Pulling the plug
By Graceekwenx
@Graceekwenx (3160)
Philippines
August 30, 2009 12:07am CST
Should you or should you not pull the plug on a comatose patient? Give me your thoughts...
4 responses
@lelin1123 (15594)
• Puerto Rico
30 Aug 09
It all depends on the wishes of the patient. If they wanted the doctors to do everything in their powers to bring them back or not. I have stated many times if I'm out of it don't do anything to prolong the inevitable. On the other hand there are miracles that happen everyday. So then it falls on how much you believe in miracles. That if its possible that they could very well come out of the coma. With my parents I already know they want the plug pulled. They don't want to be laying on a bed like a vegetable that is not living by any means.
@Graceekwenx (3160)
• Philippines
30 Aug 09
Lelin... with your parents, how did you know that they want to stop their struggles?
@lelin1123 (15594)
• Puerto Rico
30 Aug 09
My parents have both told me they don't want to go on to pull the plug. It won't be easy but I also can't see anyone suffering. I hope it never comes to this and that they just both go quietly in their sleep.
@cherrc (661)
• Philippines
30 Aug 09
hahaha! hi dear-ey sis! i think i know where'd u get the idea.
during the time he was right in front of us fully depending on a life support, our minds we're quarelling whether to let him go or not. in the end, we actually said good bye to him. we are not in any position to conclude what's in the patient's mind but somehow, the family's in control. for some practical reasons, maybe. muah, muah! :)
@Graceekwenx (3160)
• Philippines
31 Aug 09
this happened to my uncle. After more than 6 months, my mom (the only one living in their family) have decided to pull the plug. In a way, she felt guilty for not giving uncle another chance to live another day. She had difficulty looking straight in the eyes of her brother's children because she felt that she made the wrong decision. I dont know if this is still bugging her but she feels so sorry until now. Being a closed catholic, we believed that if the body is struggling physically for life, the soul serves purgatory here on earth. I believe she had maximized all efforts for uncle.
@bird123 (10658)
• United States
30 Aug 09
People should always let their family know their wishes. This saves so much heartache in deciding. If they did not give you their wishes, I, personally, would decide like this: If they have brainwave activity, keep them alive. If not, pull the plug. Medical science is advancing everday. You never know what they will come up with. I wish you the very best!!
@jashoaf (296)
• United States
30 Aug 09
Lelan is right. If the patient's wishes have been made known then they need to be respected if at all possible. If the patient's wishes are not known, then it's time for a family conference, I guess.
Every patient is going to be different depending on the condition, cause, prognosis, general health, and family support available. I do not believe that life should be sought at any price. Quality life must be sought. The doctor's input on the possible outcome, personal research, and personal finances are going to play a part in the decision. I also do not believe in giving up too early if there is a possibility this person may return to conciousness.
Another thought: if the patient is a true believer in Christ, then this world is not their true home anyway - heaven is. That may make a difference when such a decision has to be made.
@Graceekwenx (3160)
• Philippines
30 Aug 09
It is so hard to weigh the circumstances. You are right in there that you have to consider the doctor's notes, prognosis not to mention the financials for the hospitalization.




