This is my first post since January when I asked for help with information on remdesivir because my sister was being given it for covid. She survived and was released. Then in early February her live in caregiver abruptly left so I moved in with her and her husband while we worked to arrange for help for them. Both are 100% disabled so can’t be alone.
In early March my sister suffered from hypoxia and was rushed to the hospital where they put her on a ventilator and kept her sedated. Her husband has a DNR/DNI document and told the doctor to remove the ventilator. I and all her other siblings asked him to delay so they could come before the ventilator was removed. He refused so they removed it.
Incredibly when they did, she woke up, looked around and said, “I’m hungry.” Three days later, they released her. Before they did, the doctor came in and asked her what her wishes were regarding how much medical intervention she wanted used to save her life. The doctor seemed very reluctant to remove the ventilator and tried to get her to change her DNR/DNI order.
I don’t know why he did that but he wanted her to agree to the ventilator if needed again. She stated clearly, in front of witnesses that she did not want to be taken to the hospital again and did not want to be vented again.
So, I took her home and all our siblings came to town for a week of a family reunion. She was strong and engaged the whole week. Within a few days after everyone left, she passed quietly in her sleep. She was only 65.
We honored her wishes and didn’t take her back to the hospital and though it was hard to do, it was the right thing. Trips to the hospital would have been more frequent putting her through that wouldn’t have changed the outcome, only postponed it.
God blessed us with such a joyous week with her and each other before she passed.
The added bonus to her obituary was the chance to tell the doctor to take his advice and shove it before she left this mortal coil.
I wish more relatives who have lost loved ones could have had the same chance to express themselves to these Pharmaceutical sales people parading around with Doctors degrees and licenses.
I’m once again, my deepest condolences.
Nice way to honor your sister’s life with your/her story :) God Bless her!
Did she kill her husband when she got home?
What a poignant story about your sisters passing. Your dedication is admirable, how lucky she was to have you. Condolences and blessings.
I'm 67. I can see how lots of people around my age just give up the ghost. Life is more and more difficult, getting squeezed from all sides, and the rugs are regularly yanked away.
I get a new burst of determination whenever I feel like somebody else is trying to expedite my departure.
Apparently I like it this way. Eating better, exercising, ready to fight every minute of the day and night.
So very sad to hear about your sister. That was too young. Prayers for you and your family. 😔
Tears.
Thank you for telling your story. Prayers for you and yours.
Condolences and prayers for you and your family. I’m glad she made it home and had that week to visit with her family.
Sad to hear your sister died in the end.
But at least she did it at home on her own terms after defying the attempt to just let her die.
So sorry to hear this.
Take best care.