Can we be kinder to others by taking better care of ourselves? Becoming set in our ways is a form of chronic illness. The New Year presents the opportunity to consider necessary life changes and make resolutions. Does being kind to yourself and others matter? Does having quality of life matter? If you had a life-limiting illness like … [Read more...] about 9 Ways to Be Kind in 2018
Chronic illness
True Survivors Celebrate the New Year!
Sean, a robust 29-year-old, came to the ER, experiencing constant chest pain and shortness of breath. This was not related to exertion or eating, nor was there evidence of infection or diminished breath sounds. Dr. H wondered if Sean might be experiencing a deeper kind of pain and asked, “Are you feeling stressed?” Sean broke down saying, “My … [Read more...] about True Survivors Celebrate the New Year!
Wintertime Reflections
Nora had been experiencing horrific side pain from a recurrence of shingles. At age 93 she was debilitated and moved from her lifelong home to a skilled-nursing facility. She appeared to be deteriorating so her nephew, Tom – Nora healthcare proxy – thought it was best to have her transported to the ER and determine if there were any reversible … [Read more...] about Wintertime Reflections
Avoid EMS Transport for Precious Cargo
Ruth, age 67, had been bedridden due to multiple sclerosis and colon cancer for two years. Complicating matters, she was prone to urinary infections and sepsis. Her body was ravaged by IV lines, breathing and feeding tubes, colostomy and a bladder catheter. While Ruth appeared to be an ICU patient, she was not. Her husband, Bill, cared for Ruth in … [Read more...] about Avoid EMS Transport for Precious Cargo
DID ROBIN WILLIAMS HAVE A CHOICE?
We live in a free society, right? No . . . wait, not if you are considering dying. People are only free to die once they have a terminal illness or six months to live. Desperate times call for desperate acts and deliberate understanding. Robin Williams had the rare, artful ability to weave and communicate messages on the silver screen, in person … [Read more...] about DID ROBIN WILLIAMS HAVE A CHOICE?