Thoughts....

[Diesel]

I have been pondering a huge question and honestly not sure to ask it or not... Im 25 and heading in to have a valve replacement.. (not my first heart surgery) But before i get to the big question/thought... let me fill you in why i want to ask the question...

When i was 15 i had my first open heart. They deffinately had some trouble during my surgery (not too uncomon i suppose for heart surgery) But even once i was back and talking to my family, my heart did some funky things once i caught the hick-ups while on the breathing machines, and it caused my heart to go out of wack, and they had to "restart me" Thank goodness i came back, and i have been doing fine.

But now i'm heading back in... and at 25 i think more about different situations that could happen (at 15 you just dont think into detail i dont think.) But my question is....

Do any of you get a Living Will before your heart surgery? Maybe some of you have actual Wills im not sure. But at 25 im wondering if i should get a living will??

Im not comfortable to ask my parents really about it, but im more liable to just go do it then tell them!!! But i was just wondering some thoughts on the subject.. maybe i worry to much as my surgery is getting real close....

thanks for your thoughts...
Diesel

 

[perrybucsdad]

Diesel,

When I had my 2nd heart surgery, I was just a little older than you (27). My wife and I had our wills drawn up, a living will drawn up and a power of attorney drawn up. It's hard to think of at that age, but it's something we were glad that we did.

A few years after my heart surgery, I had a massive stroke from a ruptured anuerseym (sp?) and I almost died. To this day, I don't know how I got through that all in one piece. But, with the documents that we had in place, my wife knew what my intentions were, and that she could do everything she needed to do with our assets and with the banks. I would highly recomend getting these documents just to put your mind at ease. And you are correct in thinking of just getting them and telling your parents after the fact.

 

[gadgetman]

Do any of you get a Living Will before your heart surgery? Maybe some of you have actual Wills im not sure. But at 25 im wondering if i should get a living will??

Im not comfortable to ask my parents really about it, but im more liable to just go do it then tell them!!! But i was just wondering some thoughts on the subject.. maybe i worry to much as my surgery is getting real close....

thanks for your thoughts...
Diesel

Diesel,

YES, YES, YES. The "Terri" case in Florida is a prime example on why everyone should have a Living Will drawn up. It is painless (as long as you don't dwell on what you are putting on paper) but it will speak FOR YOU if you are unable. Even at your age, a standard Will is also not a bad idea. At 25 you've probably accumulated some assets and in most states absence of a will can screw up the process.

It's not an easy thing to think about, especially at your age. I put my legal stuff off for a while because I didn't want to dwell on that possibility. But s--t happens.

I would talk to your parents and express your feelings. You've asked the "family" here and it would be nice to involve them too. They might not want to hear it, especially your Mom, but in today's world the Living Will is almost a requirement.

I will continue to send prayers and good thoughts your way and for your family also. Good luck on your pending surgery.

May God Bless,

Danny

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Before my AVR (second heart surgery) I changed all my banking and investment accounts to TOD (Transfer on Death) Accounts which go directly to the beneficiaries upon death, avoiding lengthy and public Probate Court.

I then went to an attorney and wrote out a regular Will for everything else, a Living Will, Legal Power of Attorney, and Medical Power of Attorney. This cost around $200.

Basically, I looked upon those documents as "insurance" for a hopefully 'just in case' scenario.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Phyllis]

Absolutely- a will, a power of attorney and a living will and give a copy to your parents. Today, most hospitals give you all the forms you need for a living will when you go through admittance, but as Dick is a lawyer, he would tell you that you should have one drawn up by a lawyer according to the laws of your state.

 

[momshell7]

I agree with everyone else

I agree with everyone else

My husband had surgery last October ( he is now 38) and we had all the legal papers drawn up. I know it's not something you want to think about, but it is something you need to think about. We had a will, living will, power of attorney, medical power of attorney and probably others I don't remember. While the success rate of open heart surgery is usually pretty high, there is no guarentee. It is best to be over prepared than under prepared. I am sure your parents would understand if you talked to them about it. But if that is too stressful, then please still go ahead and get the papers drawn up yourself. It will give you some peace of mind knowing that things are taken care of IF the worst happens.

