This insanity is spilling over into end of life patients here. My next day neighbor finally died today and it was a blessing. Her brain surgeon tried to get her into Hospice six weeks ago as she didn't know anyone, was oppositional and in intractable pain. Hospice evaluated her and rejected her because their policy is that the patient must be at death's door and should die within three weeks. If she had been admitted, they would have sent her home after three weeks. The in home support just wasn't enough but she did not meet the criteria for admission to any of the units in the hospital. I don't get it.

This is whats happening (so crazy) now the goverment is playing GOD ----something needs to done fast. WE as people have to become more active is legislation. What happened to common sense ??? This story is heart breaking!!

Yep, I agree, hospice is not enough. The pain meds. are not always given enough to keep end of life patients comfortable. I know someone right now, who is in terrible pain and dying with hospice. It is time, that people wake up, and made their own arrangements concerning end of life issues. I would never trust my government or any hospital, with making those kinds of decisions for me. Even your own Will, and documents are not enough to guarantee your wishes are met. Lord help you if you have a friend, and not a husband. They are not allowed to be with you, and to help your decision making if you cannot. I belong to FE, and that is the way I am going to go, if I should have a fatal illness. No way am I going to suffer like I have seen even with my own parents. My dad died in agong with throat cancer...no way. ginnie

I know the feeling I also had cancer 7 yrs ago and Im single when I went thru acdf had to rely on friends . Most of my family is gone now and I too have a Will after my cancer surgery I had very bad complications and would not let friends in ICU --learned fast to get legal papers in order . I seen both good and bad with dr's and hospitals---latley I feel quality of care and human decency is not there anymore ---sad to say.

Yes, I have had that surgery, C3-7, no more. Also I have pre-cancer in my throat, you bet I am thinking ahead!!!! I am not married, had my documents in order, and at the last upper GI, they flat out told me they don't honor your documents, that you would be transfered to another hospital for their restoritve efforts. What good did the lawyer do exactly? I have Will, and Surrogate health care provider, and they don't honor it?, and I am suppose to trust with my life? I have seen too much to trust the way this system is.
I trust myself, and my own morals more. I do wish our country would get on the stick with these issues. Baby boomers are aging...so am I. This is going to be a heck of a situation in the future. Add a little financial hardship, and it is a receipe for disasters. Medicare/medicaid going broke? Just what is the average Joe suppose to think? Sorry to Vent, but I really have thought these issues over. Take care my neck....stay healthy.....ginnie

Hi Ginne---I couldnt agree with you more !! I wanted to Thank You again! You were one of the first people who responded to me when I came on this board. I think your very sweet-hearted person I can tell when I read your post to people. Your honest and sincere. Its just so nice to find people who understand us (spinal patients) it really make me feel better to know there are ppl out there like you who get it !! I never was on a board person before now I understand why and the benefits and how it really helps one cope.

thank you... Neuro talk has been the best thing for me, no joke, it is the only board I ever went to. I just never left because of the good, and kind people I have met here. This site is a blessing... I am not a PC person as a rule, nor tecky. What a learning experinece!!!Be good to yourself, and all of us each other ginnie

I tried steadyhealth ---but ppl dont respond to eachother very much and Im not crazy about the lay out---so I will happily stay here ---be careful this weekend I know storm hitting florida eventually ohio too but not till next week-- they say we may get a foot of snow ---im not ready!!!!