Community Chat

[Cyndog]

I also think that what we're talking about would not be brought up to all families. I'm sure health workers can pick up who would be receptive and who would not and I'm sure it's all done so subtly that you get it or you don't. I'm sure health workers know the difference between those who wouldn't think of doing that and those who would do anything to get their love ones out of pain when dying is inevitable. I'm sure the majority of it is done with looks and non verbal cues to get the point across.

[sfnative]

Shorty,

Having not read all of the replies, I don't know if this question has been asked, but would pose this query: has your back issue been diagnosed? Do you know what's wrong and whether there are any treatment options aside from the injections you've been having?

~R

[hckynut]

If you had bad health issues would you go on?

I have and still have health issues. Bad? That is all subjective in my opinion. What is bad for me might be the worst for someone else. I could list all of my daily pains and issues with my health, or lack of, but I won't do that in this post.

There are animals and other people that depend on me and no way would I have any desire to "not go on" regardless of my tribulations. I won't got into my beliefs about suicide as that seems to be a "thread killer". Now I might decide were I in the hospital and unable to speak for myself, to tell my wife to make sure there is a "DNR" order if there is little to no hope for me. Other than that?

Nope.

[mistriTsquirrel]

I sometimes wonder if my dad thinks about suicide. I don't think he wants to go yet, but once his condition gets worse, I could see him considering it as a possibility.

My wish is that he not leave a gruesome scene for my mother to stumble upon; I'm positive that she would not be able to handle it.

[PurpleBunny]

I don't think anybody could answer this truthfully unless they were in the situation. My opinion now, might be different if circumstances took a dire change. Who knows how much one can take.

[Pook]

While I understand where some would choose this, I couldn't and think it 's a cowardly way out and selfish. I am not overly religious but think God does not give anyone more than they can deal with and it's not our choice to end our lives. My mother had terminal cancer that was spreading but she chose to have a respirator inserted and wanted to live as long as possible. I so admired her for that. Those were the best days we had together. A close friend recently passed away from cancer and those last months were peaceful for her as she loved life and her husband would not have traded that time with her for anything. If a close friend or family member chose to end it I would respect their wishes but would not be a part of it.

[Catitude]

On 3/9/2014 mominohio said:

On 3/9/2014 NoelSeven said:

Shorty -

In spite of your bad back, you still have much to enjoy in life, and you have a wonderful husband who is able to help you.

There are others in much worse shape and with multiple conditions that are life threatening. I held my best friend's hand as she died from pancreatic cancer, each day bringing a new horror for her. You just can't compare that kind of suffering with the pain that is routine for me and for you.

Some people have no one to help them, or their significant other is ill, also. Some soil themselves or can't get out of bed, or have nothing to look forward to.

Seems pretty presumptuous of you to tell someone just how much pain they are or aren't in. I think I'd leave that decision to the person suffering.

Shorty, I hope you are able to get some relief if only for periods of time, as I know how that can help brighten your outlook on life. I'm glad you have a husband who is able and willing to assist you. Blessings to you both.

I agree. Everyone's threshold and tolerance for pain is different. Of course a bad back can't be compared to someone dying of pancreatic cancer. People commit suicide everyday for reasons unrelated to terminal cancer. Pain whether emotional or physical wears you down and sometimes people just don't have the strength to go on.

[RedHeadedWench]

I don't think I could do that to my kids.

[jubilant]

Shorty2U....I am sorry you are suffering so much. Being a Christian, I do not believe in suicide. I do believe there are people in Heaven who did commit suicide but I don't believe it is right. I can understand wanting to. I can only encourage you to reach out to God. He cares....I know He does. I will pray for you, Shorty. Pain is no picnic. It is very important that you make it clear to your doctor that you are losing your will to live. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

[LilacTree]

I have thought about it, however pain would never be the trigger for me. The triggers for me would be loss of all senses (blind/deaf/paralysis), not knowing who my family members were anymore, as in Alzheimer's. There would be no point in living if my brain was gone, which is only a living death. I have expressed this to my daughters and they have agreed they would take me off all life support and medications and just let me go.

I am not against someone's decision to end his/her life. It's very sad, but if there is one right a person should have, it is the right to end one's life.