http://spuc-director.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/fantastic-spuc-youth-conference-paused.html
Dear John,
A true story: A young woman in her early 30s was rushed to hospital in the middle of the night. She was on the point of collapse and actually ‘died’ in the Doncaster Infirmary Emergency Dept. She was saved and was subsequently in a coma for weeks recovering from formerly undiagnosed Swine Flu and Pneumonia.
When she started to come round, she was paralysed and could not speak, the doctors were very concerned about brain damage.
This woman is a close friend of my daughter who, naturally, visited her friend a great deal. Thank God she did!
One day she was present when the doctor was discussing the probability of switching off life support with her family members as she was not showing any signs of communication, it was only six weeks to 2 months after her collapse. My daughter noticed that the patient appeared to be having phlegm problems and was clearing her throat a lot.
That night, my daughter had an epiphany. Her friend was trying to communicate by throat clearing.
My daughter visited her friend again and waited until they were alone and then asked her friend, by whispering into her ear, if she could hear her, and that it was very important that she clear her throat if she could. She cleared her throat, and a simple conversation took place. My daughter promised her friend that she would not let anyone switch of any machines. She reassured her friend and told her to relax and concentrate on getting rest and getting better. My daughter broke the news to her friend’s boyfriend and family members who were delighted – and horrified that they had not noticed this before. They had started to agree to the idea off switching her off!
The young lady is now out of hospital and is recovering at home wheelchair bound but perhaps not forever as she is progressing all the time. She can speak, move around , use her arms and hands, at first she could not read but now skills are returning to her. Her sense of humour has returned.
What a close shave!
How many people have not had a observant and patient friend or relative to look out for them and have been switched off and died a terrible death?
Also, I am shocked that the switching off conversation took place in front of the patient, but it is just as well that it did, I suppose. Perhaps they do that for a reason? Or is it just callous disregard?
I wonder how often this goes on; I get the feeling this drastic so-called last resort could be becoming routine in our hospitals.
Dear **
Naturally I was very moved to read your true story.
It is deeply distressing to reflect on the widespread serious suffering which is out there at present.
Please pray that we find ways of building up our campaigning – so that more people like your daughter can be inspired to act as she did. What wonderful action she took.
God bless
John