An elderly patient was altered and becoming increasingly confused and drowsy. Her daughters wanted heroic measures and so increasingly aggressive and painful catheters and IVs were being placed. The patient then had a few moments of coherent thoughts, and with her tearful daughters standing bedside, she asked, “I’m going to die, right?” Her daughters nodded as they tried to momentarily hold back their tears. She then replied, “Then why are you letting them hurt me,” and she died a very short while afterwards.
That stood out. I still remember it to this day. It’s hard to let go sometimes, and strength is required by family members to make sure that their loved ones wishes are honored. People also need to have their wishes clear, and honestly sometimes when it’s time, no matter what anyone wants or wishes, and all the IV’s, procedures, and catheters in the world can’t stop it.