esrosedotblog

Old Ernie Hemingway had it right.

The way to have a good life is to finish well. Otherwise it is a fart and a stutter which is unnecessary.

Today, one of the concerns is getting trapped in end of life scams masquerading as research.

Dying Shouldn't Be So Brutal

We chose our doctor because of what he told us of his philosophy which is and was to let the natural process unfold and, while he cannot prescribe suicide meds, he can help do the next best thing.

Not eating.

And some other stuff which I won't talk much about.

I want control over my death but I may not get it.

We filled out one of those living will things. But I am not convinced it is enforceable. There have to be champions in the family and society to keep it green.

Incidentally, kids, the paperwork is in the green plastic folder magnetically attached to the refrigerator.

Don't you fucking dare try to try to keep me going beyond that critical point.

But then, that is the point. How do we, they, know that we are there.

I think we live in a pretty good place for this. A lot of old people. But it is also a center of medical intervention and prolongation.

We see our doc three times a year for a look see and a talk through. Mostly he orders some routine lab tests. Since we both have "histories" I think that is prudent. And Medicare pays for all of it. Actually only part of it but the labs here don't collect the balance between their fees and the Medicare allowance. That is a game between them and the feds and they leave us out of it.

And so on.

On the other hand, I don't dwell on this. Both of us have had some shit happen and got it fixed. We both take a few pills every day.

I value the visit to the GP and the annual review of the nephrologist who is a non-doc. She works for a surgeon who doesn't pump the system. A lab test, a talk and I am on my way.

I chose well. Or, rather my GP sent me to this guy.

My urologist dismissed me. No annual needed. Three cheers for him!

In the end, which will come, the lucky ones die, asleep in the night. The almost lucky ones get to choose a doc who understands and will give palliative care as long as it is needed and then, help things along with a little good advice.

Choose these helpers well.

Labels: death