Paul, as a medical transcriptionist, I think living wills are very
important.  Yes, you want to stay around if the Lord would have something
for you but you can make your desires very specific if you have a will.  For
instance, I might allow a few days on the vent but I would not like to run
up bills for my family on one for three or four weeks or two months.  Just
my personal opinion.  Or, if the doc thinks you would have a meaningful
recovery but just need some time that would be another consideration.
Sandy
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ariel" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2004 4:41 AM
Subject: LIVING WILL


> Serious question here.  What do you all think of a living will?  You know,
> the thing that gives others the power to decide whether you should stay on
> life sustainment equipment or not or receive food and water if it looks
like
> you won't be coming out of a coma?
>
> On the one hand I don't know why I'm around now so can't imagine the
benefit
> of sustaining me if I were in a coma, but after being in one and realizing
> it's just a dream state and waking up from it intact I'd hate to give them
> permission to pull the plug when the LORD might have more for me to do
after
> I wake up.  And I heard some horror stories about a girl being kept alive
on
> life support but being denied food and water because of a legal argument
> between the parents and the doctors and all.  So I'd appreciate your take
on
> all of this.
>
> The folks I will be giving the medical power of attorney are also the
> executors of the will and I don't think they will kill me off just to get
> what little money they can.  Smile.  But I don't like the idea of laying
> there powerless and being able to hear them pull the plug or being hungry
or
> thirsty either.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Paul