Worst state ever (medical state, that is)
 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locked-in_syndrome

Check this out. Mostly, take significant notice to " Rom Houben" towards the bottom.

So, they thought he was in a vegetative state for 23 years. Imagine that, sitting there, every day, every hour, every minute, not being able to do anything or tell anyone that you're awake. For 23 years.

Holy shite, poor guy.

There was a House episode about this a while ago, it would suck.

http://www.megavideo.com/?v=J05YOO7G

That's why I looked it up, watching it right now, lol. Got the first 5 seasons.

Pretty terrifying.

After 23 years of that I would figure the guy is ether a zen master or completely out of his mind.

I see that as quite cruel. I would hope people in my family would have enough sense to put me out of my misery after maybe a year. If not, then I would kick all of their asses when and if I ever got out of that state. That isn't living.

There are entire buildings of people in various states of vegetation everywhere. Entire floors of ventilator dependent with various degrees of decubitus ulcers, see link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ne...ekubitus01.jpg and every nosicomial infection out there.

I got the distinct impression that there wasn't a person in these places that would have minded a bit, if someone lit the place on fire. The only ones who would have cared would have been their guilt ridden relatives, who never visit, and the business owners who are making millions off the government and insurance companies.

Those "locked in" cases seem to be pretty rare.

If you want your family to "unplug you" you need to get an advance directive. In this document you spell out exactly what you want done, or not done in the event of a accident etc. It can not be reversed by family, doctors, paramedics, etc.

This. Is very important. DNRFTW.

Wow. Reminds me of that part of Law Abiding Citizen where the dude gets injected with puffer fish stuff...

Just watched The Diving Bell and the Butterfly - good flik, great story.

+1
having to make this decision is a very shitty thing to do. That's putting it mildly still

A DNR is a little different from a Advanced Directive. Advanced directives are made by you, when you are sound of mind, and can not be challenged.

DNR's are made by family or Doctors for people who can not make their own decisions, based on what they believe the persons wishes would be. These can be challenged, and easily overturned.

Yes I know but AD is reserved for alzheimers disease.

Everyone in my family has an AD and none of us have Alzheimers. I see them at work on almost a daily basis.

No need to argue though, the point is that everyone should investigate for themselves, and get something in print. When its too late, it's too late.

Imagine the shit that guy saw/heard over those 23 years.

+1 on fuck that shit.