It was no accident that Gwyn had to be her husband’s caregiver. She was a wellness instructor and understood the value of preventive care. The goal of wellness is to prevent illness. Gwyn had just turned 50-years-old and her husband was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Gwyn knew the importance of creating balance in her life. But was she prepared … [Read more...] about Preventive Care Tools
Planting a Seed for 2017 to Support Caregivers
The ER doctor asked Tilly, a 96-year-old woman, what she wanted to do? She had COPD and difficulty breathing. There was no evidence of pneumonia on her chest x-ray and her lab studies were unremarkable. Did Tilly feel comfortable going home or did she prefer to stay in the hospital? Carol, her daughter, gave her mother a chance to respond. Tilly … [Read more...] about Planting a Seed for 2017 to Support Caregivers
3 Tips for a Yearly End-of-Life Assessment
When the ball drops in New York City on New Year’s Eve, will you be ready? When the bombshell of a cancer diagnosis hits you in the ER, what will you do? Listen to the doctor or follow an assessment and plan of your own? Sara was a 68-year-old woman who was not feeling well and had shortness of breath. The doctor thought she might have a blood … [Read more...] about 3 Tips for a Yearly End-of-Life Assessment
Spiritual Considerations Raised after Watching Netflix’s “Extremis” – Part 4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 Yea, I dare you to fear no evil as you watch Netflix’s haunting documentary “Extremis.” The ICU at Highland Hospital in Oakland, CA represents a walk through the … [Read more...] about Spiritual Considerations Raised after Watching Netflix’s “Extremis” – Part 4
Dr. H’s Clipboard – November 24, 2016
Dr. H's Clipboard - November 24, 2016 Click to read Practical Considerations Raised After Watching Netflix’s “Extremis” – Part 3 Kidney Failure Patients' Advance Directives are Often Inadequate Thanksgiving Memories Watch Dr. Haselhorst's interview with Lisa Garr on The Aware Show's Afterlife Summit. … [Read more...] about Dr. H’s Clipboard – November 24, 2016
Practical Considerations Raised after Watching Netflix’s “Extremis” – Part 3
Few patients anticipate the need for critical care. Some people call 911 too late. Such was the case for Selena in the Netflix documentary “Extremis.” She was having chest pain and struggling to breathe, but she told her daughter not to call EMS. Selena stopped breathing on the way to the hospital. EMS responded and began CPR. A breathing tube was … [Read more...] about Practical Considerations Raised after Watching Netflix’s “Extremis” – Part 3
Mindful Considerations Raised by Netflix’s “Extremis” – Part 2
The gut reaction to Netflix’s new documentary “Extremis” is the ICU is a hellhole. No one wants to end up there. Patients enter this purgatory after becoming sick and requiring a higher level of care. Patients enter the ICU from the ER, the hospital ward, or after surgery. Donna, one of the two patients featured in the film, has … [Read more...] about Mindful Considerations Raised by Netflix’s “Extremis” – Part 2
3 Issues Raised by Netflix’s “Extremis” – the Overview
“Extremis” means the crucial point before death. It’s measured by the level of stress and the length of time patients suffer as they die. You often hear people express consolation to the family with the kind words “at least he didn’t suffer” or “she died with dignity.” In the short-film “Extremis,” Dan Krauss brilliantly depicts how … [Read more...] about 3 Issues Raised by Netflix’s “Extremis” – the Overview