The moment we enter this world, we start dying. How we die, should be discussed. Death; in and of itself; while permanent, can also be a way to learn how we want to really live.
Those of us who have numerous health conditions have a different view of how we want to live and die. It varies greatly from person to person. Someone who is young and healthy may not even think about "End of Life" discussions. Why should they. Yet, before they know it, their life could change in a dramatic way. For example; while climbing Mt. Hood in the summer, they could very well find themselves falling and getting a severe head injury. The doctors do everything they can. Yet, the individual has a severe brain injury. They are hooked up to all sorts of "gadgets": ECG/EKG machine that makes sure their heart is working. They might have a ventilator hooked to them, to aid in breathing. They could very well have a foley catheter to get the urine out. They would most likely have IV fluids going into them. They could also very likely have bags of blood and medication hooked up to them as well.
The problem arises if those very machines and tubes are unwanted. The patient's very rights may be violated, if they do not have a POLST form on file. An advanced directive and living will are great. Yet, a POLST gives the patient a voice in how they want to be cared for; when they are unable to voice, in their own words; what they want done. Think of it (POLST form) as the patient speaking directly to the physician on how they want treatment to go. Since POLST does not replace the Advanced Directive or a Living Will; yet; it compliments both; it is an added layer of instruction.
There are some states in the US that do not have POLST. They currently may not see the need. What I would recommend is that you do your research. Google "POLST" and learn more about it.
I am *not* a medical physician, so I do not want to get *too* involved with the discussions you might want to have with your primary care doc. What I am wanting to do is advocate that you have the best information available for you to make "end of life" decisions with an open and educated mind.
