We have one here, it just hasn't been filled out yet. My dad had one but no one knew anything about it and when he had his massive stroke they did surgery something he had requested not be done when my mom found the living will.

Have you ever thought about having one made out?

We don't have a living will, but I know it is something we should have done, although we are very young.

Dh and I both have one. I work in critical care so I have access to the paper work and it was really easy to fill out and have it witnessed. I also have a medical power of attorney so that if I was unable to make my medical decisions and DH was also unable that we have an appointed person for that.

It is very important that everyone knows that you have these and where they are kept. At my hospital anyone can put copies of these documents in their files and anytime that person is admitted the paperwork is pulled and sent to be placed in the chart. Another thing to be addressed is to make sure everyone in your family knows your wishes and will honor them. In my case I feel very strongly regarding organ donation, I want to donate anything that anyone can use and DD feels the same, but DH and both DS feel the opposite, they do not want to be donors. I had to make sure that they knew how strongly I felt and that it would be up to them to give permission in the case that it was ever necessary.

CJ, this is a great thread, it is something that most people don't think of until it is needed. Thanks for bringing this topic up.

Blessings,
Kathy

We don't have one yet. I have signed my driver's license for organ donation...but I know I should fill out my living will, etc.... .

When I had to go into the hospital several years ago for surgery under general anethesia, I signed one just in case even though the surgery was not high risk. I did an updated one when I was pregnant. You never know. My Mom went to the doctor, was sent to the hospital for tests, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, underwent surgery, and never came to. She died two weeks later. Fortunately, she had documented her wishes. It would have been a lot rougher on us if she hadn't.

YES! I'm also a critical care RN. EVERYONE needs to have a living will, and more importantly- a durable power of attorney for health care. You never know when you will get knocked in the head, and unable to make decisions for yourself.