Medically Assisted Death in Alberta
In Canada, but specifically in Alberta, we have a program called Medical Assistance in Dying. This program allows people who are suffering from long term and progressive illness to die at their time of choice.
My wife is considering this service has her Pulmonary Fibrosis approaches a critical point in her life; 58% of her lung capacity remains, life is difficult, and after almost 10 hospital ICU stays. A rough estimate of life span would be 1-2 years, maybe.
Its a difficult choice and journey. When a co-worker asked how my wife was doing, I burst into tears as the reality of her illness set in. Nobody should suffer needlessly. The program is very structured and offers dignity. 30 years ago it would have been illegal. But doctors who helped people to die like Dr. Jack Kevorkian, brought suffering and a medical solution to people who wanted an "out" to their misery.
When a co-worker asked me how she was doing, I almost burst into tears because I had just printed off the Medical Assistance in Dying application form; the realization of the act had hit me solidly in the chest. I delicately explained in a private e-mail what was going on, and that person completely understood me. This person also offered to sit down and chat with me about it when I was ready. I was floored. There are genuinely nice people in the world, in the midst of chaos and evil, I found a few precious people I can trust and know on a deeper level. I feel fortunate to have the resources and family to talk to.
Exercise helps. I have been working out 5 days a week for 2 months and have lost 15 pounds. I'm at a point in my life where I need smaller clothes; which is great. It does not, however, fill that void of dread and misery when I think about being alone.
My wife is considering this service has her Pulmonary Fibrosis approaches a critical point in her life; 58% of her lung capacity remains, life is difficult, and after almost 10 hospital ICU stays. A rough estimate of life span would be 1-2 years, maybe.
Its a difficult choice and journey. When a co-worker asked how my wife was doing, I burst into tears as the reality of her illness set in. Nobody should suffer needlessly. The program is very structured and offers dignity. 30 years ago it would have been illegal. But doctors who helped people to die like Dr. Jack Kevorkian, brought suffering and a medical solution to people who wanted an "out" to their misery.
When a co-worker asked me how she was doing, I almost burst into tears because I had just printed off the Medical Assistance in Dying application form; the realization of the act had hit me solidly in the chest. I delicately explained in a private e-mail what was going on, and that person completely understood me. This person also offered to sit down and chat with me about it when I was ready. I was floored. There are genuinely nice people in the world, in the midst of chaos and evil, I found a few precious people I can trust and know on a deeper level. I feel fortunate to have the resources and family to talk to.
Exercise helps. I have been working out 5 days a week for 2 months and have lost 15 pounds. I'm at a point in my life where I need smaller clothes; which is great. It does not, however, fill that void of dread and misery when I think about being alone.
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