The Fear for Aimee

Dr X said that her father's choice to keep her alive at all costs could lead to Aimee committing suicide.  Now I have thought of this before, because I would likely commit suicide myself if I was handed the situation of no hands, one leg, and no feet.  But, he was speaking in a different way.

Aimee has returned to consciousness.  She is soon to realize the losses that she has faced physically.  That is traumatic, which itself could be fatal.  I would give up the will to live at that point.  We have no idea if she will.

But then there could be a point where Aimee returns to making medical decisions.  The torch might pass back to Aimee from her father.  And at that point, Aimee will have to make the decision of whether she stays alive and dependent upon machines, or whether she wants to leave the body.  The doctor would present her the option - he has to.

According to Dr X, doctors can never say that there is no chance of recovery, as that would yield legal consequences.  They cannot be definitive.  They can only speak in words like "strong inclinations" or "strong senses" that ___.  They can state an argument one way or another, but they can never make the decision.

When Andy hears the arguments he hears it through one filter.  When Aimee hears them they will come through another.  Aimee might then be put in a place where she wants to go, wants to stop the interventions.  Andy, being father and not spouse, might have a parental reaction of "no," instead of a non-parental response of "I don't want to see you suffer.  Whatever is in your best interest or wishes is what you should do."

So, Dr X fears, that medical interventions taken too far could lead Aimee to the point of being conscious of being at a dead-end, and having to choose to say goodbye to this world (if her organs can't return to normal functioning).  And, instead of getting this response met with the unattached loving compassion of a spouse, it could be met with the challenge of a parent.  He could challenge her for not believing in Jesus, and not trusting that she will be healed, and that she is a miracle child.

The whole thing is really messy.  And, I am glad to be approaching the topic myself today, so that it doesn't fall onto me unknowingly tomorrow.

I urge everyone to be really clear with their loved ones on this topic.  It is the only way to avoid adding tragedy to tragedy.  And if your loved ones aren't in support of your wishes, make sure you document it on paper, and get it to your primary care physician as soon as possible.