Why we need to face our mortality - BBC Ideas

Some people ask for “ everything to be done” because they are dependent on the loved ones retirement etc. Hospitals get in a bind because of end of life issues. We spend more on health care in our last year of life because the idea “ above all do no harm “ creates problems. Suppose 90 year old grandpa has congestive heart failure. He took a turn for the worse. By admitting him to ICU and tweeting meds, reducing fluids etc the docs can keep him alive, but for how long. The proper answer maybe making him comfortable and allowing him to die, however, suppose he doesn’t die but is then in worse shape? A Guilt ridden family member can reek havoc. It is a royal great problem that is devouring untold resources.

LTC David Brown - That's why medical decisions as much as possible should be made in advance. Both my husband and I have discussed at length, our doctor has documents on file for both of us and our son who will manage affairs should we be disabled and unable to decide things for ourselves also knows our wishes. No guarantees but it helps.

Capt Christian D. Orr - How appropriate.

Lt Col Charlie Brown - very good thinking. One of the issues that plagued me was DNR orders for patients coming to the OR. The thought was DNR should be suspended because Anesthesia role is basically a resuscitation process. The surgeons would not discuss this with patients or their families. So ICU medical management for a day or so may make for a good out come. The family would say “dad didn’t want to be on a ventilator “. So was I supposed to pull the tube and watch him die after a successful surgical procedure? None of this seemed to enter surgeons minds let alone a discussion with the family. Differant Anesthesia attending had differant views and it was a mess.