courage under fire... a medical rant

[zorak1066]

normally I don't air my family issues but ..

my middle brother has been battling heart disease for some time now. back when he started having issues a decade ago they put him on some meds... which over time have taken their toll. along with the new meds to keep his heart beating against its will (since they cant install a pacemaker due to structural weakness of the heart valves).. they have totatlly ruined his kidneys and also caused lesions on his liver.

I got a call from him today. he told me rather calmly and bluntly that he was going to die soon. the doctors said there was nothing more they can or will do for him in his condition.. a condition they largely contributed to with the meds. they wont put him on a list for a transplant because of his age and weakness. they basically said 'go home and make your peace'. they will be turning off his defib machine so that if his heart stops, it wont keep bringing him back. my brother very calmly relayed this to me. he has between a month to a year at best, but judging from the fact he has been rushed to emergency 3 times in the last 3 months that is doubtful. I found his courage and resolve to 'do what is necessary to keep living' for whatever time he has left admirable, though he confessed to being a bit down now and then despite his acceptance. he has 'made his peace' and has told all the family that it's nearly time for him to check out.

he'll have access to hospice care at home soon.. they will provide oxygen for home use where the treating physician could not due to insurance rules... which makes no sense. anyway... I find the whole health "care" system in this nation deplorable. it is largely guess work.. and for their experimentation you get billed to kingdom come (financially raped).. and they kill you with the intended cure more often than not.

anyway... life goes on eh? thanks for the time.

-z-

[FedoraDave]

I'm sorry you and your family have to go through this. I wish all of you grace, strength, and peace.

[Beer-lord]

I'm sorry to hear this sad news. Your brother has obviously found peace and try to find some peace in that yourself. I hope and pray that some miracle takes place that allows him to beat this.

As far as the healthcare problems go, I hate what's going on and know many others having problems with what has happened to our healthcare system but that's a subject for another thread. In the meantime, your brother and your family will be in my prayers.

[John Sand]

I'm sorry Z.
I went through this with my brother 22+ years ago. I really believe that doctors do the best they can, but often that means guessing, or picking the lesser of two evils. See your brother whenever you can, and talk of good memories. It's tough to lose someone, especially too young. But it is good to have had them in your life ever. Peace.

[BlackDuck]

Thoughts and prayers to you and your entire family.

[Rebel_B]

Sorry to hear the news; my prayers will include your brother.

[Bluejaye]

Sorry to hear it, stay strong.

[Inkleg]

Sorry to hear this zorak, may peace be with you and your family through this.

[Dawg LB Steve]

Sorry to hear this, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. News like this is even tougher at this time of the year, be strong for the rest of your family.

[duff]

Sorry to hear that. Best wishes to you and yours.

[jimjohson]

sorry Z you and your family will be in my prayers

[docpd]

i am very sorry to hear this news. It sounds like your brother and your family have been through a lot. Unfortunately medications used to treat heart disease are two edged swords; they help with the heart disease itself but can damage the kidneys and other organs. I suspect that without them your brother would aready be dead. it does sound as if he has found peace. Hospice can be very helpful, and it is not just for the last few days of life. Hospice care can help make whatever time he has left better. I have seen patients on palliative or hospice care actually improve for a while. I understand your frustration with the healthcare system. I have to fight every day to get what is needed for my patients. Despite all the negative hype from the right, the ACA (Obamacare) is designed to try to address many of the crazy aspects of the current system. It has plenty of flaws, but should lead to an improvement over the current system, especially if the idiots in Congress from both sides of the aisle can actually decide to work together.

[zorak1066]

thanks ..

[Kealia]

Just read this thread and am also very sorry to hear of your brother's situation. Best wishes for a peaceful resolution in whatever form that takes.

[myhorselikesbeer]

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.