Re: Somewhat Off Topic - Just Wondering

[Guest guest]

Alice

I have a very strong opinion about this: the government needs to stay

out of it. This is a personal and medical issue and the government has

no place in this. If she had no family advocate, then the courts might

has to designate a guardian, but she has family, even if they

disagree.

I hope all of you have medical powers or attorney or something similar

so your wishes will be followed. You also need to talk with family

members about your wishes, even when you are doing well. No one knows

what might happen to them to make a decision neccessary.

I had a very good friend who was in a similar situation. She had been

diabetic since a few months old and had lost her vision and kidney

function. She went into a coma and her husband wanted to let her die,

but her parents insisted on the feeding tube and dialysis. She lay in

bed for two years before her body gave up. Her two young children had

a hard time with having their mother alive and yet not a part of their

lives.

I'm sure others feel differently, but this is how I feel about it.

laurie

>

>

> There's so much news coming from Florida about Terri Schiavo and the

> removal of her feeding tube which sustains her life. I'm wondering

> what members of this group feel about this. Do you think that it's

> right for the federal government to be involved in this case? What

> are your thoughts?

>

> Alice

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained herein

> are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of this e mail

> is entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded of their

> responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and consult with

> their physicians regarding changes in their own treatment.

>

> Personal attacks are not permitted on the list and anyone who sends one is

> automatically moderated or removed depending on the severity of the attack.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I think if conflict of interest in business is an issue, then

conflict of interest in these matters should be an issue. A husband

who cheats on his wife while she is in that state should have no

rights to control her destiny. The destiny of a child lies with its

parents when there is no legal spouse.

Appoint her a guardian, sue for divorce on basis of infidelity (he

fathered at least one child with another woman since his wife was

ill), and let the parents have custody.

It's sad to hear about your friend, but the important point for all

of us is to GET A LIVING WILL, don't leave it up to a casual

conversation with the spouse or parents.

I would offer up that no one on this list thinks a feeding tube and

providing water is considered " extraordinary means " to keep someone

alive...

Take care,

RH

> >

> >

> > There's so much news coming from Florida about Terri Schiavo and

the

> > removal of her feeding tube which sustains her life. I'm

wondering

> > what members of this group feel about this. Do you think that

it's

> > right for the federal government to be involved in this case?

What

> > are your thoughts?

> >

> > Alice

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements

contained herein

> > are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of

this e mail

> > is entirely responsible for its content. List members are

reminded of their

> > responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and

consult with

> > their physicians regarding changes in their own treatment.

> >

> > Personal attacks are not permitted on the list and anyone who

sends one is

> > automatically moderated or removed depending on the severity of

the attack.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I will step in on this. No, I do not think the federal government should step

in on this. I am not sure why I feel that way but think it is between the

husband and the parents.

I am not exactly sure who to side with and who has the most rights either. In

my mothers case, my father made the decision but asked our kids advice and we

took a written vote. We opted to not have her put on life support. My mothers

mother I do not believe she was asked. She was about 75 at the time.

In my sisters case, she had already communicated to her husband her thoughts and

had expressed them 8 years prior at my mothers going into a coma. He husband

did everything for her and they even tried an experimental DCA which did bring

her out of the two week coma. She was fine for two months but when she declined

the second time he did not keep her alive with a feeding tube.

I would say the parents have more rights, it is their birth child. But I

believe by law the husband has more rights. On the other hand, I agree with the

husband to let her die.

Just my thoughts

Janet Sample

Somewhat Off Topic - Just Wondering

There's so much news coming from Florida about Terri Schiavo and the

removal of her feeding tube which sustains her life. I'm wondering

what members of this group feel about this. Do you think that it's

right for the federal government to be involved in this case? What

are your thoughts?

Alice

Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained herein

are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of this e mail is

entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded of their

responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and consult with their

physicians regarding changes in their own treatment.

Personal attacks are not permitted on the list and anyone who sends one is

automatically moderated or removed depending on the severity of the attack.

