A good buddy says NO to a life prolonging proceedure

What to do?

Long story short, over the last few days, I have been balancing the Christmas family thing with a good friend who had
some sort of a moderate TIA stroke (from what I can get out of his doctor). Hardly being able to walk, his daughter and
I took him to the ER late Monday for some tests that included a brain scan. With a urinary infection and dehydration to
boot, his doctor wants to implant another stent into his leg artery as its apparently nearly blocked again.

FF to tonight, Wednesday, I just got back from a quick visit and though weak, he was walking a bit. I talked to him about
the additional stent that his doctor wants to do and he says NO WAY as he does not want to go through another 45 minutes
of five nurses poking him trying to find a vein. Citing I'd rather 'go' in my sleep during one of my naps", I have a tough time
with that. He is 76 and in poor health. I want to respect his wishes but on the other hand, I don't want to lose him.

Ya, kind of a crappy Christmas but what rules here?

A) His wishes?
B) My doing my best in talking him into getting another stent?

BTW, for the next few days, I will be helping his daughter in looking for local nursing care as his doctor
basiclly ordered that ASAP.

 

You can reason with him to a certain extent but you need to respect his wishes. It's his life and his body. Other people's needs, including yours, definitely come second.

 

His life his rules.

My family (well me and my mother because we were the ones feeding him and changing his bed pan) endured over 5yrs of complete hell after my stepfather suffered his stroke. We both have a "Do not resuscitate" clause in our wills. Letting go is sometimes the most gracious and loving thing you can do for someone.

I feel your pain and understand your situation Peter yet one must also consider quality of life and put aside their selfishness no matter how well intended it is.

Thanks for sharing and hopefully my words are taken in the correct context.