As CBS describes the episode -- "The Cost of Dying: Many Americans spend their last days in an intensive care unit, subjected to uncomfortable machines or surgeries to prolong their lives at enormous cost. Steve Kroft reports."
I did try to remain objective while watching Kroft's piece. My sister sadly went through the sudden death of her husband some 15 years or so ago, having to make that dreadful determination of taking her dearly beloved off of life support. He suffered a sudden allergic reaction to some medication -- anaphylactic shock. The hospital had a policy of requiring 48 hours before end-of-life decisions could be made. I clearly recall my sister saying: "They wouldn't let a dog suffer like this."
I did try to remain objective while watching Kroft's piece. My sister sadly went through the sudden death of her husband some 15 years or so ago, having to make that dreadful determination of taking her dearly beloved off of life support. He suffered a sudden allergic reaction to some medication -- anaphylactic shock. The hospital had a policy of requiring 48 hours before end-of-life decisions could be made. I clearly recall my sister saying: "They wouldn't let a dog suffer like this."
We were all there at his passing, which was a horrible thing to experience, by the way. (It's amazing and yet nauseating at how the brain will make the body fight to stay alive!) So, as Kroft's story covered the sad predicament of many patients, I couldn't help but think of my brother-in-law.
But, I also couldn't help thinking of ObamaCare and the rumored death panels, especially when the cost of many people's end-of-likfe care was highlighted numerous times throughout the story -- '$50 billion, 20-30% of which is unnecessary.' Yes, Kroft and Dr. Fischer did discuss the human suffering, but it seemed at times that the cost was more heavily weighed.
Is this the start?
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