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A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question 💭
Tupper Lake, NY

I Q&A on medical side effects somehow got sidelined into assisted suicide. Be very carefull with your living will when stipulating what care can be denied and when. Many nursing facilities here in the US are using denial of food and water to alzheimer patients. . As an end of life alternative. If they do not ask for food it is not given. Hunger and thirst are not pleasant way to end your days. So watch the wording on your living will statement.

February 23, 2025 (edited)
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A DiabetesTeam Member

@A DiabetesTeam Member We see this differently. And I do not expect all to agree with me. But Christ knew what was coming and the pain he would suffer. He was so frightened he sweat beads of blood. But he chose to suffer for the good of all. I hope and pray I have the ability if confronted with a painful end to offer my pain for the salvation of others as he did. Christian theology is hard for non believers to grasp and At times even believers are tempted the verse in todays bible reading was “I believe please help my unbelief” and i get your argument that those who are not believers should have the right. My fear which I have expressed several times is the miss use of these laws to save money at nursing homes and hospitals alike!

February 24, 2025 (edited)
A DiabetesTeam Member

If you're a true Christian it shouldn't be legalize. But then we are all different in this world 🌎. Have a blessed day 🙏.

February 23, 2025
A DiabetesTeam Member

You're probably right, Margaret. We need to be very careful who we place our trust in when writing a DNR order.

February 25, 2025
A DiabetesTeam Member

As a now retired nurse, we were thaught to accept everyone as they were, accept their beliefs or non beliefs, we had to respect their customs also and understand how different nationality reacted in different ways to the same illnesses. I would understand why someone would want assisted suicide or as we call it here in Canada MAID (Medical Assistance In Dying), I saw so much suffering of so many people. A few comments in here made me think, when patients asked us for palliative care, was this not a form of MAID ? (something I never considered while I was a nurse), or was it humane as palliative care meant medications to make them more comfotable until they passed away. For people who are like me, a "Christian" with strong beliefs in God, it may be hard for us to conceive how some choose to no longer live in their sufferings. But lets go back decades or even centuries ago, when medications did not exist to extend ones life, people lived to be in their 40's or 50's. Medications and surgeries and other things we have today did not exist to prolonge their lives back then. So something just crossed my mind, for those who are against MAID (I for my own personal self am against it for myself, but I do understand others who wish to have MAID and for them it is acceptable to them). God gives us freedom of choice, so who are we to condemn other people's choices (Matthew 7:4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?) me included. We are not here on earth to judge others, as they have the same choices we have, and their decisions may not be ours, but for them it is the right decision. We have to ask ourselves a question as "Christians", are we not the ones who are playing God at times ?, with all our medications and technologies to keep us living longer then our life expectencies, when centuries ago people died from stepping on a rusty nail, now we have Tetanos shots for that. It is easy in this day and age to say why would someone choose MAID when we have technologies and medications to help us through life.

I believe the original post was about making sure what you wish to have as a living will and be precise, such as continue to feed (be it by mouth, pureed or tube feeding or even intravenously). DNR is different for everyone, some may choose all medications but no chest compression as in resuscitation. Some may even be OK with shocking your heart back but no compression, some more comfortable with just fluids to make the death less painful then dehydration. Some want to have medications to reduce pain. So yes be precise.

February 24, 2025
Hi, this is just a check-in, based on a phrase you mentioned. If you — or anyone else who sees this — is thinking about self-harm, we want to say that you are an important part of this community. No part of this is easy, but there is support that can help. Read more >
A DiabetesTeam Member

Aside from the moral questions which we all need to answer for ourselves, there always seems to be some belief that 'someone' is hunting the hallways to "off" somebody

In Canada, these are requirements:

To obtain medical assistance in dying (MAID) in Canada, you must:

1. Request MAID
You can request MAID verbally or in writing to your doctor or nurse practitioner.
(you - not a doctor, nurse, relative, POA)

2. Meet eligibility requirements
A doctor or nurse practitioner will determine if you meet the eligibility criteria.

3. Get an assessment
Two independent doctors or nurse practitioners must assess you and confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria.

4. Sign a request form
You must sign a written request form in front of an independent witness.
(again, the person requesting it)

5. Wait a reflection period
You must wait at least 10 clear days after signing the request form before MAID can occur.

6. Confirm consent
You must confirm your consent immediately before receiving MAID. You can withdraw your request at any time.

Additional requirements

You must be able to demonstrate that your illness, disease, or disability causes intolerable suffering.

Your condition must be serious and incurable.

It can't be requested if you are legally unable to make your own decisions. It can't be requested by someone other than the person that wants it. It can't be covered in an "advanced directive". It can not be "offered", that is a Crime

The person "of sound mind and capable of legally making decisions for themselves" has to ask, without prodding, and be found capable enough by a few "different" professionals AND sign a consent form "twice" at least 10 days apart

This is not some Angel of Death environment that many believe it would be if the laws are written correctly, challenged in court with stringent regulations in place

It's also "optional at the request of the patient" - nobody has to opt for it and it's illegal for anyone to counsel you to seek it

February 24, 2025
Hi, this is just a check-in, based on a phrase you mentioned. If you — or anyone else who sees this — is thinking about self-harm, we want to say that you are an important part of this community. No part of this is easy, but there is support that can help. Read more >

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