"Right to Die" Vent.

[yeartolate]

Could they do the transfusions every two weeks then instead of three?

There are specific guidelines for transfusion.

The bottom line is that there is a limited blood supply. It is generally accepted that you transfuse only when absolutely needed. That may mean a certain level of discomfort might need to be endured.

In times of high need, a person getting a transfusion may mean another does not get one or a much needed surgery is cancelled for another patient.

So sure they could do transfusions every two weeks, but ethically speaking. it may be fuzzy.

The option exists that the family could direct donate on her behalf, but it is a costly venture - the person donating would likely pay a fee to designate the unit (out here it is $500 a pop) and on top of that, the patient's insurance would likely refuse payment for the entire stay (costing the patient out of pocket thousands of dollars) because the transfusion happened outside of accepted guidelines.


Sorry if it is too much info.

 

[DawnCt1]

I guess I misunderstood your OP Dawn, because the statement you said the nurse made... "I know that it is getting difficult for you to come in when you are feeling this way, and you must be getting tired of it. Anytime you just want to not come in, we can have the VNA come out and pursue hospice".... didn't sound to me like there was any pushing a person in a "fog" toward making a decision. It sounded like a reminder of options. But I am speaking of the perspective of the "outsider" not from the perspective of the family member who is watching a loved one "fade". I remember that position, when caring for both my in-laws. It's a difficult place to be in.

In any event, it sounds like she has a very loving & involved family who will not let anything happen before everyone is ready for it to happen, and that's what really matters.

Best wishes to all.

Her daughter called me from the hospital and she really felt that way last night. The doctor called her today and she told him that "you see her at her worst, she bounces back after getting blood and we are not ready for hospice. We will tell you when we are. We agree that she is a DNR, she isn't getting chemo but she does feel good in between transfusions, goes shopping, and enjoys the family". She feels a lot better now that she has gotten that off of her mind. He talked about "quality of life" and she told him that she felt that on most days, the quality of her mom's life was good". I think part of the problem is her appearance. She is tiny, has very thin short hair and looks elderly. She talked to her mother this morning and her mom felt good. She asked her if she was "ready to give up the transfusions". Her mom, who is alert this morning because her crit is way up to 19 said, 'Of course not". They are giving her 2 more units today.

 

[Disney Doll]

Well, I think you are misunderstanding hospice, but if she is getting what she needs from family and/or other sources, that's what counts.

Best wishes.

 

[DawnCt1]

Could they do the transfusions every two weeks then instead of three?

She actually gets them whenever her hgb and crit are low, so it could be less than every three weeks, or less than 2 if need be.