Esther Rantzen - A Good Death

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Dear All,

I have just watched one of the most intelligent and thought provoking programs.

Esther Rantzen has over the last couple of years experienced the death of both her parents and her husband.

She was left traumatised lost and bewildered.

So she decided to look into the facts of dying.

And she asked a simple question WHAT IS A GOOD DEATH?

AS a Health Care Worker i meet feet which are attached to People who are ill some of whom are dying.

And as a casual observer i can say that i have been a witness to many of the scenarios presented in the program.

Certainly the main character in the program Stan is something that i see regularly from my side of the fence.

I watch a patient embark upon the final journey and over a period of a few months i am a part of the pts experience.

Asking the simple question "How are you today" and the reply is "Bloody Horrible I Just Want To Die" is not uncommon. I like to think that for the short period of time the pt spends in my clinic is of benefit not only from the provision of appropriate foot care to promote the pts mobility and thus independence but is also part of the relief from one additional source of pain and thus discomfort .The straw that breaks the camels back is evident here. Also talking to some body who is not a family member or somebody Directly involved in the management of their terminal disease. A sort of Good Samaritan, or confidant.

Indeed Stan in the program actually stated that he wished he could die there and then and not have to endure any longer.

It seems that the Philosophy of the Hospice movement is at long last getting credence within our Hospital System and certainly the Consultants involved in Palliative care teams were acutely aware of the impact upon the pt for whom Medicine could do no more.

So should Voluntary Euthanasia be legalised for the dying?

I believe that it is your life you should decide what is in your own and families best interest and NOBODY ELSE SHOULD INTERFERE or be in judgement.

I would like to thank Esther her team and all those brave enough to appear on and put together this excellent program.

A most inspiring program especially those poor patients for whom life was at an end and yet they were able to share with us the audience their opinions fears and indeed wishes.

I enjoyed Stans comments with his wife over what to do with his ashes.

I am not one for funerals, but the reading of the poem , which he had selected was evidence of the intelligence and foresight shown
by Stan and his desire to help his family and friends after his death.

Thankyou Esther.

regards David

 

A good death

Here is what I gave students in past as part of the Gerontology course:

 

There is a lot of very interesting literature in Thanatology (death studies) about what constitutes a 'good death'. Too often it is defined by medical persons as one which causes them the least discomfort, regardless of the patient and family's needs or wishes. The Palliative Care movement is really moving along in Australia, with Professor Alan Kellehear of La Trobe University heading the charge.

Just out of interest, what was the name of the program you watched David, I would love to get my hands on it for the students.

cheers,

Felicity

 

Another way to help those left behind is to leave a biography or diary - as those who have read Bridges of Madison County will appreciate. Now you can do so online. An interesting and deeply moving collection of writing.

http://www.therememberingsite.org/

 

re program

Dear Felicity,

The program details are:

HOW TO HAVE A GOOD DEATH

Thursday 30 march 2006
21.00 hours

BBC 2

Esther Rantzen was the presenter.

If you do a Google search for BBC you can then follow through to find the details of the program on the BBC website.

You may even be able to watch the program It was 1.5 hours long.

regards David

 

My dear mother died in December.I was at her bedside,so I got to see her one final time.According to the nurse,she died painlessly.That is a source of comfort to me.Ironically,though I was closer to her than my sister,she took it harder that I did.I cried,true,but my sister still cries a lot.I cried the other day at work.I miss her.I,however,threw myself into my work.That kept me a little sane.In addition to being a podiatrist,I also have a seasonal job not related to podiatry.And since 'tis the season for that,I have been busy indeed.
My mom was philosophical re her death.She had a feeling she would not be long for this earth.Her kidneys started to act up last year,and try as we might to save her,her fine doctors could not do so.I know she is resting in peace and in no pain.Of course,I would rather her be here,but near the end,she was in constant physical and mental distress.At least now,she is no longer in any distress.

 

One of the interesting things that has happened of late has been the move towards the 'good death' and appropriate palliative care. This is wonderful, as we all deserve to depart this world with grace and peace. However, modern society has abandoned the grieving people left behind. Today you get a couple of weeks - tops - and then you 'get back to work, work harder, distract yourself, don't wallow....'

In fact many cultures have long and quite structured mourning periods for a good reason - we spend a lifetime in a relationship with someone like our Mother, and you can't get over that in a hurry.

I also find myself grieving for the patients that I have come to love when they finally die. In a Nursing Home where I was working there were a number of residents that I came to 'adopt' into my family; and even my children would join me in visiting them outside of work hours. I think we as health professionals need to give ourselves the time and space to mourn our patients.

But most of all John, be kind to yourself. Allow yourself a little insanity, that comes with grief, and it's good for the soul.

cheers,

Felicity