I’m angrier than someone who only did research on this topic now, as opposed to, say, a year before. I speak specifically of New York state’s Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) and Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) laws. I have been discussing this for the past few days on this site, and I’ve done that because this is an important topic. I’ve even set up a special page just for discussing DNR/MOLST.
I consider myself an amateur activist on this topic. I’ve helped myself and now I want to help educate others and help them learn their rights in my state. I’ve spent the past few weeks researching the DNR and MOLST regulations in my state. Of course, if you are in another state and obviously in another country, your mileage will vary as each state has its own laws.
I’ve been writing posts about this topic in addition to the dedicated page. I’ve been learning as I write and the more I learn, the more aware I become of just what my rights are. I’ve chosen to avail myself of said rights and it has been a peaceful and wonderful process.
So, what is a DNR? What is a MOLST? A DNR, quite simply, is a one-page document that advises first responders and other medical professionals that absolutely no life saving measures are to take place. That form is meant as an out-of-hospital measure at, say, a car crash incident.
The MOLST, on the other hand, is meant to advises hospital personnel of what medical procedures the patient authorizes. If the patient wishes no measures be taken, then it is so noted on the form.
As for me, I have my DNR and MOLST filled out and ready for an incident in and out of my home. How do I alert first responders and other responders of my wishes? I wear a state-approved bracelet. At home, I have a red decal on the door that alerts first responders to go my fridge, where the orders will be in plain sight. Of course, if I have a health emergency alone, then I’ll die naturally and the whole point will be moot.
If something happens when my wife is home, then she will have the documentation in hand. She’s also been advised to wait five minutes before calling 911. By doing this, my chances of needing that DNR or MOLST are slim to none. That is how I want it.
As a grown adult who is not suicidal, it’s my right to request that the forms be put into effect. I had to go through a process with my PCP to ensure that I am not suicidal and that I am very aware of the implications and consequences of using these documents.
Now that my documents are valid, I have a copy of them on my person at all times, except when at home, where they are handled in the manner that I mentioned previously. In addition to a bracelet, I also wear a necklace. This way, there is no way medical personnel can miss it.
If medical personnel miss or ignore my bracelet and necklace, there will be serious legal consequences. There is a bill pending that would make it possible to sue a first responder or other medical personnel if they ignore a valid order.
One could argue that criminal charges could result, namely some form of assault. And yes, I would be that guy who would take such action if my wishes were to be ignored.
If something happens to me medically and I am able to advocate for myself, I will tell everyone, loudly and clearly, that I do not consent to any form of treatment. If I am not conscious but living, those documents kick in. What’s supposed to happen is that the paramedics, etc. will have to transport me to the hospital. No need for lights and sirens as I have two valid orders.
If I arrive at the hospital dead, then it’s a moot point. But if I am alive, the first responders must clearly advise hospital personnel that I have these orders. They will then hand the documents to someone and any and all live-saving measures must cease immediately.
I am in the process of getting my documents scanned into my patient files at the two major hospital groups in Albany, groups that oversee multiple hospital. This way, no matter where I go, I will not be treated. However, it’s also a good idea to still carry the documents so that if no one checks my file, I’m still covered.
It’s any mentally sound adult’s right to request and get a DNR and a MOLST. Every person has their reasons. Me? I deal with several medical conditions that will worsen and will cause permanent brain damage. This is especially true of my seizure disorder.
If I have a seizure that is so severe that I swallow my tongue and stop breathing, then permanent brain damage will occur to the point that I would become an invalid. No way am I going to deal with not being able to perform my own bodily functions.
I also deal with Neurofibromatosis 1. That will become more severe as I get older, to the point that living would become a painful and debilitating. It will probably affect my brain and I will at some point become an invalid, just like before.
I would rather be prepared and if I have an emergency where I clinically die, I would rather let death come as it may as opposed to being realived artificially.
This might seem crazy to some, but I have valid medical reasons for doing this. This is not about suicide at all. On the contrary, I have a lot of cool stuff at home. Computers, cell phones, televisions and so forth make life exciting. And, after all, I cannot consume Classic Coke if I’m dead. No, what this is about is preventing myself from suffering when, not if, my medical conditions worsen.
It is your right to what I’ve done. If you’re seriously considering this, you will have to make an appointment with your doctor and you will have to discuss it and make sure that he’s on board with it. Really, a doctor has no reason to deny a DNR or MOLST unless the doctor feels that the person is suicide or incapable of making an important medical decision.
Now, it’s important that I note that I didn’t just wake up one morning and decide to do it. No, I took almost a year of researching, praying and pondering. What sealed the deal was an incident that took place a couple of months ago wherein I did have a major seizure and almost died. Some asshole called 911 and I was revived. When I found that I’d been revived, I knew that that hat was not what I wanted.
What if there had been permanent damage? And oh yes, I was clinically dead for a minute or so, according to the paramedics. That made me even more irate. That incident pushed me over the edge and I went through what I needed to go through to make this happen.
People my age usually don’t have a DNR and/or a MOLST. I didn’t do this to make history. I did this because it was the right decision for me.
If this is something that you feel would benefit you, and you are capable of making that decision, you may wish to talk to your doctor. Just know that once the documents are signed and once they are on your person and everywhere else that they need to be, your wishes will be honored and you will probably die.
Can you revoke your decision? If you’re able to verbally communicate, make it clear that you revoke your documents. Otherwise, death can and likely will occur.
I did what I felt was right for me. You do what’s right for you.