M.A.I.D- Death with Dignity in the USA.

[beckywalker]

I believe that one shouldn't have to have a terminal illness. my dad (86 yo with spinal stenosis, horrific back, leg, foot pain, deaf, virtually blind, arthritis throughout his body, incontinence consistently "recovering from TIA and strokes) wants and needs this badly. His life is reduced to recliner or bed. Housebound. A formerly active bull of a man who has disappeared into a shell of pain and despair. What a gift I could give him if only he "qualified" to make his own decision about his end of life. There should be quality life, quality death.

[kimmiecat]

Nurse julie my grandma who raised me died on hospice yesterday and I started watching your videos a month before and it truly helped me...everything you said would happen happened and I wasn't freaking out bc I expected it I can't thank you enough nurse julie

[MulesHomestead]

My 97, almost 98, year old dad has been enduring for almost a year of being bedridden/seated in a recliner with family caring for him day and night. He had seven children. I’m the youngest and it is a sacrifice to take care of him as it’s a sacrifice for him to lose his independence. But not once did he ever wish to turn down life saving care, although he doesn’t want any extraordinary means and is ok with a DNR. He experiences a lot of pain. He prays frequently out loud at difficult moments and doesn’t really complain. He has always been my hero and is like a saint. He put up with my mother’s alcoholism for years until she quit by God’s grace. To endure old age is a preparation for the next life. My mother and father taught us this and it is his testimony being lived out before us now.

[bandgeekonflute]

I remember when my dad came home from the ICU and was bedridden for about 4 months, something flashed on the TV about assist end of life and he told me "that would be great if they passed that". I asked him if he would consider it and he said "definitely". I could tell he was sad and hurting. I felt a pain like no other and think about that from time to time.

He's been gone almost five years. I miss him all the time and hope is at peace ❤️

[maryannlockwood]

Recently a dear friend of mine chose this way to go who was in her late 80s. I think it’s a good thing when someone is very ill & no longer has quality of life to be able to make this decision.

[Pitoonya]

When I was with my ex, he had to put his dog to sleep. He walked out..said he couldn't watch. I stayed bc if at all possible, I will never let someone die alone...ever. Not even a pet. The vet explained she would give slight sedative first, then when I was ready, she would inject into a port already in her front paw. I talked to her, held her told her how much we loved her. The vet said it would happen in less than 5 seconds. It did. I cried my eyes out but she wasn't alone. That was/is so important to me. God bless all in hospice and their families 💞🙏

[donnaroman]

My friend had multiple sclerosis. Multiple doctors gave her a couple of years. She lived for twenty five more years.

[stephendavis]

my mom had cirrhosis ( caused by blood transfusion before they screened blood yes long time ago) her gal blader had to be removed. The surgeon came out to talk to family after surgery said surgery went ok but while he was there it gave him the opportunity to examine her liver closer. He said he regrettably had to tell us she wouldn't make 6 weeks. she lived 8 years. She had many good day with family friends in those years.

[VampliFyer]

My mother was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer in 1981. Her oncology docs said she was likely diagnosed false negative in at least one of her prior year's check-ups. She had a radical mastectomy after her positive Dx in 1981 and then was shortly after given 6 months at most to live. PLEASE MAKE THIS DECISION CAREFULLY. My mother was given 6 months to live prognosis by 3 different specialists. She survived beyond the 6 months and went on to live for another 11 years beyond the prognosis.

[Auntee-Sara]

I am trapped in a chronic pain body and ever worsening health as disease, disorders and syndromes pile on. If I could exit I certainly would as, after 68 years with the last 26 steadily worsening, I'm so tired; let me go!

[sebastianphillips]

Please make this available to everyone. I believe everyone should have a choice when they've had enough.

[sheilariley]

My partner died after 2 days in Hospice and they were wonderful. Bless you Julie for informing us of our options.

[timholmes]

My mother had pancreatic cancer and she was terminal, most people who have that cancer only live for 3 months, yet me and my sister kept her alive and going for over a year after diagnosis which is extremely rare and she would have been cheated out of the extra life we gave her if she would have committed assisted suicide and put a stain on her soul in her catholic faith, I would never recommend that

[victoriak]

My dad just passed on 9/24/22 from a terminal illness and we were both grateful for hospice care when he decided to not pursue chemo but I truly believe that he would have chosen to not suffer through the last month or two of his life and as the disease was showing itself it some more uncomfortable and disturbing ways, he would have chosen to just drift away with us around him than spending the last 14 days in a hospice facility waiting for the end. I find myself before his death and still now frustrated that he had to be subjected to pain and symptoms that he could have just taken control of himself and had a “death with dignity” Little hope for every state to pass this with all the “right to life” business going on. Very sad.

[stevepowell]

One guy in Florida in the 4th floor oncology ward got got death sentence news and took a header out the 4th floor window. Right thru sealed safety glass. My point is we don't just need empathy in hospice situations we need it in interactions with doctors and nurses towards the patients. I was told I was stage 4 when it went metastatic to my spine and I was told in such a unfeeling way "your dying and will be dead in 14 months or less.

[lizzybizzy]

"Meet criteria" is key. I am so greatful that california finally made this possible a while back. It's real unfortunate thk for folks that can't fully meet the criteria- my mother had ALS aka Lou Gherigs disease and part of her symptoms was inability to swallow (she had a feeding tube), loss of motor functions and Hand dexterity as well verbal capabilities. Technically she couldn't meet the criteria because she could not administer the medication to herself. Would love to hear any experience you may have had with patients like my mom was.

[donnatrumble]

After watching my 99 year old Aunt suffer for the past 4 weeks she finally passed away. We treat our pets more humane in Florida than we do our loved ones. 😪

[vampesque]

My partner was told 3 months last stage cancer went on a trial 8 and half years later he's still here n living a good life

[janhankins]

This should be legal in ALL states. If I'm in this position, that's how I want to do. Unfortunately, it isn't legal in my state. My state tells me I can't have an abortion (even if carrying a child will kill me) and it tells me I can't die as I choose to die. The government should NOT tell me whether I can have an abortion or not and the government should NOT tell me how I can die.

[amyludington]

I'm so happy we have MAID (Medical Assistance In Death) in Canada and its far easier to access here as well. In fact it will include mental illness next year