Living will?!

Living will?

Hi
I lost my mom to cancer 4 weeks back, and i had to make the decision of pulling the plugs, it was not pleasant as you might imagine, this is why i decided that i don’t want to put anyone in such case. After watching my mom die everyday and every hour i don’t want any tubs in me when i die, the question is how do you do a living will, do you need a lawyer? or can you just get it notarized from a notary public? Where do you keep it? what if i get into a car accident and i am taken to the emergency and they put those breathing machines and tubs in me and i am not awake? how would they know i have a living will?

Hi

Sorry for your loss of your mother. It is very hard to be in the position you were in.

A living will is a great thing to do for yourself so no one else will feel burdened with the choices you had to do for your mom. I know she appreciated all that you did for her.

A living will is a document that states very specifically who will decide on medical treatment when you cannot do so for yourself.
First off you need to choose two people to be your agents. They suggest 2 in case one is not available at the time of need. These two individuals must be very clear in understanding of what you want for yourself, and be clear it is not their position to change your choices when you cannot speak for yourself, so choose wisely.

Secondly, you need to think about what inteventions you want for what circumstances. Like if you are in a car accident and end up in a coma, but you do not require a respirator, what other treatment would you not want? For example a feeding tube, catheter in your bladder, treatment for infections when u got one.

What about if in the car accident you were put on a breathing machine, had all the bells and whistles to keep you alive because your brain was not damaged, but you have a number of broken bones.

What about if you have cancer....

After you have considered some options, talk to people who have survived these situations. Would they have done things differently?

Then write up what you want specifically. Talk to your family doctor about different things that can happen. Talk to him/her about what happen to your mom and the likelyhood that will happen to you.

You should get the docment notorized at least and keep the orginal in a safety deposit box, and a copy given to both of the people identifed as your decision makers. Carry a copy in the glove compartment of your car and your desk at work. Talk to people and let them know what choices you want and where they can find the document.

I"m sure your mother would not want you to live in fear of getting her illness. I'm sure she would want you to live as if this was the last day of your life. Forgive people who have hurt you, and think always of the good in yourself and people.

I hope your sadness will be short, and that the joyful things of the time you did share with your mom will take you through to a happier time.

god bless
Pam