I am a donor.
As a nurse, all I can say is please, please, PLEASE put your wishes into writing!! I have seen, too many times, family members override the wishes of patients who could not make the decisions for themselves at the moment. If you don't want life support, make SURE you specify that you do NOT want a feeding tube!! I don't know the laws in all the states, however, I do know that in NJ a feeding tube is not considered a "heroic measure" (as in, I do not wish any heroic measures be undertaken to sustain my life). Family members, though well-meaning I am sure, can make the wrong decisions based on emotion or grief...so please, make sure you are specific in your wishes and that they are written and legally documented! Also, if you have a partner that you want making medical decisions for you...make sure you have that legally documented as well!
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Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field. I'll meet you there ~ Rumi
Last edited by always2late; 10-08-2012 at 08:07 PM.
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