Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
My wife lost her 2 year 9 month battle with ALS on Thanksgiving morning.
The last 5 months she was bedridden and totally paralyzed , yet she managed a smile as I was her caregiver 24/7.
Five years earlier, both of us would have said we would not want to live that way, yet my wife's desire to live was still strong until she took her last breath.
So very sorry for your loss. ALS is so horrific it boggles the mind. Two years ago I lost two first cousins (both brother and sister) to ALS. They died one year apart. So sad.
To be honest ( in our situation) , we never allowed us to dwell on the bad side of the situation.
It was only after her death that I allowed myself to realize how truly horrible it was for my wife the last 5 months. Being paralyzed and unable to communicate is terrible.
Yes, I guess I certainly can see your point of view and I agree comparing my wife's 5 months of paralysis to a person in a coma for 20+ years is not comparing apples to apples.
I wouldn't want to linger for 20+ years but your situation, with your wife knowing you were caring for her, and having awareness, is so touching and I know it had to be difficult,as well (for you and your wife, both). I would want to be there for my husband, too, and he would want to be cared for at home if at all possible, but if he were not conscious, he has a Living Will that outlines that he would not want to be kept artificially alive.
These decisions are so hard but when a spouse is aware and conscious, I do think most of us would want him or her to be well cared for and attended to - hopefully at home. It is not always possible for that to happen, but God Bless those who can attend to their spouse under such sad circumstances.
I have no wish to be sustained by artificial means when there is no hope of recovery. My family is aware of my wish. But if they "pull the plug" and I don't die, how does it end? <snip>
It will end when you no longer receive fluids and nutrition via artificial means.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
<snip>
