I just got done with my ICU rotation. Despite being on call every 3 days I thoroughly enjoyed it. Did I learn a lot? Maybe...But learning is really hard to gauge. What I really learned most is to make sure that critical patients have some sort of advance directives. Otherwise the Ethics Team will hound you till you get one. I had some patients who did not have a family at all to help them make any sort of decision and are now unable to decide for themselves. So we go about in applying for a gurdianship with the state which can take 1 month or so for processing. In the meantime, these patients are under the wise and discreet care of their residents and attendings.
Some families do not know how to let go of their obviously dying relative. Seriosuly, I had patients who were in and out of the unit, with a trach and PEG in place, lying like a rotting vegetable, clearly suffering, yet families do not want to pull the plug. "This is America! Do what we pay you to do!" I think that's what these people are thinking. Oblivious of the fact that medicine can just do so much and sometimes you just gotta let nature take its course.
I know it's hard. But personally, it's harder to see your loved-ones suffering...What do you think?
I saw this all too often in residency. Family pushing you to do EVERYTHING to try to save a patient when it is futile to begin with. A lot of times it was the family members who lived far away that pushed us. I think they felt guilty for not being around their mother or father much.
ReplyDeleteYes, many times it is more humane to allow the patient to suffer. There is sanctification in suffering. And also, many times, more often than not, this is the patient's wish.
Thanks Doctorgianna :) How is your pregnancy coming along or have you already given birth? I've been out of touch with blogger :( Will visit you soon :)
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