[Guest guest]

Hi RH,

I agree with you. I have been following this case and Terry's parents sued for

divorce on the basis of infidelity and it wasn't granted. It would have been the

end of him being her guardian and would have given him the right to go and live

his life as he wished.

This guy cheated on his wife, is living with another woman and has fathered 2

children with her. If she didn't want to be put on life-support to live then why

didn't he tell them in the ER that night when the accident happened.

I believe that her husband is hiding something. He wouldn't allow any

therapy,(speech, physical, etc.) moved her to a room without a window(no natural

light),hasn't allowed any new testing or procedures to see if anything can help

his wife. I think he is afraid that if she could talk, he would be in BIG

trouble.

So true....we all need a living will. Just saying " Oh, I would NEVER want to

live like that " isn't going to hold up any longer.

I am about to have a feeding tube placed in me b/c of the complications of Mito.

Thank goodness my husband doesn't consider that extrodinary means to keep me

alive.

All in all this is a sad case, one that should have been resolved a long time

ago. Her parents are willing to pay for her care for the rest of her life, so

let them. They will give her the best care possible, get her the therapy she

needs, the tests she needs, etc...

Ann-Marie

Re: Somewhat Off Topic - Just Wondering

I think if conflict of interest in business is an issue, then

conflict of interest in these matters should be an issue. A husband

who cheats on his wife while she is in that state should have no

rights to control her destiny. The destiny of a child lies with its

parents when there is no legal spouse.

Appoint her a guardian, sue for divorce on basis of infidelity (he

fathered at least one child with another woman since his wife was

ill), and let the parents have custody.

It's sad to hear about your friend, but the important point for all

of us is to GET A LIVING WILL, don't leave it up to a casual

conversation with the spouse or parents.

I would offer up that no one on this list thinks a feeding tube and

providing water is considered " extraordinary means " to keep someone

alive...

Take care,

RH

> >

> >

> > There's so much news coming from Florida about Terri Schiavo and

the

> > removal of her feeding tube which sustains her life. I'm

wondering

> > what members of this group feel about this. Do you think that

it's

> > right for the federal government to be involved in this case?

What

> > are your thoughts?

> >

> > Alice

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements

contained herein

> > are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of

this e mail

> > is entirely responsible for its content. List members are

reminded of their

> > responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and

consult with

> > their physicians regarding changes in their own treatment.

> >

> > Personal attacks are not permitted on the list and anyone who

sends one is

> > automatically moderated or removed depending on the severity of

the attack.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi RH,

I agree with you. I have been following this case and Terry's parents sued for

divorce on the basis of infidelity and it wasn't granted. It would have been the

end of him being her guardian and would have given him the right to go and live

his life as he wished.

This guy cheated on his wife, is living with another woman and has fathered 2

children with her. If she didn't want to be put on life-support to live then why

didn't he tell them in the ER that night when the accident happened.

I believe that her husband is hiding something. He wouldn't allow any

therapy,(speech, physical, etc.) moved her to a room without a window(no natural

light),hasn't allowed any new testing or procedures to see if anything can help

his wife. I think he is afraid that if she could talk, he would be in BIG

trouble.

So true....we all need a living will. Just saying " Oh, I would NEVER want to

live like that " isn't going to hold up any longer.

I am about to have a feeding tube placed in me b/c of the complications of Mito.

Thank goodness my husband doesn't consider that extrodinary means to keep me

alive.

All in all this is a sad case, one that should have been resolved a long time

ago. Her parents are willing to pay for her care for the rest of her life, so

let them. They will give her the best care possible, get her the therapy she

needs, the tests she needs, etc...

Ann-Marie

Re: Somewhat Off Topic - Just Wondering

I think if conflict of interest in business is an issue, then

conflict of interest in these matters should be an issue. A husband

who cheats on his wife while she is in that state should have no

rights to control her destiny. The destiny of a child lies with its

parents when there is no legal spouse.

