[Goodgirlinred]

My late husband and I decided that we did not want to be kept alive by artificial means. To me, as an R.N., that meant being kept alive on a ventilator. I assume that is what it meant to my husband. In any event, he had cancer and succumbed to pneumonia and suffered cardiac and respiratory arrest. He was brought back and placed on a vent, but he was in a coma and it was found that he had no brain activity. I followed his wishes and had the vent removed as well as the feeding tube. I left the IV in for hydration and medication. He died a few hours later.

I have a Written Medical Directive. I do not want to be kept alive artificially if I have no chance of living any kind of life with awareness. My doctor shall be the one to determine what is to be done since my husband is gone. I don't want my mother, brother, or daughters to have to make that decision. I don't want a feeding tube, but I do want hydration. To me, that is death with dignity.

[STARWISE]

(Governor Jeb) Bush wants more information on Schiavo's collapse; call to 911

[biblewonk]

I agree with you 100 percent. Being kept alive like some kind of a vivasectioned monkey or lab experiment is not in the least bit dignified. Ever watch Grumpy Old Men? The two old geezers were discussing the various deaths of their friends and envying the ones that died quick and painless while feeling sorry for the ones who had no dignity in their deaths.

[biblewonk]

PS. So sorry about your husband.