It is quite evident that opinions differ greatly on when, why, and for how long someone might be kept on machines keeping them alive.
Some people believe it is selfish if a family keeps a loved one attached to machines even if they are in vegetative states, long-term comas, or have experienced brain death (by the scientific measures we currently have). I would say, in my experience, the vast majority of people do not wish to have prolonged suffering by being kept alive solely by machines. Many people sign Do-Not-Resuscitate forms. There are also a large number of people who wish to be let go if they develop certain debilitating illnesses that can cause embarrassing symptoms.
Due to the incredible range of differing views, I believe it is important for people to take the time to prepare a Living Will. This allows you to write down your particular views and wishes so that the decision is not on the shoulders of others - but rather your loved ones will simply be following your wishes.
Prior to my last surgery early this year, I completed a Living Will. As emotional and frightening as it was, I am happy to have done that, and I want to review and update it.
Contrary to what I find to be a common belief, I WANT to be kept alive. If there is any sliver of hope that I might still be in there, that I may eventually make a recovery, or any hope that I can hear others around me, I want to be kept alive. If something (God forbid) should happen, I still want more time with my loved ones. The details of the document give instructions for ways to tell if I am still there - like letting me listen to my favourite music, having someone read to me some of my most cherished stories, listening to chatter from people who I care for in my life and who care for me. And then, if hope has dwindled to nothing, or if the burden has become too great to my family, it is my family who must decide - unanimously - when to let me go.
But right now my wish would be to stay here and enjoy whatever parts of life I can still enjoy.
The idea of being trapped in a body I cannot control, of being incapable of communicating, moving, or experiencing a world outside of my own mind is terrifying - but I also believe that there is still so much left to learn and to live for, even in a state such as that. I truly believe, even in a state of Locked-In Syndrome or Coma or a Vegetative state, that my soul may still be lingering, and that there would still be so many things I could enjoy. Stories, chatter, the kindness and compassion of caretakers, music, poetry, sounds of the forest or the beach - even just on cd - having my hand held or my hair stroked or my cheek kissed, to have Decker or other animals come and cuddle me for a few minutes each week, or even something as simple as feeling the presence of someone I love. All of these things are worth living for. So why not give myself the opportunity to come back and to recover?
I personally do not know anyone who feels the same way about being kept alive in an almost artificial sense, which is why I insisted on having a Living Will.
How do you feel about this topic? Is it something you have ever seriously thought about? I would love to hear your views!