Appoint her a guardian, sue for divorce on basis of infidelity (he

fathered at least one child with another woman since his wife was

ill), and let the parents have custody.

It's sad to hear about your friend, but the important point for all

of us is to GET A LIVING WILL, don't leave it up to a casual

conversation with the spouse or parents.

I would offer up that no one on this list thinks a feeding tube and

providing water is considered " extraordinary means " to keep someone

alive...

Take care,

RH

> >

> >

> > There's so much news coming from Florida about Terri Schiavo and

the

> > removal of her feeding tube which sustains her life. I'm

wondering

> > what members of this group feel about this. Do you think that

it's

> > right for the federal government to be involved in this case?

What

> > are your thoughts?

> >

> > Alice

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements

contained herein

> > are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of

this e mail

> > is entirely responsible for its content. List members are

reminded of their

> > responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and

consult with

> > their physicians regarding changes in their own treatment.

> >

> > Personal attacks are not permitted on the list and anyone who

sends one is

> > automatically moderated or removed depending on the severity of

the attack.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi RH and Ann-Marie,

I had to post. I live in Florida, so we've had a lot on news and papers, as

I'm sure everyone else has. Her husband was awarded $1 million in a

malpractice suit in 1992. He cannot get a divorce, hes still got more money

coming when she passes, but only if they're still married. He's gotten on

with his life already, I have to say that

my opinion is her parents definately have more emotional attachments,

rather than financial ties being the only connection. That's just my

opinion, but I can't see letting someone die, especially when she can't

talk for herself.

Lois

> [Original Message]

>

> To: >

> Date: 3/20/2005 11:46:09 PM

> Subject: Re: Somewhat Off Topic - Just Wondering

>

>

> Hi RH,

>

> I agree with you. I have been following this case and Terry's parents

sued for divorce on the basis of infidelity and it wasn't granted. It would

have been the end of him being her guardian and would have given him the

right to go and live his life as he wished.

>

> This guy cheated on his wife, is living with another woman and has

fathered 2 children with her. If she didn't want to be put on life-support

to live then why didn't he tell them in the ER that night when the accident

happened.

> I believe that her husband is hiding something. He wouldn't allow any

therapy,(speech, physical, etc.) moved her to a room without a window(no

natural light),hasn't allowed any new testing or procedures to see if

anything can help his wife. I think he is afraid that if she could talk, he

would be in BIG trouble.

>

>

> So true....we all need a living will. Just saying " Oh, I would NEVER want

to live like that " isn't going to hold up any longer.

>

> I am about to have a feeding tube placed in me b/c of the complications

of Mito. Thank goodness my husband doesn't consider that extrodinary means

to keep me alive.

>

> All in all this is a sad case, one that should have been resolved a long

time ago. Her parents are willing to pay for her care for the rest of her

life, so let them. They will give her the best care possible, get her the

therapy she needs, the tests she needs, etc...

>

> Ann-Marie

>

> Re: Somewhat Off Topic - Just Wondering

>

>

>

> I think if conflict of interest in business is an issue, then

> conflict of interest in these matters should be an issue. A husband

> who cheats on his wife while she is in that state should have no

> rights to control her destiny. The destiny of a child lies with its

> parents when there is no legal spouse.

>

> Appoint her a guardian, sue for divorce on basis of infidelity (he

> fathered at least one child with another woman since his wife was

> ill), and let the parents have custody.

>

> It's sad to hear about your friend, but the important point for all

> of us is to GET A LIVING WILL, don't leave it up to a casual

> conversation with the spouse or parents.

>

> I would offer up that no one on this list thinks a feeding tube and

> providing water is considered " extraordinary means " to keep someone

> alive...

>

> Take care,

> RH

>

>

> > >

> > >

> > > There's so much news coming from Florida about Terri Schiavo and

> the

> > > removal of her feeding tube which sustains her life. I'm

> wondering

> > > what members of this group feel about this. Do you think that

> it's

> > > right for the federal government to be involved in this case?

