So I watched a documentary on Netflix called "How To Die in Oregon" about the assisted death law there. It was REALLY good and got the point across. They showed a man named Derek Humphry, who wrote a book called "Final Exit". I immediately bought and downloaded it to my Kindle, read it, and now have some ideas on how I can end my immense suffering (end my life) successfully. I plan to do it very soon. I can't wait for the law and legislation to pass and whatever hoops they'll make me jump through before I'm granted my wish to die with the aid of a doctor. I have to do it myself, and soon.
I still need to buy some supplies and get a few more ducks in a row before I do it. I'll need some help - I can type/print letters and documents, but I can't get them myself for signing. They're supposed to be beside my body. I can do the actual ACT myself, but I will need assistance to prepare. Is that within the law? It's not illegal to commit suicide, but it is for someone to help you. So I need to find that person. I'm not sure of the laws here so I need to find out. In the U.S. it's okay to watch someone kill themselves and do nothing, but I'm not sure about here. I still have some digging to do.
I desperately need someone to help me. But I can't ask family or anyone close to me for that kind of help! The risk is too high, emotionally they couldn't live with themselves and they'll all be questioned, so I don't want them anywhere near me. It has to be someone not connected to me. But I need to make it clear through a signed/dated letter that it was 100% my idea and wish, that I'm of sound mind, and I thought about it rationally and did it myself. No one else can be implicated. But they will have to make sure I'm dead before they leave - so that narrows the field considerably. Someone who supports this 100% isn't hard to find, but someone who can handle checking a dead body for a pulse? Ouch.
I wish I had done this earlier, when I was still mobile and could do EVERYTHING regarding suicide for myself. But I was too busy living my life and it never crossed my mind, how quickly things could turn. I didn't read the books or research this subject at all. I never thought it would get this bad. I never thought... Sigh. Not that I'm telling ANYONE with a progressive disease to do this. I'm a special circumstance - the speed in which I declined has a hell of a lot to do with those paramedics who broke and twisted my leg so badly on Septemberr 21, 2012. Before that I could still get up on my own and walk a bit. The decline in my health since then is overwhelming to think about. My anxiety is through the roof when I do!
Anyway, I just wanted people to know, that's my plan. So no one is shocked when they hear of my death. Finding that person may take me quite awhile, unfortunately.
Have you asked Death With Dignity in Canada about this?
ReplyDeleteYes, and they've read this. They can't suggest anything, just VSED (Voluntary stopping of eating and drinking). That's a horrific way to go but is my only option if I want to stay within he law.
DeleteI didn't understand the papers part. I've contacted them too, they did try to help me and were very nice. I emailed a guy with them a couple of time, always very kind. I have done a lot of my own research, as I'm in a similar situation.
ReplyDeleteIn the "Final Exit" book he talks about making sure you have dated and signed a letter stating it was your choice. I can print things from my iPad to the printer in my office but I can't physically go and get them for signing.
DeleteAnd yes, I've talked to Nino several times over the years but he says legally there is no other way than VSED.
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