Posted by Jackie M. on August 23, 1998 at 14:57:34:
In Reply to: Re: Please help, my husband wants to die posted by Nancy on August 23, 1998 at 09:31:02:
Kathy's predicament with her husband's suicidal threats must be very difficult for her, but I would just add a note of caution if she is thinking about reporting her husband's threats to his doctor. Not only might he see this as a betrayal of his confidence, but his doctor doesn't sound very cooperative or understanding. I realize that his threats should be taken seriously and receive attention, but the way in which that is done can be like walking on a highwire. This doctor's reaction can have the potential of pushing him over the edge; for example, denying him adaquate pain relief or focusing treatment on physchological rather than the physical pain which is the primary cause of the suicidal threats. This is a very difficult dilema for Kathy, to be sure. But from what she has told us about his doctor, she has a very wrenching task ahead of her. It does sound as though he needs a doctor who can treat the *whole* patient. (No easy task either.) I know that all our thoughts and prayers are with them both.