Life Support

Let's discuss life support and what this means. There's a lot we don't know when it comes to this subject. I'll be honest there's a lot I also didn't know as well, and I'm someone who's in Respiratory Failure and its progressing rather quickly. I really didn't know my options. I just knew life support as being something I ABSOLUTELY did not want. Why was this though? Why was this ingrained into my head as being something so bad or only a one way street?

Well, my ideas came from what I saw from media, but also stories I'd hear and from family who had passed. I made my decision based off that. The word ventilator was this awful awful word and this medical device I wanted nothing to do with. I think a lot of us after Covid grew more fearful of ventilators and intubation. The media does a good job at misinterpreting and scaring us, which is why I don't watch the news much.

I haven't had to do much research on life support or what options there were. What if I told you there's options and they really aren't all that scary. Trust me if you are facing death & absolutely loose your airway and intubation is necessary go for it, if it means saving your life! Once you regain breathing on your own again, the tube is removed. Not everyone who is intubated is put on a ventilator and is presumed dead. Then someone has to come make a decision to pull the plug... sorry... that's mostly in the movies.

Ventilators are NOT bad!! They are life saving devices. It took a bit for me to accept this, but I would not be writing this right now without it. This is one way many use assisted devices such as bipaps and AVAPs. There are non invasive and invasive ventilation.

If I were brain dead, in a hospital bed, hooked up to a ventilator then yes that is a VERY different story. I think this is the common idea of what life support is to majority of people. This is viewed as the only way ventilators (life support) are used and it's highly false!

You can be on a ventilator long term. By long term I mean it depends on the person and situation. It can be months, maybe even years, it really depends. You do not have to remain in the hospital. You are not always intubated by way of mouth. Tracheostomy tubes are often used for long term life support. You are not always put in a coma, these instances or usually for short periods due to anesthesia.

If you are ever faced with possible death. Know there are options and that life support doesn't have to be scary. As I always say do your research. Advocate for yourself and what's best for you. Ask questions. In the end at least you know you're making the best and most informed decision for yourself. We only fear what we don't know, so take it upon yourself to learn and gain the knowledge needed. As always if you have questions don't hesitate to ask. 💜