My Dad specifically told me many times that he did NOT want to be on life support. He didn't want to give up either. Twice he was intubated and we had some great conversations after he got better the first time. He didn't think that anyone would want to be kept alive by a machine. He was thankful that he survived with the help of a machine, but he didn't want to be relying on one forever. He improved after he was intubated the first time...but the second time, he never recovered.
On the doctors recommendation, we decided that enough was enough when he couldn't go on without a machine helping him survive. Blood pressure medicine and air from being intubated were just keeping him alive. He couldn't speak, but he definitely responded...his mind was not toast.
I don't regret "pulling the plug" on my best friend...I'm responsible, I did it according to his wishes. I wish we were more informed and knew what to expect but we were shooting from the hip and praying for the best. Even near the end, I didn't think he was on "life support" I just thought we were doing everything we could to get him back home and better.
Five months after he died, I had an accident that required intubation too. I wasn't awake for five days and didn't realize that I was on "life support" as well. Even after being awake in the hospital, I had no idea what the hell was going on. I was medicated, big time! I have no idea what I did or said to the friends who were around me...gathered in my time of need.
I'm still not sure of the definition of "life support" but I wouldn't be here if it weren't for the same machines that I helped decide to stop for my father. Not the same age or situation, but I would prefer to be without a machine too.
What's your opinion?