[olde north church]

As an individual who refused brain surgery to remove a tumor because of the potential of not being euthanized in the event of a medical error, the possiblity of life in a vegetative state and having some pain in the ass group or another coming to court and file on my behalf, I think I have pretty strong credentials and a first person point of view. Take 10 individuals through a stroll through the "incapacitated" ward of any hospital at random, the 9 with common sense would say they wouldn't want that type of existance.
That refusal was 20 years ago and I live day to day, each day above ground a bonus. The neuro-surgeons who advised me were pretty well known for their skills and their knowledge but I went with my gut. It seems the procedure they recommended then was starting cause problems long-term in patients who had the procedure.
I don't doubt the sincerity or knowledge of those doctors but it was MY life on the table. As one of the neuros told me, "You don't f--k with someone's brain as a first resort.
Anyway, an MRI in Mrs. Schiavo's situation would show little except structure. Anyone REALLY wanting to know the truth would go for a PET scan. That scan shows function and activity response to stimuli.

[rwfromkansas]

That is your right. I would not want to live like a vegetable myself. But, I would make dang sure to have it in writing.

All we have are the husband's claims along with his brother and brother's wife.

[Txsleuth]

Senator Frist actually said on the Senate floor on Thursday, that an accurate diagnosis could not be made without multiple PET scans and observation for an extended period of time---

[Vor Lady]

Her husband won't allow an MRI or a PET scan.