Hi Robin,

I've been following your posts closely; unfortunately my circadian cycle seems to be out of sync. with events/postings.

It's true that a competent rational adult has the legal right to refuse medical treatment/intervention (It's also possible that in your locale, medical personnel are required by law to inform patients of this right, but I don't know this as fact), however IMO, based on the irrational statements and behavior your husband has been exhibiting, exercising that power of attorney may be in order and appropriate. A family conference and/or psychiatric consult (for him) may be in order to cover all bases - something to ask his doctors.

What's been bothering me most is the lack of any reasons given by him for his refusals of/for treatment and his belligerence.

My suggestion/advice (which anyone is free to disagree with and/or ignore at any time) is to listen to your heart/guts. It's very difficult for me to bring this up, but some "tough love" may be appropriate in order to ensure his compliance with medical help/intervention for his own good. It could be pointed out to him that he can cooperate voluntarily, or that with the stroke of a pen (by a psychiatrist or judge) he could lose that right, and be subject to someone else's decisions/judgment without any say in the matter.

Were you to play this card, there is also the distinct possibility that he may "call your bluff", and you may be faced with having the resolve to follow through. This is where the support/commitment of your family is essential.

I sincerely hope that all of this will turn out well for everyone, and that all I've said will be moot. Unfortunately these are the kinds of situations/decisions life hurls in our path, the consequences of which we must live with for the rest of our lives.

I do wish you well, and will be thinking of you,

Doc