You are in my thoughts

Michelle

 

[bvdr]

Yes. I just don't want my family to go through unnecessary stress during an already stressful time. Many hospitals ask you on admission if you have a living will and if not will send up someone to do one prior to surgery. We got married very young and had our first child when I was still 19. We had our first will in place before he was ever born. We have updated them periodically and recently reminded one of our sons that our wills had been changed and he, now age 37 and a family man, no longer has to go live with his uncle Bill when we die.

I agree with you that you might as well do it on your own but be sure to tell them about it later. It just seems the right thing to do.

I hope your surgery goes very well and this is something you look back on some day with little more than the satisfaction of having acted responsibly.
I sometimes think of the Bible story of David and how he put his shepherd duties in the hand of someone else before he went to fight Goliath.

 

[Thom]

The situation has significantly changed for you in ten years. I'm guessing that at 15, the time of your first OHS, you were a minor. I'm not certain that you can make a valid "will" of any kind at that age in most states. If some thing had happened to you at that time, it's my understanding that your parents could make all necesary decisions concerning further health care, etc.

You are no longer a minor. My guess is there is no one that can make such decisions on your behalf, if you can't. So, it's just a prudent to have all the appropriate paper work drawn up, whether you are having OHS or not. In addition to a living will, which typically describes the extent of medical treatment you may want under various circumstances, it is, as or more, important, to have someone with "power" that has a variety of names in various of states. Essentially, it is a health care power of attorney (health care surrogate), provided to someone who can make health care decisions for you, if you can't, and can insure that the wishes in your Living Will are followed, if necessary.

There are many reasons to do this. One of the most important for me has been the peace of mind it's given me before the operations. It's just one less thing to worry about. You're obviously concerned about it. You shouldn't be. You should be expending all your efforts on "getting it done", getting out of the hospital, and getting well again, asap.

Best wishes

 

[liza]

Hi! I am 24 and having valve replacement next week. You are not alone! I'm currently working on my living will and power of attorney stuff. I do NOT want to end up like Terri Schaivo! Not only am I working on these, but I told my family everything I want multiple times so there is no question!

I hope your surgery goes well. Please keep us updated! I'll think happy thoughts for you, if you think them for me too.

Liza, T - 7 days

 

[KMB]

I just saw the link I had been saving in my e-mails today about how to do a living will. I know that it is important to my family to know what should happen if thee are complications during surgery. I know that I will come out fine, but you just never know!

 

[Ross]

Most certainly you should have one and also a durable power of attorney for medical care, preferably 2 people named, in case one or the other cannot be reached.

 

[Guest]

Do any of you get a Living Will before your heart surgery? Maybe some of you have actual Wills im not sure. But at 25 im wondering if i should get a living will??

Yes, you probably should.

Course, just like getting copies of my medical records, drawing up and getting my Will done is on my list of "to do" things....

Aye...one of these days....


Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 31swm/pig valve/pacemaker
'72,6,9/'81,7.hobbies.chdQB = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/
MC Guide = http://www.chevyasylum.com/mcspotter/main.html
"I ain't up to being strong now" ... Wynonna ... 'Is It Over Yet'

 

[Diesel]

Wow!!!

Wow!!!

WOW! Everyone thanks so much for responding. I must be honest.. i was a little shocked when i realized that people might have some thoughts on this question!!

Its nice to know that im not the only one who has thought on this situation, but what is amazing is how manyof you have reacted to your thoughts.. I now have to get off my butt, and just do it! I think about it enough, to know that i should just do it.. I know ill be at more at ease when i go into surgery on June 1st! (the same day as Krista!!!)

Thanks everyone... i didnt realize that there were some differences though.. SO i need to find a Medical Power of Attorney.. and then there is someone that i choose to help make decsions or helps follow through with my descions from my living will??

I know i must sound ignorant on the subject.. I just am somewhat confused. WHich is why i guess i need to start now figuring out what to do. I just know that i want to put down on paper what i want to happen with me if "something may happen...." Even though i must admit at 25 i dont want to live forever on machines... but jeeze have you ever thought maybe you might wake up a few months later?? see i just cant look too deeply into the subject.. i know... sorry.. I guess i need to start reading up on the Paper Stuff..

Thanks for your support everyone.. if you have any other sugestions, im always wide open to hear it all!!

