Like a hot potato being tossed from one player to the next, Leonard went from his primary doctor to an ENT specialist and finally to the emergency department due to a tumor obstructing his airway. Sophie, his daughter, stated, ”He needs one of those tubes in his neck that will allow him to breathe.” At 93, the emergency doctor took offense at the … [Read more...] about Sophie’s Choice: A Family Caregiver’s Charge to be Hopeful or Fearless
How to Apply “Final Wishes” to Everyday Medical Decisions
Emergency doctors normally don’t consider final wishes when it comes to treating a 47-year-old woman. Tina had metastatic kidney cancer that spread to her liver and lungs. With her being someone’s wife, mother, sister and friend, there’s an emotional charge to keep this young woman alive. Tina deserved the best treatment available. Like most, this … [Read more...] about How to Apply “Final Wishes” to Everyday Medical Decisions
The Unsure Church Nurse
At 83, Dorothy was a good person – but a lousy patient. Frustrated with lower abdominal pain, she refused to take pain medication while in the emergency department. She finally gave in but developed heartburn from the morphine. Once her stomach settled, the doctor relayed the bad news, “Dorothy, you have uterine cancer that’s pushing on your … [Read more...] about The Unsure Church Nurse
Barbara Bush: The “Enforcer” of Dying with Dignity
Barbara Bush: The “Enforcer” of Dying with Dignity Last week Americans celebrated the life and death of former first lady, Barbara Bush. As the matriarch of the Bush family dynasty, she was fondly referred to as the “enforcer.” This term of endearment gained her respect and served others in knowing what she demanded. “What Barbara says, goes” is … [Read more...] about Barbara Bush: The “Enforcer” of Dying with Dignity
Low Vision/High Tech: Gadgets for the Visually Impaired
Assistive technology can be a boon if you’re visually impaired and you may be surprised to know there are many high-tech devices out there that can help you with low vision. Here is a rundown on some of the most cutting-edge tech devices. Shoes That Guide Your Feet Imagine you’re walking down the street listening to audible directions and you … [Read more...] about Low Vision/High Tech: Gadgets for the Visually Impaired
Health Futures – Taking Stock in You w/ Dr. Kevin Haselhorst, Scott Fischer, Sami-Jo & Sheldon Roth
Dr. H in the Media Guest: Dr. Kevin Haselhorst Host: Bob Roth Segment Overview: Dr. Haselhorst discusses his new booklet, Is Palliative Care Right for YOU? Palliative means "cloak" or "protect" a person; this is applicable when a person has not had his/her healthcare situation managed, they end up in the emergency room at some point, and how … [Read more...] about Health Futures – Taking Stock in You w/ Dr. Kevin Haselhorst, Scott Fischer, Sami-Jo & Sheldon Roth
A New Directive for National Healthcare Decisions Day
Other than taxes, the only other certainty in life is death. People don’t like to pay taxes or think about dying. But on April 16th, National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) reminds people to complete their advance directives. Like a passport, an advance directive permits an individual to proceed from one world to another with an easy … [Read more...] about A New Directive for National Healthcare Decisions Day
When the Choice to Die is Not an Option
At 69, Bob appeared to be a broken man. He left the hospital the day before and returned to the emergency department (ED) because he wasn’t “acting right.” Bob became upset when a second injection to his abdomen burned and family members were angry that the discharge instructions did not explain this. After four years of receiving treatment for … [Read more...] about When the Choice to Die is Not an Option