Yesterday, I had a rather full day of medical reviews. I had forgotten that it was time for the mandatory, annual "Wellness Examination," required by Medicare. I had a routine office visit with my primary care physician, so we ran the gamut. Everything from physical to physical agility, eyes, general wellness, emotional, mental acuity, updating immunizations...the works. I'm happy to report that other than two very trying chronic neurological disorders I have, I'm 100% in all other areas. Healthy diet and healthy living, I call it, but I often confound the doctors a bit, being 71 years old and overall, as healthy as the average 30 year old.
This article isn't, however, a medical report about me. It's about each and every person walking around this world...young, old and in between. As part of the review, I was reminded of the legal aspect of my life, in terms of medical concerns. Not a comfortable area for many people to think about...and it's for those of you who think you're immortal or have forever to worry about the future...I speak to this morning.
In spite of your glowing picture of heath, youth and vitality....and your "busy life" where you think about dealing with the future at a later time...I ask this question. "What if an unfortunate and sudden illness, accident or medical emergency left you unable to make your own medical decisions...this very morning? When the doctor looks at your family and asks what is to be done, who has the legal authority to speak on your behalf? I'm not talking about just discussing your wishes with your family, I'm talking about actual, legal authority to act. Or, do you just plan to turn this meeting with the doctor into "Family Feud," or, "Let's Play Guilt Trip?" And what about your primary care physician? Are you positive that medical provider will follow your wishes...or their own? Yeah, I know....you aren't worried right now because you're going to live for years and years. Right. Reality check time...you aren't going to live forever and as with all else in life, you are solely responsible for your future.
Personally, I feel you have an obligation, not only to yourself but to your family...love them or hate them. Don't put the burden on them. And I don't think any of us want to have our lives and our families turned into a media circus in the event of a catastrophic illness. Nor do we want to become the "poster child" for some special interest group. Don't think that could happen to you? Think again! The message really hit home with me a few years ago when a family was turned into a media circus due to an unforeseen medical emergency. The media exploded with the story...battle lines were drawn....and because one person failed to take personal responsibility...a family was destroyed and years of litigation followed. All of which could have been avoided, if one person had taken a half an hour out of their busy, immortal life and acted responsibly. I remember writing an Opinion Editorial at the time...since that was my profession....and as a reminder of what I'm talking about, I'll share it here. Life, Death and Legislation
I heeded the lesson learned at that time and wrote up a "Living Will," which was placed in both my doctor's files and on file with my regular hospital. Each and every person has their own thoughts on how far they wish doctors to proceed with treatment when critically ill or in a coma. Those thoughts and wishes MUST be written down....advising family or your representative as to what YOU want to be done. And, someone you trust must be appointed with the authority to see those wishes are carried out. Further, again depending upon your beliefs, you may wish to consider including a separate, "Do Not Resuscitate," or "DNR" order, if you wish to die in a dignified, natural manner. That's a matter of beliefs, I suppose...and personal philosophy but is important as a directive, if it's important to you.
I was reminded yesterday that my copies had not been updated in several years and there have been many life changes for me over that time. It was time to review those documents and update them, as required. Yes, mine were horribly outdated!
Simple enough! You don't need an attorney and you need not spend any money...it's just a matter of spending about half an hour of your time. Every state has their own legal requirements for the documents, so I don't recommend just printing some sort of universal form you find online. Drop by the Records Office of your local hospital and request a Living Will form and a DNR form, if you wish to include one with your instructions. Sit down, right there and fill them out!!! The Living Will must be notarized and the hospital was kind enough to call their Notary to the records office, where she notarized the forms as I signed them. The hospital then placed copies in their system so if needed in an emergency, they would be available. Further, the hospital provided me with extra copies....one of which I took to my doctor and that was placed in my medical file at their office. It is further recommended that a copy be placed in an envelope in your home...a conspicuous place....EMT's are trained to look for one on a refrigerator door, or your dresser in the bedroom....should they have to respond to a serious medical emergency and you are not conscious. They know what to do. And, by the way, the hospital provided the documents, notary and copies without charging one cent! It's important to them, as well as to you! The choice of what to do is yours....and yours only....your responsibility. JUST DO IT!!! And don't wait until you are my age! And, above all else, although a difficult conversation for many people...discuss it with your family! Make sure they know!
And while on this topic, there is one more area one needs to consider. There have been many articles written recently about conflicts between patients and medical providers. This seems to be an issue which has become important in recent years. There has been some sort of "religious conscience" movement among some of the more conservative religious sects. We've seen pharmacists who refuse to fill prescriptions ordered by doctors, due to "religious grounds." Insane, in my opinion...if you can't do your job because of your religious beliefs, perhaps you need a different profession...but it happens. And the same has been occurring with doctors. Some doctors have been documented as putting their religious convictions ahead of your personal wishes and requests. As an example....you have a "DNR" order and the attending physician has a religious conviction that says, "life must be sustained at all cost."
The recommendation is....even though this may be uncomfortable for you...and possibly for your doctor, as well...but you must have a conversation with the medical practitioner. It's an essential part of your health care plan. Explain your concerns to the doctor....your personal wishes and religious convictions, if you have them....and discuss whether the doctor would permit his or her religious convictions interfere with your treatment or desires. You need honest answers. And if there is a conflict, you need to find a new medical practitioner. Period!
Well, this is my message and advice to everyone this morning. Advice that I have given to my family and taken myself. Please take the time to act as a responsible adult and get this done! Don't put it off. You aren't immortal. You'll feel better knowing you've done the right thing....and your family will thank you...eventually.
© Copyright 2016 Stan G. Kain
No comments:
Post a Comment