Grey's anatomy and end of life care :

[hedgehog]

I don't usually watch this show, so I'm fuzzy on the details, but I watched part of it last night. Apparently, one character has severe Alzheimer's - she's in residential care and doesn't recognize her husband. She develops an aneurysm and is near death. She is then given a major surgical intervention, makes a miraculous recovery and recognizes her husband, and dies of a heart attack.

My reaction is this - if someone I loved was that far gone with Alzheimer's, I would never allow surgery in this situation. The aneurysm is a blessing compared to the long slow destruction of Alzheimer's. Recovery form such surgery is likely to be more difficult and more painful than shown on TV.

[peace13]

1. I agree.

My sister is in a special care ward and I am in there twice a day. No matter how hard we try, the place is full of heartache . Too sad when there is no getting well. Some do get sent to the hospital and return a bit plumped up but in the end the story is the same.

I didn't see the episode last night. It has been a glorified portrayal of dementia at best. So many out here don't have money for special care and extra caregivers. My sister is 57. With luck
her money will hold for her.

[DURHAM D]

2. The patient (Adele) is married to the Chief of Surgery.

JFTR - irl most Alzheimer's patients that are in a care facility have a directive that would not permit such end of life procedures.