Life end

[Timberman]

Four or so weeks ago Colchestr hospital marked me as life end support or some suchThere was a flurry of activity and I was home. Three weeks ago I was 999d to broomfield Chelmsford. Staph in blood. Much drama. Now sorted. Home again.

Good surgery, good District nurse but copd? No.. cardiac? No.

I am 90 % fit. Get 88+ Sat's. Get 8hrson vpap. Am I really dying?

[Swizzy]

It’s a mystery isn’t it Timberman. Who makes these decisions?Last year when I was in hospital for twelve weeks with four pneumothorax, a broken femur head from a collision with a physio and needing two pleurodesis procedures to get the lung to stay up, a very kind consultant came and offered me ‘end of life palliative care’ if I ‘had had enough of it all’

Well I refused it, the physios came and got me on my feet and here I am at home with a new puppy twelve months later.

We’re dying in our own way and time. Not because someone takes it upon themselves to put a label on us.

[Dottie11 in reply to Swizzy]

Spirit and willpower go a long way . You have done so well and excellent comments. Hope you are having a great time with puppy. xx

[Dottie11]

You have really been through it but show sometimes they underestimate us. Hope you will soon feel better. xx

[garshe]

You're sounding OK to me Timberman. Lots of love ❤️ Sheila

[sassy59]

You seem to be living to me Timberman but as dear Don says, we’re all dying but not for a while yet. Take care xxxx❤️

[janedivney]

You don’t look or sound to me as if you’ll be dying anytime soon!

I wish doctors would consider the impact of these comments. In hospital in February, a registrar came round and asked if I wanted to sign a DNAR form. I’m 72 and ok I’ve got serious lung problems, but they’re treatable. So my answer was “no I bloody well don’t!” She said oh that’s ok, we’re going round asking everyone. I know hospitals are overstretched but really, it’s a bit much!

Anyway, you keep on getting “sorted” and using your vpap and ignore the negativity!

[PaulineHM in reply to janedivney]

I personally think it is respectful of them to include us in the treatment plan and to ask us patients our wishes.

CPR/ Resus is not for me.. a slow slipping away in some care setting ( unless it is a Hospice ) no thanks. Broken ribs, potential brain death, fully dependent on others, no thanks.

I have completed my advanced care plan so they know at what stage to stop treating me and no resuscitation.

Each to their own.

Go well.

Pauline

[janedivney in reply to PaulineHM]

I agree, but we’re all entitled to a proper discussion about it, to not just have a form waved at us. Anyway I was only in hospital for a course of intravenous antibiotics.

You go well too 😊

[PaulineHM in reply to janedivney]

I agree, it isn’t possible to make an informed decision about it is it without adequate information. No one has ever approached me about it or discussed it with me.

Fortunately I have had lots of hospital experience so wanted to be ahead of the game.

Go well.

Pauline

[janedivney in reply to PaulineHM]

Maybe we should have an opt-in presumption, rather than feeling pressured to opt out! We all know it’s the doctors who’ll make the final clinical decision anyway.

[Dottie11 in reply to janedivney]

Agree as not really at our best place to make a decision when in hospital and v poorly. Nothing to lift our spirits and fight to get better wehn being asked DNAR form ?

[deejames in reply to PaulineHM]

I am with you here Pauline.

[PaulineHM in reply to deejames]

Hi Dee,

Thanks, I got the forms from Compassion in Dying.

This thread has prompted me to redo my advanced care/living will as it is a few years since I did my first one.

Go well

Pauline

[PaulineHM]

Well done you. Upwards and onwards.!

[HungryHufflepuff]

is that a photo of you writing to us on your iPad? 👋 Hello!

[Shirazmataz]

you look pretty good to me Timberman, best place to be is home in your own surroundings and enjoying the sunnier weather. Take care, Sally 😜😀

[Annie04]

I was shocked to read that. That would have made me feel is that a good time to hear it? You look on the road to recovery thank goodness, nasty infection. Sending good wishes. Onwards and upwards. 💐

[Alberta56]

I'm not happy that a local hospital should act so crassly. We Essex folk deserve better. Remind me not to have an accident when I'm shopping in Colchester. I'm glad you are back home, looking ready to ignore their prognostication for a good while yet.

[Izb1]

Your looking pretty good to me Timberman and if you are feeling OK then would presume they have their diagnosis wrong, it wouldn't be the first time. Perhaps speak with your gp to find out what is going on you don't want to be living under a cloud not knowing the truth. Sending good wishes to you x