end of life forms !

[davecarol2]

hello you lovely bunch . I have a respiratory nurse who comes in to see me and she has given me a red folder to fill out and keep at home last two pages relate to being recusertated and end of life wishes !has any one else had this ?? thanks for input regards Davy boy xx

[Candyred]

Hi davecarol2 I filled these out forms out a few weeks ago when I was in hospital .. don’t have any forms at home though .. I just thought they were put in my file for future references xx

[davecarol2 in reply to Candyred]

ohh ok thanks candyred just got me worrying tbh as wonder if I’m near the end 😕xx

[Hidden in reply to davecarol2]

I was asked by patient transport if I had one of these forms (I haven't) I think it's so those who care for you (doctors etc) understand your wishes should you be rushed into hospital as an emergency. Which I often have with a pseudomonas exacebation of my Bronchiectasis. Not that you are near the end.

[davecarol2 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks poemsgalore helps me stop panicking xx

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to davecarol2]

These things can be very hard to think about and talk about. Try to not let it worry you, it does not mean you’re near the end. Sending you very best wishes.

[knitter]

I was given a similar form years ago...I am still here, kept the form at home and now can't remember where I put it.

My OH has one too.

[Hidden]

Here in the states I’ve filled out end of life documents. All of my team of Drs have one, the hospital has one in their computer system. I don’t know when I will die but clearly I will. I want a good death not a bad death. A lot of the frantic procedures done in the ER are miserable, very expensive and at a certain time pointless. So I have detailed exactly what I want done. If I don’t write down my wishes the law here says do anything to keep this person alive regardless of pain, misery and quality of life. A good death is accepting reality and being kept calm and comfortable. Not being intubated over and over or having a tracheotomy. Once I get to the point of needing all that and pretty much being bed ridden it’s over. Again “my choice and opinion only”! I respect others rights to their own choices. !

[peege in reply to Hidden]

It's the same here in the uk Apeter. I'm absolutely with you on this, quality of life, not quantity

[2greys in reply to Hidden]

I feel that am nowhere near ready to getting a form like this, but when that time arrives I would wish to pass on without the additional trauma of being resuscitated. I have already donated my body to medical research, in perpetuation, as well.

[deedee5 in reply to Hidden]

Great reply. I think the very same way.

[Hidden]

We have enough things happening in our lives without panicking davecarol2 XX

[peege]

It's important anyone visiting your home can see the notes to know your wishes (by anyone I mean health professionals) - we don't know what's around the corner do we. Once a few years ago my team and I were recusitating a chap who'd had a stroke, I called an ambulance and his daughters, the daughters were terribly distressed because they knew their dad wouldn't have wanted CPR etc. Sadly, we had to continue as I didn't have signed 'DNR' - do not recusitate - instructions.

It's just protocol as are the notes kept at your home with dates and details of visits etc

[Hidden in reply to peege]

Exactly! And it’s very hard on the family not knowing ones wishes. Without written instructions one could be kept alive on machines making things hard on the family. These are issues that really need to be addressed.

[sassy59]

Pete was asked about DNR when he was in hospital with sepsis. He found it very distressing but he’s still here! I think it’s something the medical profession just like to do.

You take care. Xxxx

[Hidden]

I have a Lasting Power Of Attorney. This gives my daughter control of my health and material needs should I be incapacitated. She knows exactly what I want and it prevents me having to sign a form which medics and administrators could interpret for themselves.

[stamford1234 in reply to Hidden]

You know when it is your time. I watched my Mother die recently. There wasn't a bone left in her body that wasn't racked with pain. 88 years bless her. She held my hand so tight I thought it might break off. Would I have her messed about with CPR. I don't know. Thanks for listening

[Hidden in reply to stamford1234]

💖

[corriena]

I was told anyone can ask thear health care professional for the red folder. Its supposed to help your wishes be carried out without you having to keep repeating yourself. Which is good especialy when you are porly. Just because you have the red folder it dosent mean the end is close it just helps those who care for you know what you want

[stamford1234 in reply to corriena]

Well said Corriena

[Caspiana]

Hi davecarol2 . 👋

I think this may be standard procedure in many places, and no matter how "standard" it can still be a bit of a shock. However , it is a good opportunity to talk to your loved ones and make sure your wishes are honoured. Very often people pass without having their final wishes in place, and the legal and medical mess that ensues can be devastating on the family. This of course does not mean you are near the end. It just means you are well prepared. xx 🌞🍀

[stamford1234 in reply to Caspiana]

Also a good time to talk to loved ones and share your wishes with them

[davecarol2]

thanks all silly me I just thought you get these sort of things at the last stage or nearer the end so I’ll stop worrying xx

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to davecarol2]

Hey it's not silly and someone should have explained to you about it. But I'm glad you've stopped worrying 👍

[stamford1234]

I think this is pretty standard stuff, I recall my Mother had a similar file. Sounds like a handover document for whoever treats you, nothing sinister. A bit clumsy though!

[Hidden]

I had these about three years ago.it made me wonder if I was more ill than I thought! The nurse that brought them also asked if I had put my affairs in order. Chin up, you are not alone.

[Bella395]

That’s really good and I am now wondering why our HA doesn’t do it. Will be asking questions when I get the chance. I completed a Living Will some years ago because I definitely don’t want to be resuscitated or kept alive by artificial means.

[Chestyblocked]

Yes I have filled mine out DNR

[davecarol2]

Thanks everyone for feedback xx

[stamford1234 in reply to davecarol2]

You, look after yourself

[undine]

I filled out this form in 2016 upon being discharged from hospital and told to 'put my affairs in order' I am still here - just - at stage 4 now and almost bedridden ...... but still here xx

[stamford1234 in reply to undine]

Are you having affairs? lol

[undine in reply to stamford1234]

chance would be a fine thing ha ha xxx