> What

> > > are your thoughts?

> > >

> > > Alice

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements

> contained herein

> > > are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of

> this e mail

> > > is entirely responsible for its content. List members are

> reminded of their

> > > responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and

> consult with

> > > their physicians regarding changes in their own treatment.

> > >

> > > Personal attacks are not permitted on the list and anyone who

> sends one is

> > > automatically moderated or removed depending on the severity of

> the attack.

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

I wasn't going to say anything either, but guess I'll do so....Terri's husband

sure didn't remember that she didn't want to be alive while he was suing for the

malpractice suit. How convenient that once it's awarded and he has 2 children

by another woman that he so clearly remembers Terri's wishes.

If she were on ventilators or life support machines it may be different....This

woman is on a feeding tube, responds with smiles and eye movements to visitors.

Her husband who " loves her so much " has not allowed any therapy all these years

despite the drs saying it would help. He won't even allow her drapes to be open

in her room. If this was a seal or dolphin somewhere and we were going to let

it starve to death over a 2 week period, people would go nuts trying to save the

animal. Aren't human lives worth even more? Just answering your wondering...

Lynda R

Somewhat Off Topic - Just Wondering

There's so much news coming from Florida about Terri Schiavo and the

removal of her feeding tube which sustains her life. I'm wondering

what members of this group feel about this. Do you think that it's

right for the federal government to be involved in this case? What

are your thoughts?

Alice

Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained herein

are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of this e mail is

entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded of their

responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and consult with their

physicians regarding changes in their own treatment.

Personal attacks are not permitted on the list and anyone who sends one is

automatically moderated or removed depending on the severity of the attack.

[Guest guest]

ok...I wasn't going to reply either, but there are so many replies that I felt

compelled to say something.

I think most people agree that her husband is a creep and should probably be

prosecuted for something, however, the question is whether Terri should be

allowed to die.

If I were in the condition she was in, I would most definitely want to die. She

seems to be essentially brain dead (unless you compare her to a plant or other

semi-conscious form of life). Who would want to live in a bed unable to

communicate or have a decent quality of life...not me. Pull the plug and give

her mega pain meds until she dies.

I have told my family that is what I would want and that if they don't I will

come back and haunt them when I do die if they have kept me alive in a condition

like Terri's.

It is sad that her husband was so horrible to her in the past, but that is not

the question. The question is do we have the right to prolong the life of a

person at any cost when nature/God would take them but for our intervention? I

say NO! If the person is essentially non-functioning mentally, with no chance

for recovery, then it is time to let them go and relieve their pain as they

pass.

As for dolphins, whales, or any other type of animal, we put them to sleep (not

starve them to death) when they are terminal to spare them pain. I have always

wondered why it is ok and considered humane to do this for animals but we force

humans to suffer. Crazy world!

Lea (Complex I)

There's so much news coming from Florida about Terri Schiavo and the

removal of her feeding tube which sustains her life. I'm wondering

what members of this group feel about this. Do you think that it's

right for the federal government to be involved in this case? What

are your thoughts?

Alice

[Guest guest]

ok...I wasn't going to reply either, but there are so many replies that I felt

compelled to say something.

I think most people agree that her husband is a creep and should probably be

prosecuted for something, however, the question is whether Terri should be

allowed to die.

If I were in the condition she was in, I would most definitely want to die. She

seems to be essentially brain dead (unless you compare her to a plant or other

semi-conscious form of life). Who would want to live in a bed unable to

communicate or have a decent quality of life...not me. Pull the plug and give

her mega pain meds until she dies.

I have told my family that is what I would want and that if they don't I will

come back and haunt them when I do die if they have kept me alive in a condition

like Terri's.

It is sad that her husband was so horrible to her in the past, but that is not

the question. The question is do we have the right to prolong the life of a

person at any cost when nature/God would take them but for our intervention? I

say NO! If the person is essentially non-functioning mentally, with no chance

for recovery, then it is time to let them go and relieve their pain as they

pass.

