Comments on: DNR or Not?

By: Teresa

Teresa — Wed, 21 May 2008 01:42:54 +0000

Thanks, EE, for the tip. I suppose I will not have it done now. I’m not sure I can go for William Fisher’s plan of having it notarized. That’s gotta hurt.

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 20 May 2008 17:15:41 +0000

His family should be downright ashamed of themselves. The ONE thing that I have to imagine that every dying person wants is for their wishes to be respected, whether that means prolonging their life or allowing its natural conclusion to unfold. It just infuriates me when someone elderly is kept hanging on and on and on just because the family wants it.

By: william fisher

william fisher — Tue, 20 May 2008 02:56:39 +0000

Actually it might be legally binding if it were notarised and had a witness’s signature tatooed next to it! LOL

By: ee

ee — Tue, 20 May 2008 02:45:44 +0000

Teresa- no it’s not. Unfortunetly. When I’m old and shit I’m framing my DNR and putting it next to my bed.

By: Teresa

Teresa — Tue, 20 May 2008 02:25:43 +0000

Wow. I don’t think I would have agreed to the PEG, even.

This scenario with the family is exactly why I have made it crystal clear to each member of my family that I don’t want futile care. I have told them, basically, that if there is any indecision, then I can’t get mad at them for their choices unless I survive. Soooooo, the safe choice is to let me go.

I’ve also given my doctor written instructions, including the fact that I don’t expect any doctor to be able to predict the future perfectly, and that I’m not interested in longshots at life when the likely downside is considerable.

Is there ever a reason for a person to issue a DNR but not a DNI or vice versa?

Love the pic. When I get to that point, I’m thinking of having just “DNR” tattooed right on my sternum. I don’t want them to forget to check my papers. I don’t have any tats yet, so that will be my first. Assuming I have the nerve to get it. Is a tat legally binding? It would be a shame to go through getting one and then have it not count.

By: Nurse K

Nurse K — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:38:18 +0000

I don’t think there would be any legal pitfalls of following the patient’s living will. That particular situation has already been addressed legally and does not need the help of a health care proxy.