[Dr. H's Clipboard] Avoid EMS Transport for Precious Cargo

Published: Thu, 11/09/17



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Avoid EMS Transport for
Precious Cargo

Ruth, age 67, had been bedridden due to multiple sclerosis and colon cancer for two years. Complicating matters, she was prone to urinary infections and sepsis. Her body was ravaged by IV lines, breathing and feeding tubes, colostomy and a bladder catheter. While Ruth appeared to be an ICU patient, she was not. Her husband, Bill, cared for Ruth in their home. She had never been denied medical treatment.

Bill called 911 when Ruth had become feverish and less responsive. In the emergency department, the physician clarified Ruth’s "care status," which is similar to determining a patient’s code status. Was Ruth to be resuscitated and treated aggressively or made comfortable? Bill had never considered this question and choice. He only wanted his wife to get better. After two years of Ruth being on a respirator, Bill’s goal was to have her breathe on her own.

Ruth appeared to be aware of her surroundings, but was despondent. She was either afraid to speak or had given up on having her say. Her eyes seemed to be telling the physician to let her rest in peace. The physician was surprised to learn that Ruth had been receiving palliative care. Bill scoffed, saying this service was all talk and no action. His idea of a team approach meant round-the-clock care for his wife.

Bill shut the conversation down with the poignant question, "Are you suggesting that I shouldn’t have called the ambulance?" The physician felt as powerless as Ruth, realizing that speaking the truth might be malpractice.

Loved ones are even more precious near the end of life, and family caregivers need to think twice before calling 911.

Keep these considerations in mind as you shoulder the burden of helping a loved one transition from life to death:


 
Resource Article

Depression, Fatigue Tied to More Hospital Stays for Terminal Cancer

I relate this study to the saying, "The beatings will continue till morale improves." Unmanageable or uncontrolled symptoms lead to poor morale and further aggressive treatment in the hospital.

This study notes that "every day an individual with advance care is in the hospital, that’s a day he or she isn’t at home." Improved access to palliative care would help patients manage their symptoms and improve their well-being. Patients who are not given home-based palliative care become depressed and denied quality of life.


 
Hear Dr. H
February 7, 2018       
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

The 4 Seasons to Caregiving Symposium
Del Webb Medical Center – Auditoriums A & B
14502 W Meeker Blvd., Sun City West, AZ 85375

 
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON SOON

Is Palliative Care Right For YOU?
by Kevin J. Haselhorst, MD

 
The key to making medical decisions
is understanding palliative care:
Palliative Care
is the
bridge between
advance care
and end-of-life care.


When you no longer have your health,
how will you spend your time and money?


Is quality of life more important than
staying alive at any cost?


This booklet will teach you:
  • What palliative care means in practical terms
  • The value of making your own medical decisions
  • How to gain peace of mind with chronic illness
Command respect during your next
doctor visit by saying,
"I receive palliative care."


Learn more at KevinHaselhorst.com


 
Kevin's World

Between the Wars

The theme of my friend's Halloween party this year was "Between the Wars," referring to the era of the Roaring 20’s and the Great Depression. Choosing to wear a group costume is generally less scary and more fun, so I joined my friends as part of a chain gang. The convict getup was a great opportunity to be bad and have a lot of fun. 

The theme of the party got me thinking about the two wars we enlist in life: the battle between childhood and adulthood, and the one between adulthood and sainthood. In retrospect, the black and white, prison-striped costume seemed to represent the reality of my adult life as being part of chain gang. The take home message was to take the good with the bad, balance the extremes between the Roaring 20’s and the Great Depression, and enjoy the renaissance periods "between the wars."

 
Tributes & Wishes
#TributeTuesday
Share a tribute to a loved one who has died, or to mark the anniversary of their death.

#TributeTuesday: Caregivers, like Veterans, are dedicated to serve and deserve a holiday. Celebrate and honor our American heroes.



#WishfulWednesday
Have a wish for the weekend? Post your plan on Wednesday. Practice expressing end-of-life wishes during the prime of life

#WishfulWednesday: In many respects, All Saints Day (Nov. 1) honors all who "offer a life" through dying.

 
How to Approach Living While Dying

Living While Dying

"Living while dying" is a new concept for most people. It’s also the name of a new film that’s being released by my friend, Cathy Zheutlin. She has asked me to be an advisor on the project. My opinion, like your opinion matters in life and death.

As Cathy explores the reality of her loved ones facing death, she turns the camera around and looks at herself.

How will she approach living while dying?
The end result of the film is to have viewers ponder and pick their own rite of passage.


Please support this film that makes "living while dying" easier for everyone to engage.

Help spread the word about
this Generosity fundraiser!


UPDATE

Immense Possibilities is a weekly public TV
and internet series that featured an interview with Cathy Zheutlin about Living While Dying

Watch the interview: (10 minutes)
Watch on Vimeo 


Cathy needs to raise more money for the music, the sound mix and the color corrections.  

Please help get the word out to others you think
might want to back this project!  


Only have time for 24 seconds?