Originally Posted by 450slcguy (Post 2270991)

My aunt recently died of cancer. In the last few weeks of her life, her bones became so brittle that her hip became fractured as she was being transported into an ambulance. This poor woman had only a few weeks left to live at the time. The doctors recommended hip replacement surgery, informing my uncle she might not survive the surgery. After consulting with my aunt, the decision was made to go with the doctors recommendation. She survived the surgery, but passed on within a week. I can't begin to imagine how difficult a decision that was, knowing it would only add to her pain and suffering, without any hope recovery. The insurance company paid for everything, no questions asked.

What does one do under such circumstances? With or without the surgery, the pain would have been the similar. I'd hate to think sole reason for the surgery was monetary on the doctors part, but I really don't see what was the objective.

Originally Posted by kerry (Post 2271034)

Had a friend 78 yrs old dying of painful spinal cancer. Tried to commit suicide by slitting his wrists. Friend found him and (foolishly) called 911. He was on 24 hr suicide watch in the hospital, paid for by Medicare for about 2 weeks. He lived for about 6 months, bedridden in constant pain, with 24 hr care in his house. Medical bills for those unwanted final 6 months were over $200k.

Originally Posted by 450slcguy (Post 2271053)

It's sad incidents like these that occur thousands of times everyday that makes one wish there were legal mercifull ways to put an end to unnecessary pain, suffering, and expense. Perhaps in certain terminal instances, a "death panel" judgement wouldn't be such a bad thing.

Originally Posted by Ara T. (Post 2271054)

Why should one need a death panel to decide for you?

Originally Posted by davidmash (Post 2271091)

My pets get treated better than we treat our fellow humans.

I have no idea what this counseling panel is but all I want them to do is give me the drugs and the tools to use them when I decide I want to say good bye. My life and I will go out on my terms. If I am incapacitated, I will leave the parameters in my will or up to my wife.

No one should get to say whether I live or die except me or who ever I authorize on my behalf.

If some religious nut job does not think I should off my self, great ... bugger off because it is none of your business. Just give me the number to Kevorkian (yes I know he is in jail) and get the hell out of my way.

Originally Posted by Ara T. (Post 2271054)

Why should one need a death panel to decide for you?

Originally Posted by davidmash (Post 2271091)

all I want them to do is give me the drugs and the tools to use them when I decide I want to say good bye. My life and I will go out on my terms. If I am incapacitated, I will leave the parameters in my will or up to my wife.

Originally Posted by 450slcguy (Post 2270647)

Originally Posted by tankdriver (Post 2271131)

Originally Posted by MS Fowler (Post 2270826)

That depends entirely on the content of the end of life counseling, and the size of the "big stick" that the counselor carries.

Originally Posted by 450slcguy (Post 2271083)

I'm pretty sure committing self suicide is a hard thing to do for most people, even those faceing a horrible and painfull death. I suppose assisted suicide would be a better way to do it. But that's illegal.