ceased. At this time the medical team spoke with her husband, John, regarding discontinuing life support systems. But he had no idea of her final wishes! He was unable to recall ever discussing these matters, whether there was a living will, or any will at all. John called friends, tearfully asking “What shall I do?” Luckily, a close friend sat him down to do some quiet, reflective thinking, and he remembered that indeed there was a will in the safe deposit box. The document also contained a medical directive; Margaret was immediately removed from all life support. Her wishes were therefore honored, and John did not have to make gut-wrenching decisions during this incredibly stressful time. Moral of this story? Discuss final requests with family and friends in advance. Also, put them in writing and in a safe place. It is necessary to have information of this nature easily accessible at home, or left with an additional person, child, relative or friend. In this case, while there were no children, there was a host of friends. Family History Can Save Your Life Vivian, a 78 year old mother of six adult children, suffered severe hypertension for many, many years. This was not too surprising since her mother and most of her siblings also struggled with this disease, as does her youngest son, age 40. Vivian’s physician prescribed rest, weight loss and a healthier diet. Various anti-hypertensive medications were tried, and finally, her blood pressure was brought under limited control. Nevertheless, late one evening after returning from her grandson’s high school graduation and induction into the National Honor Society, she died unexpectedly while watching television. What is remarkable about this story is that subsequent to her death, the family neither requested nor permitted a post-mortem on their mother. Although not contrary to their religious beliefs, when asked, one daughter said “We just didn’t think it was necessary. What could be gained? She was gone.” Apparently the family had not discussed these issues prior to her death. Family history is considered a risk factor when certain illnesses afflict close relatives, (parents, siblings, offspring) before age 55. Examples are coronary artery disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes. With a family history of obesity and hypertension, an autopsy could have provided compelling information about the cause of death (heart attack, stroke, kidney disease). As a result, vital medical information that directly impacts the future health of the entire family was lost. In all probability this disease has been inherited, and passed on to her 40-year-old son. He is moderately overweight, holds a stressful job as a big city policeman and battles an ongoing case of high blood pressure. Moral of this story? Discuss and document your-end-of life wishes. Explore the possibility and necessity of an autopsy with more than one person in the family. But in order for end-of-life requests to be honored, they must be documented and accessible. An old adage works here: “The poorest pencil beats the best mind.” Next Month: We Have a Will, but It’s Our Secret. You can write to Georgia Burnette via email at: gbwriter@adelphia.net back to top back to table of contents Current Issue | About Forever Young | Where to Find | Advertise | Our Advertisers | Community Calendar | Contest | Clubs | Contact Us | Archives | Home |
