Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Papers for health emergencies, not a fun task

I needed to do some updates to my emergency paperwork since surgery is being planned for next week out in Baltimore. It had not been altered since my spinal surgery earlier this year. Thankfully the surgery went well and I only had typical EDS complications that delayed healing by a few months. Nothing like the 2005 mess.

Part of today's paperwork is for J, who will be taking care of the kids and Wolfie and running the show. So far I've completed and printed insurance information with permission to treat DS and DD in case of emergency. The advanced directive and medical power of attorney papers are printed.

I only have a few days to peck away at household things, as I always try to leave it clean as possible before I go away for more than a day or two. I've wanted things easier for the people who take care of my kids. I know no doubt I would be told to not worry about it, but there's a wee streak of anxiety that it helps to control. I can't do anything about the trip, the surgery, or the outcome, but these are little things I can do.

I know my paperwork needs updated though. My head knows it. As my DH and I have discussed, I just can't again go through what happened 2 years ago last month. If it happened again and I was able to be brought back, there's still down time from lack of oxygen during CPR, etc. A full recovery would mean that with work, I would return what I'm dealing with now, and we already know those outcomes.

On a bit more positive note, I found my MedCure card. I'm registered for whole body donation. I hope in some way this collection of "weird-ass diseases" (thanks pain man!) may help with research. Our body is just a shell holding the soul until our job here is done, at least in my own opinion. I can't understand not trying to have some good come of it when it's time to go.

1 comment:

  1. As someone who has worked in an ICU setting, I wish EVERYONE would do this. It's so hard on the family and hospital employees to make decisions for someone when they can't. So many times the patient gets more interventions done than they wanted.

    Is Sterling going to Baltimore with you? I live about 25 miles from there. I may be able to come up for dinner some evening if you feel up to it.

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