I have been purchasing the at-home test kits for UTI infections at CVS and they seem to work quite well. If the test is negative, when would you suggest testing again, to be sure there is no infection starting? In addition, once an elderly person gets a UTI infection how long does it take before the infection can become serious?
Most people don't have a hard time deciding not to do chest compressions or artificial respirations and ventilator care for a terminally ill person. But, antibiotic therapy is another thing. We've become so accustomed to the use of antibiotics that we just sort of take them for granted. We forget that these are very powerful medicines that can save and prolong lives. And, the question is, is that always appropriate?
My Mom has a POLST form and my brother and I had no difficulty deciding no CPR. It is also marked no antibiotic therapy. My brother and I had a much, much harder time deciding on this and there are times when we question if we did the right thing. Mom has late stage dementia (terminally ill) and her future does not look bright. We have chosen not to prolong Moms' life using any means, but to do whatever we and modern medicine can do to keep her comfortable during the end stage of this horrible disease.
I hope this explains better what my thought is. It is a tough, tough decision.
I had asked my doctor is she got pneumonia if we would treat it, as I read hospice doesnt always. and he said yes, you treat until the antibiotics dont work. I dont know if I could "not" treat a uti or pneumonia? I do agree with you, why live like this? But on the other hand, why would everyone be careful about bathing, feeding, etc, if they wanted their parent to die. Do you know what I mean? this is so complicated. My moms on bp meds and antidepressant. I am so on the verge of throwing in the towel with no life here. She moved in 8 years ago and I have had hardly a life since. I am married with kids, grandkids, and cannot enjoy my life as I would like to. I would like to hear more, and from others to, is this something to really consider, hummm, it seems like a crime to not treat a medical condition. Thanks again, please write again. Is your mother in your home? Whats her condition?
It is called other things in other states but the principle is the same. It is as important to have as an Advanced Directive, in many ways more important. The doctor, working with the pt(if able) or the pts representatives fills out a form addressing what care the pt is to recieve. It addresses: CPR; Medical Interventions, do you want comfort measures only or full treatment; Antibiotic use,
Medically Assisted Nutrition. Once signed by the doctor it becomes a physicians order and is to be honored by all medical personnel. It can be changed by the pt (if able) or the pts rep. This is the form you would want to give the EMTs if you had to call them for your Mom.
Regarding doctors: Remember they are humans too and they bring their own values and ethics to their practice. Sometimes their beliefs agree with those of the pts and sometimes they don't. It is not wrong to leave a doctor if the plan of care cannot be agreed upon. The important thing is to make sure it's an educated decision.
I do not want my Mom to die. I am going to do the best I can to keep her from getting sick. But I also realize Mom is 91, she's tired and I know she really wouldn't want to live like this. Deciding not to treat a medical condition in a terminally ill pt is not the same as trying to kill them! I'd encourage you read up on Pallitive and Hospice Care. I know I had to. You are right this is all so complicated. After years of caring for Mom two weeks ago I admitted her to a Memory Care facility. Mom can still walk with a walker, can still eat and talk but she can't really carry on a conversation. Most of the time Mom is not there. She's off in her own world, living in the past waiting for her Mom or one of her brothers(all deceased) to come take her home.