As for dolphins, whales, or any other type of animal, we put them to sleep (not

starve them to death) when they are terminal to spare them pain. I have always

wondered why it is ok and considered humane to do this for animals but we force

humans to suffer. Crazy world!

Lea (Complex I)

There's so much news coming from Florida about Terri Schiavo and the

removal of her feeding tube which sustains her life. I'm wondering

what members of this group feel about this. Do you think that it's

right for the federal government to be involved in this case? What

are your thoughts?

Alice

[Guest guest]

For what it's worth:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A48119-2005Mar18.html

Frist is a doctor, but not a neuro, but I think there are many of us

who were misdiagnosed by neuros, and treated more appropriately by

GP's or other specialists.

Take care,

RH

> ok...I wasn't going to reply either, but there are so many replies

that I felt compelled to say something.

>

> I think most people agree that her husband is a creep and should

probably be prosecuted for something, however, the question is

whether Terri should be allowed to die.

>

> If I were in the condition she was in, I would most definitely want

to die. She seems to be essentially brain dead (unless you compare

her to a plant or other semi-conscious form of life). Who would want

to live in a bed unable to communicate or have a decent quality of

life...not me. Pull the plug and give her mega pain meds until she

dies.

>

> I have told my family that is what I would want and that if they

don't I will come back and haunt them when I do die if they have kept

me alive in a condition like Terri's.

>

> It is sad that her husband was so horrible to her in the past, but

that is not the question. The question is do we have the right to

prolong the life of a person at any cost when nature/God would take

them but for our intervention? I say NO! If the person is

essentially non-functioning mentally, with no chance for recovery,

then it is time to let them go and relieve their pain as they pass.

>

> As for dolphins, whales, or any other type of animal, we put them

to sleep (not starve them to death) when they are terminal to spare

them pain. I have always wondered why it is ok and considered humane

to do this for animals but we force humans to suffer. Crazy world!

>

> Lea (Complex I)

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> There's so much news coming from Florida about Terri Schiavo and

the

> removal of her feeding tube which sustains her life. I'm

wondering

> what members of this group feel about this. Do you think that

it's

> right for the federal government to be involved in this case?

What

> are your thoughts?

>

> Alice

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

For what it's worth:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A48119-2005Mar18.html

Frist is a doctor, but not a neuro, but I think there are many of us

who were misdiagnosed by neuros, and treated more appropriately by

GP's or other specialists.

Take care,

RH

> ok...I wasn't going to reply either, but there are so many replies

that I felt compelled to say something.

>

> I think most people agree that her husband is a creep and should

probably be prosecuted for something, however, the question is

whether Terri should be allowed to die.

>

> If I were in the condition she was in, I would most definitely want

to die. She seems to be essentially brain dead (unless you compare

her to a plant or other semi-conscious form of life). Who would want

to live in a bed unable to communicate or have a decent quality of

life...not me. Pull the plug and give her mega pain meds until she

dies.

>

> I have told my family that is what I would want and that if they

don't I will come back and haunt them when I do die if they have kept

me alive in a condition like Terri's.

>

> It is sad that her husband was so horrible to her in the past, but

that is not the question. The question is do we have the right to

prolong the life of a person at any cost when nature/God would take

them but for our intervention? I say NO! If the person is

essentially non-functioning mentally, with no chance for recovery,

then it is time to let them go and relieve their pain as they pass.

>

> As for dolphins, whales, or any other type of animal, we put them

to sleep (not starve them to death) when they are terminal to spare

them pain. I have always wondered why it is ok and considered humane

to do this for animals but we force humans to suffer. Crazy world!

>

> Lea (Complex I)

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> There's so much news coming from Florida about Terri Schiavo and

the

> removal of her feeding tube which sustains her life. I'm

wondering

> what members of this group feel about this. Do you think that

it's

> right for the federal government to be involved in this case?

What

> are your thoughts?

>

> Alice

>

>

>

>

>