The Way We Die Now by Dr.Seamus O'Mahony 292 pages
Dr. O'Mahony is the Consultant Gastroenterologist at Cork University Hospital and Associate Editor for Medical Hmanities of the Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
His premise in this book is people have gotten so caught up in trying to live forever that they have forgotten how to die well. He points out how between science trying to arrive at the genetic answer to stop aging, the cosmetic industry's trying to keep people looking young, medical practitioners trying to through every possible medical procedure at the aged and dying to keep them alive "for a little while longer - regardless of their quality of life," that humans need to take a lesson from animals who sensing their death has come simply turn toward the wall accept it and die with dignity. He cites many well-known people throughout history and the ways in which they met their deaths either going out in denial, desperately clinging for more time, destructively agreeing to any and every procedure suggested by medical teams or deliberately denying treatment and meeting death head on and if not heroically, certainly on their own terms. It is a good book after starting off a little slow. The summation is few doctors opt for more treatments when they realise they have come to the end of their time here on earth. More treatments at the end of life just add more cost and usually detract from what strength the person has and often ends in death anyway. One doctor he knows has NO CPR tattooed on his chest in case he is unable to convey his wishes. Thoughtfully written with spiritual leanings toward the end. I would recommend it to adults, I think it a little deep for the young. He brings up some really great points from an insider's perspective. Good book.
- Shirley J.
No comments:
Post a Comment