Living Wills And The Extent Of Your Options

Issues that surround terminal illness - incapacitation and death are not easy to talk about. But it would be a lot easier for the immediate family if their loved one had drawn up a living will before being confronted with a traumatic accident or a serious illness.

Without it - a person's preferences with regard to the extent of life support measures {i.e. artificial ventilation - tube feeding - medications and other high-tech machines} would not be heard and carried out. Living wills - therefore - are essential tools that are applicable for all eligible individuals.

In determining your health care wishes - you should always take your values into account. These considerations should include your thoughts about the importance of self-sufficiency and independence - and where to draw the line when the quality of life is compromised. Also - you need to decide if your advanced directives would prohibit life-sustaining and⁄or life-saving measures.

Before drafting your own living will - be acquainted with the different treatments that are within its scope. In this way - you will be able to specify which of these measures you wish to receive or refuse in the event of incapacitation. Also - it would be a good idea to speak with your physician about this matter and be advised on other pertinent issues and terminologies.

The Different Treatments

1} Resuscitation

This procedure aims to restart a heart that has stopped beating. Decide on when and if you wish to be resuscitated via CPR {cardiopulmonary resuscitation} or by a medical device that dispenses an electrical shock to revive the heart. The stage of a disease or the extent of injury matters in this situation.

Therefore - try to be as specific as possible. You may fill out medical forms called DNR {do-not-resuscitate} orders to signify your desire to refuse such life-saving measure. These forms are usually attached to the medical record to forewarn the health care team.

2} Mechanical Ventilation

This life-sustaining measure involves the use of a machine that takes over a person's ventilation in the event that he or she is incapable of spontaneous breathing. Reflect about when - if and for how long you would like to be attached to a mechanical ventilator.

You should also take your prognosis and condition into account - and whether or not it would matter to you if the doctors have high hopes about your recovery.

3} Hydration and Nutritional Assistance

These life-prolonging measures provide the body with much needed fluids and nutrients intravenously or through a nasogastric tube {NGT}. Come to a decision about when - if and for how long you would like to receive sustenance in this manner.

4} Dialysis

In case of renal failure - this medical procedure gets rid of toxic wastes from your blood and controls fluid levels in your body. Decide on when - if and for how long you would like to accept this treatment.

5} End-of-life Care

Examples of treatment that fall under this category include the administration of painkillers - antibiotics - and mechanical ventilation. You should also determine whether you would like to receive these palliative measures even when death is imminent.

In general - these medical interventions can provide help in temporary situations wherein recovery is possible. However - in end-of-life stages - such measures could only add further discomfort and prolong the dying process.

A lot of conditions may fall someplace in between - where the odds of recuperation is unknown. These circumstances are often difficult to deal with. When living wills are present - however - these problematical situations are made a lot easier.