Could you switch of a life suport machine off?
By violeta_va
@violeta_va (4831)
Australia
October 19, 2007 11:42am CST
Ricently in my family the daughters of a relative had to make a decision to sitch off their fathers life support machine. Do you think you can make that decision and live with that. I dont know if I could I would probably live it to the doctors to decide not me.
1 person likes this
7 responses
@violeta_va (4831)
• Australia
6 Feb 08
exacly. seeing the person in that position for too long would be very painful and each day you would be reminded of it leting them go would bring a closure to everyones pain I just hope I never have to make the decision.
@talisman (1297)
• United States
19 Oct 07
The only time that that decision has to be made is when families are unprepared. What to do in that situation should be decided in advance with family members and put in writing. It saves people from having to make the hard decisions later on. My husband and I talked about this not long after we were married and I'm trying to talk to my mom about final plans along with this, but understandably, she's not too in to talking about this. We will, though, and soon. It's not the happiest of subjects, but it really is a needed conversation.
@violeta_va (4831)
• Australia
20 Oct 07
I agree with you if not in writhing at least to have spoken about it. I opened that discussion with my husband and he said what are you talking about that for. when I asked what he wants and he sais do what you think its right (man he thinks he is too young to think about it he is 32)
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
19 Oct 07
I know it is always easier to talk about those things when you are not the one directly involved in the situation.
But in my heart... I know that it is the right thing to do. If I was the one lying on that bed... I would want my family to turn the machine off.
It must be absolutely heart breaking to have to make such a decision when you love someone. But I think that the longer you have to watch that person on its bed... with no hope of recovery... the easier it will become as you realise that you are torturing yourself and destroying your own life in the process.
@violeta_va (4831)
• Australia
20 Oct 07
I know what you mean about talking and actualy doing it. If it was me and there was no going back than I would like them to switch it off.
@tryxiness (4544)
• Philippines
19 Oct 07
In my case, we have to decide to switch off my brother's life support because his body is already deteriorating. If you know that someone you love is having difficulties gasping for air, just let go. It is not crime to switch off when you know that deep inside you just have to.
@violeta_va (4831)
• Australia
20 Oct 07
I know its not crime but you will always think what if (well I would) I would be torn between the love for the person and their suffering.
@magnet (2087)
• United States
23 Oct 07
It would have to be a family decision. I would not make the decison alone. I also believe in miracles. If it's God's will for the person to live longer it's going to happen anyway. I've heard of many cases where people continued to live without the life support and survived.
