This week at the hospital…

I encountered two difficult cases: one, a young person with a frightening set of symptoms and an unknown diagnosis; and the second, an older person with a known (and also frightening) diagnosis that would result in their imminent death (and soon).  In both scenarios, we discussed advanced care directives, sometimes referred to as “patient wishes”.  It may seem premature to discuss the topic of death in your 30s and 40s, but, in my experience, it doesn’t matter what age you are, unforeseen circumstances arise all the time.  For our older subset, it’s important to communicate with your children/family/friends what your desires are.  It is a topic that many people find uncomfortable discussing.  Many are unsure exactly what “advanced directives” actually are.  I can tell you from experience, that discussing these topics now rather than when you and/or your loved one is faced with challenging decisions regarding tests and further care, makes for a much easier discussion when tensions are high.  If you haven’t already, start with your parents.  Make sure you’re on the same page.  Then, think about yourself and communicate your own preferences with your people.  Navigating end of life can be easier than we make it; death is an unavoidable part of life; we should stop acting like it isn’t.