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Should a person always know that they are dying?

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Comments

  • #62
    Wacker The Attacker
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,473 ✭✭✭Wacker The Attacker


    In a strange and perverse knowing when a person is going to die can sometimes be a comfort.


  • #63
    maameeo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,396 ✭✭✭✭maameeo


    i think they should be told, what if they had amends to make with someone before they died or things they wanted to do or say. :(


  • #64
    Rasheed
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,117 ✭✭✭Rasheed


    From nursing in various wards and seeing dozens of people dying, I'd say no, a person does not need to be told they are dying.

    9/10 it's not an issue as they are unaware of their surrounding and in a deep sleep if not a coma. Why have their last few hours scary, traumatic and perhaps accelerating their death?

    But since I have been that sick myself in the last year, to have details hidden from you regarding your health, is just cruel and strips you of your last few shreds of dignity.

    If a person is fairly aware and alert, honesty is the best policy in my opinion.


  • #65
    neemish
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,030 ✭✭✭neemish


    Surely their doctor should tell them? Would they not be ethically bound to tell them unless it would do harm?


  • #66
    Rasheed
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,117 ✭✭✭Rasheed


    neemish wrote: »
    Surely their doctor should tell them? Would they not be ethically bound to tell them unless it would do harm?

    Next of kin can insist a doctor doesn't tell them, usually, in fairness, it's because they reckon it will cause unnecessary harm.


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  • #67
    SunDog
    Closed Accounts Posts: 132 ✭✭SunDog


    neemish wrote: »
    Surely their doctor should tell them? Would they not be ethically bound to tell them unless it would do harm?

    There words not always in the same sentence. I've met quiet a few narcissistic ****ers in my time. Fortunately balanced by some pretty humble ones.


  • #68
    Lorna123
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,116 ✭✭✭Lorna123


    I would think that if a patient asked me if they were going to die then they should be told. If they don't ask then why bring it up. I always thought that a Dr. would inform a patient if the patient wanted to know. Is it not between the patient and his Dr.? Who are we to take it on ourselves to tell someone that they are going to die? If a person wants to know if they are going to die they will ask. If they don't ask then I would not tell them. I would not like to be told myself. Imagine waking up every day and wondering if today would be the day. Imagine the sort of things that would be going through your head as you wait for death. It is always advisable to make a Will well in advance of death.


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