Amazed, disappointed and almost out of here

[Richard Quartermaine]

#31 Den, when I walk briskly I rattle. That is the sound of all the pills I swallow. They are sufficient to keep me fit enough physically and mentally to enjoy life and care for myself in daily necessities. To be resuscitated to a point that I am just a burden on others just to exist is not a preferred option. I haven't taken your step or had the instruction tattooed on my chest but maybe that's because at sea I learned Hamlet's Soliloquy, 'To be or not to be....' off by heart.
Regards, Richard

[Dennis McGuckin]

#37 John, Believe the Medic' in the U.S are able to scan your card on the way to hospital.
Maybe our friends down there, can tell us if that is the case.

[Rodney Mills]

Dennis re. #37

The U.S. is like having fifty different countries meshed into one at times. I have never heard of a card that can be carried which contains one's medical history. That doesn't mean that it is or isn't in the U.S. somewhere, it just isn't available in my State.

I will explain what I do have. My wife and I had a legal paper drawn up by an attorney. It is called a "Living Will." This document was given by us to our personal doctor and the hospital where we are usually treated. A copy is kept in our car, and in a compartment in our home refrigerator. A plastic card is on a table in highly visible position on a small table in our entrance hall, directing emergency care to the physical copy (in the fridge for safekeeping).

The "Living Will" says we do not wish to be resuscitated to just prolong life. It gives permission to my next of kin (my wife and I to each other, followed by our beneficiaries, supervised by our attorney).

When one renews a driving license we have the option to donate our organs and eyes etc. which we have agreed to do. This is so noted on our driving licenses and included as part of our "Living will."

Now the hospital service: We have a program called "My Chart." With a password, I can access "My Chart" and review my complete medical history from tonsils removed in London to the last visit or communication, an example, a request for a prescription. Say I had a test performed. I could see the results. Other doctors or hospitals reviewing my personal "My Chart" with either my or my personal doctors approval, would see the actual tests.

I can use "My Chart" to ask for renewable prescriptions to be sent to my drugstore (chemist/pharmacy), or to confirm upcoming appointments etc.

Lets assume I wake up feeling crappy. I can send a message to my doctor or the hospital via "My Chart" requesting an electronic visit (not visual, by message only) it's called an "E-visit" and is available for non-serious clinical complaints that can be managed without a physical exam. I would answer a series of focused questions about my condition and prescriptions would be sent to my drugstore. The charge for this visit is $25.00, covered by my insurance.

[Des Taff Jenkins]

Hi All.
I just Lay there in bed and the wife administers, "What do you want"? "a panadole"? "Denko rub"? " a cup of tea"? or, "Shall I send you up to the Morgue"? I usually plump for the tea.
Cheers Des

[happy daze john in oz]

#37 John, Believe the Medic' in the U.S are able to scan your card on the way to hospital.
Maybe our friends down there, can tell us if that is the case.

Our system currently is optional, you go into it voluntarily but in time it will become compulsory only began in late 2015.
But our systems here allow for organ donation to be noted on driving license.
All results of blood tests, medical reports, X rays, referals, and any other reports are given to the patient. Unlike some countries where they are kept by the GP and only he has access to them.

[Dennis McGuckin]

#47 Thanks Rodney,
We have the living will too.
When my wife was sick, the Medic's came to the house.
Fist thing they looked at was the fridge.
They then explained that most people kept a copy of their living will there.
If they don't see it, and not advised by seeing a copy, they start CPR right away.

[happy daze john in oz]

#47 Thanks Rodney,
We have the living will too.
When my wife was sick, the Medic's came to the house.
Fist thing they looked at was the fridge.
They then explained that most people kept a copy of their living will there.
If they don't see it, and not advised by seeing a copy, they start CPR right away.

New one on me Den, all we keep in the fridge is the beer and that is considered to be a most important part of wellbeing.
My will I sin the safe, and I have the key.

[Des Taff Jenkins]

Hi John.
Keys melt at high temperatures.
Cheers Des

[happy daze john in oz]

Hi John.
Keys melt at high temperatures.
Cheers Des

So will the will if it gets thta hot, metal safe could melt in the heat!