When and under what circumstances would it be appropriate to

I am a member of the University Health Network here in Toronto. Toronto Paramedics have computer access to all of the patient files for the UHN . That means that they can access your entire medical information on the scene in about one minute. My file has a red flag on it, for DNR. The UHN includes the 7 largest medical centers in the Greater Toronto Region. JImB.
 
As i understand it we can now get a bracelet or pendant similar to medical alert ones that inform paramedics of your DNR. They might be too busy trying to assess your situation to go hunting in house, but generally check for medical alert jewelry because you might be allergic to a common med.

You also might want to check the laws in your country, or state in case of USA, as they vary. In some places an immediate family member can override your written instructions.

As to when it's ok to make your wishes well known--whenever you decide on them. i think it's a good idea to talk with family about it as well. Whatever conditions, health issues or just the ravages of age have you certain, when you are---make it known spell out what is and isn't acceptable treatments. Choking on a bit of food is not the equivalent to a massive stroke or heart attack.
 
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I think Judycat is right, you can get the form. I have the durable power of attorney with my stepfather with a copy of the medical at the local hospital.

I probably should do something for myself. Good reminder.
 
helenbacque said:
put a DNR (do not resuscitate) on your own frig? or would it never happen?
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Put a DNR on one's fridge?

I wouldn't want to be reminded of death every time I opened the fridge. That alone would be the death of me.

And who in their right mind would walk into your house, see you dying, and decide to go to the fridge first??

Well, @timoc might. He's got a weakness for ice cream :LOL:
 
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I have one because I am 88 yrs old and I DO NOT want to die in a hospital bed with my body full of needles and tubes and medical personal trying to extend my life. I've had a good one but when it's time, I don't want to exit with unnecessary discomfort for me and my family.

Lara, In my area, it is universal knowledge that your DNR, if you have one, is posted on the frig door and we are advised to keep a small container with pertinent medical info in the freezer with a door sticker to advise that it is inside. In fact, a well marked container for that purpose was distributed by the sheriff's department. I consider them to be part of a well run life. Death is a fact of life. Fear will not divert it.
 
charry said:
Can I ask you why you have DNR ?
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Chronic pain. I fell 60ft off a ridge when I was 38 and landed on a rocky shelf. I had 2 major spinal surgeries and had to be in a wheelchair over a prolonged period twice. Both times I worked super hard to get my legs back. A 3rd spinal surgery in 2016 was done by a new surgeon and it was the best! I had 2 relatively pain-free years after that, but then one of my vertebra slipped down slightly in front of the one below it. Once in a while I lose my legs again and my pain meds aren't controlling the constant pain. I could take stronger meds but I don't want to. They make me slow and slurry and sleepy.

Bottom line is, I'm just so tired of being in pain all the time. My torso feels like a bad tooth. My doctor started me on Cymbalta like 10 days ago and it's working ok as long as I'm not very active. I don't like being inactive, but I guess it's better than being a huge, walking toothache.
 
Judycat said:
Blah my doctor's office gave out DNR forms years ago. I tried filling it out at the time, but the many choices made me sick. I just couldn't. If I'd had a fatal degenerative disease maybe, but at the time I was healthy with family still living in my home.
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I found it confusing too.

I want them to keep me alive until they assess my chances for a full recovery.

If my chances of a normal life aren't good, I would like them to pull the plug, give me a pill, put a pillow over my face, send me on my way.

The other big problem for me, I don't have anyone to list as my advocate or power of attorney.
 
Lara said:
Put a DNR on one's fridge?

I wouldn't want to be reminded of death every time I opened the fridge. That alone would be the death of me.

And who in their right mind would walk into your house, see you dying, and decide to go to the fridge first?
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EMT's would. They come 3 at a time, including the driver, who's also an EMT. One of them always looks around the house while the other 2 work on you. Along with my DNR is my list of my medications, name of my insurance, and location of my over-dose kit. EMTs very much appreciate having that info handy. It helps them a lot.

My kids' phone numbers are on the fridge, too.
 
Murrmurr said:
Chronic pain. I fell 60ft off a ridge when I was 38 and landed on a rocky shelf. I had 2 major spinal surgeries and had to be in a wheelchair over a prolonged period twice. Both times I worked super hard to get my legs back. A 3rd spinal surgery in 2016 was done by a new surgeon and it was the best! I had 2 relatively pain-free years after that, but then one of my vertebra slipped down slightly in front of the one below it. Once in a while I lose my legs again and my pain meds aren't controlling the constant pain. I could take stronger meds but I don't want to. They make me slow and slurry and sleepy.

Bottom line is, I'm just so tired of being in pain all the time. My torso feels like a bad tooth. My doctor started me on Cymbalta like 10 days ago and it's working ok as long as I'm not very active. I don't like being inactive, but I guess it's better than being a huge, walking toothache.
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I'm so very, very sorry to read this. I'm sorry to know you have so much pain.
 
I think those alert button companies tell you to put the information on the fridge. Like Murrmurr said, they probably know to look there and you can always put it on the side of the fridge.
 

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