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Let's put it this way, if I was in constant pain and I knew there was no way I would get better, I would request an overdose if I was capable of communicating my request.
This field I admit I know nothing about and I don't pretend to know anything about. I am a firm believer in the do not recusitate order if that is what is requested. I am just amazed at the health system trying to keep people alive when there is no quality of life.
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I agree with everything you say. But that is just the thing. Modern medicine is a wonderful thing. Morphine isn't the only option these days. And we don't just up the dose as we please. We slowly increase the dose so the patient gets used to the dose so they aren't drowsy, but takes care of the pain. A patient doesn't have to be in pain. But all people die differently. Not always in pain. They are instead short of breath, so we give them oxygen.
And you know, sometimes we know there isn't much we can do for a patient but the family wants to sustain them on life support. We as healthcare providers can not just take them off as we please. Even patients who do have DNR orders, their power of attorney for healthcare can over ride it if the patient becomes of not right mind. So choose your POA for healthcare wisely and let them know your wishes in detail. And the POA for healthcare is different than a regular POA so make sure you designate one.
Most people don't know that.
I agree with you. There were times where I saw where nothing could be done but we sustained life. Not because we wanted to. Not because the patient wanted to. But because the family wanted to. It's hard to let go. It's hard to "give up" but in reality, they are keeping their loved one alive for selfish reasons. Believe me. But we can't decide as health care providers. We have to work with the rules and laws of the system. We are damned if we do, damned if we don't. But in the end, I just want to do what's right for the patient.