Diesel

 

[hensylee]

Hey, Diesel - I didn't read any of the above posts - only yours. I will probably repeat everything they said. All of us need a living will - all of the time. And we should carry a copy with us at all times. I carry mine and my disabled brother's in my purse. If you don't have access to one, the hospital will no doubt offer you one when you are admitted - be sure to ask if they don't offer. Living wills can be had from many spots on the internet - or I or someone here in VR can email you one. It's so easy.

 

[geebee]

Diesel,

My S/O and I have both Powers of Attorney and Living Wills. We produce the POA upon admittance to a hospital so decisions can be made. We have decided the LW will only be produced should we want them acted upon. That way we have all the control and someone else cannot interpret the LW their way.

 

[Diesel]

Question...

Question...

I have a question:

What is the difference between Power of Attorney... and Having a Living Will?? I know that i probably should know this, but i guess i dont... I also didnt realize that there was something/someone called the Power of Attorney for Medical Care as well.... hmmm..

If anyone could help in in a direction to "untangle" my thoughts that would be awesome. I guess i just have some confusement.. I will take some of the fault though, as i am trying to figure this out on my own, and not asking my family about it.. just yet anyways....

Thanks for some support and help!
Diesel!

 

[geebee]

A POA give someone the authority to make medical decisions for you if you are incapable of doing so. Obviously your immediate family can do so or your spouse, if applicable. However, if you want someone specifically to do so without others questioning their authority, a POA is something you should have in place.

A LW contains your wishes about life support, etc. should you become incapacitated. For example, do you want to be kept alive by breathing tubes, feeding tubes, etc. etc.

Hope this helps to clear things up.

 

[Phyllis]

This may make it clearer:

"What's a Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney is a legal instrument that is used to delegate legal authority to another. The person who signs(executes)a Power of Attorney is called the Principal. The power of Attorney gives legal authority to another person(called an Agent or Attorney-in-Fact) to make property, financial and other legal decisions for the Principal.

A Principal can give an Agent broad legal authority, or very limited authority. The Power of Attorney is frequently used to help in the event of a Principal's illness or disability, or in legal transactions where the principal cannot be present to sign necessary legal documents.


Are There different types of powers of attorney?

Yes. There are "Nondurable ," "Durable," and "Springing" Power of Attorney. A "Nondurable" Power of Attorney takes effect immediately. It remains in effect until it is revoked by the Principal, or until the Principal becomes mentally incompetent or dies.

A "Nondurable" Power of Attorney is often used for a specific transaction, like the closing on the sale of residence, or the handling of the Principal's financial affairs while the Principal is traveling outside of the country.

A "Durable" Power of Attorney enables the Agent to act for the Principal even after the Principal is not mentally competent or physically able to make decisions. The "Durable" Power of Attorney may be used immediately, and is effective until it is revoked by the Principal, or until the Principal's death.

A "Springing" Power of Attorney becomes effective at a future time. That is, it "springs up" upon the happenings of a specific event chosen by the Power of Attorney. Often that event is the illness or disability of the Principal.

The "Springing" Power of Attorney will frequently provide that the Principal's physician will determine whether the Principal is competent to handle his or her financial affairs. A "Springing" Power of Attorney remains in effect until the Principal's death, or until revoked by a court. "

 

[geebee]

I should have mentioned that I was discussing a Medical POA which is specifically meant for medical decisions.

 

[Diesel]

Awe....

Awe....

I dont know what i would do without you guys!!
Thanks so much for clearing up everything. I guess im just a little overwhelmed about some of this.

Having surgery is on my mind the most, and topping it off with the decision to draw up papers to have A living will, and Power of Attorney!! just much to think about at my age. But i guess not really, i should be happy that im trying to make things easier on my family by having it all in place!

I think though, im the type of person who would of ran out and had this all done (LW and POA) if i wasnt having OHS!! i know it sounds bizzar, but i would of just done it, thinking hey its done, and i'll hopefully never have to look at the papers again!! BUT since i am having OHS its a little harder.. And then watching everything with the Terri Shivo case... man... decisions need to be made hu...

But thanks everyone..i truely appreciate hearing and reading from all of you!! I also love to read what everyone else is going through, it helps getting through the day when i can jump on the forum and catch up on whats new!!

Diesel