Rambie, I'm with you on this. Without a look at Terri Schiavo's medical records and perhaps the trial transcripts, I do not think anyone can offer a prognosis--and maybe not even then.
My understanding is that Terri did make her wishes known to her husband prior to her present condition. I am, however, somewhat surprised she did not also discuss this with her parents and siblings. Maybe she did. I do know that those close to me are well aware of my wishes and hope they will abide by them. I also wish that we could find a more humane method for end-of-life procedures; starvation and dehydration are horribly cruel--to the patient and to the patient's loved ones. Lethal injection might be an option, but I do not currently know what effect that might have on organ donation--or even if that should be a consideration.
One minor correction, hubby did not make off with the malpractice money; much of it is still in the bank. He did use part of it for his wife's custodial care and therapy and part of it for his legal fees.
I am surprised that this has not been discussed on my critical-care listserv. This kind of thing is right up their alley, persistent vegetative state, end of life, medical ethics, futility of care, brain death, etc. If they do discuss it, I will share their learned opinings here. |
