A Graceful Exit: Taking Charge at the End of Life

[3Hotdogs]

2. Two "end of life" shit shows this month.

Both people, kidney failure. One was a long time friend and the other is a housemate for 20 years.

One went to hospital when his neighbor found him on the floor. That was the day after Memorial Day. A day later, he coded. From that day, until July 9, he was in bed with iv, respirator intubation and in restraints.

He signed a healthcare power of attorney, but without specific instructions.

Time passed on, with tests, procedures, more tests and bed sores.

A week before he died, his p.o.a. sent a block text asking if we felt hospice was in order. I felt badly for the P.O.A. as that is a heavy decision.

Hospice was agreed to.



Housemate depends on a daughter to make decisions as she is now delirious. Same scenario --- tube, I.V.s and restraints. Daughter is in denial that the end is near and authorizes everything. It will be over in a day or two but we are watching her suffer.

My medical will with D.N.R. was filled out yesterday.