Truth about the "death panels" - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

kerry · #31 08-15-2009, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 450slcguy

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.

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.

450slcguy · #32 08-15-2009, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry

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.

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.

Ara T. · #33 08-15-2009, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 450slcguy

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.

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

450slcguy · #34 08-16-2009, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ara T.

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

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.

davidmash · #35 08-16-2009, 12:31 AM

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.

Ara T. · #36 08-16-2009, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidmash

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.

Agreed 100%. Btw Kevorkian is out on parole.

tankdriver · #37 08-16-2009, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ara T.

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

I think you might be misunderstanding what end of life counseling is. Despite Palin's catchy name, there's no group of people sitting in judgement of who lives and who dies.

450slcguy · #38 08-16-2009, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidmash

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.

One can only hope someone will be there willing to help you out. At this point in time, if someone were to assist you, they'd most likely be charge with accessory to murder.

Ara T. · #39 08-16-2009, 02:15 AM

Unless you live in Oregon.

mgburg · #40 08-16-2009, 03:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 450slcguy

Pure nonsense. But I expected nothing less from you and your group of fear monger's.

Seriously, what group do you think I belong too? Just because SOME people need the crutch of a group to do their thinking for them, that doesn't mean that I fall into such a group.

I hated NATIONALIZED HEALTHCARE when I started hearing about it back in the 60s, as a wee tot...just hitting his teens...

Pray tell...when did you start getting all tingley and giddy inside and down under when the words "free healthcare" started getting all bandied about?

BTW, what does the "fear monger" own? You left that off the end of your sentence...

mgburg · #41 08-16-2009, 03:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tankdriver

I think you might be misunderstanding what end of life counseling is. Despite Palin's catchy name, there's no group of people sitting in judgement of who lives and who dies.

Yet!!!

MS Fowler · #42 08-16-2009, 09:03 AM

One could always take the way of Clint Eastwood's character in "Fairlane 500". ( I think that was the title)

link · #43 08-16-2009, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MS Fowler

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

I have no idea of what you imply by that. Care to elaborate?

link · #44 08-16-2009, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 450slcguy

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.

Not in all states. I dunno about other countries

kerry · #45 08-16-2009, 11:06 AM

In the case of my friend who slit his wrists, I'm pretty sure he wanted to take pills to end his life but he had macular degeneration and couldn't read his prescription bottles to figure out which one to take. He didn't want to ask someone to tell him which bottle to use.

Gran Torino I believe.