Today I told a lady that she will die, but first she will waste away. I gave her the news that she has ALS. Also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or motor neuron disease, this is a major bummer of a diagnosis: On average, the patient will have 3-5 years to live, during which time she will lose her ability to move. Her mind, however, will stay clear. Eventually, she will lose control of the muscles that she uses for breathing, and unless she has a tracheotomy done and put on a ventilator, she will die. She told me straight off she'd rather be killed than dependent on machines. I said nothing. As I've said before, all of medicine is about probabilities, not absolutes, so I can't tell her when she will die. Some die within a year. Some, like Stephen Hawking, continue to lead very productive lives for decades. Prof. Hawking is, of course, a rarity in many respects.
ALS kills the body first. The ALS Society of Canada has launched a public service ad campaign, entitled "What would you do, if you still could?". Check out the video clips. Then, ask yourself that question. Rephrase it: What will you do, while you still can? I think we all need to ask ourselves that question - every morning.
Again, a reference to cinema: In Saving Private Ryan, Capt. Miller, dying, tells Ryan: "Earn this." Miller and most of his men gave their lives to rescue this man, and he tells private Ryan to make it worthwile. What will you do to make your life worthwile?
4 comments:
I have often thought that would be one of the hardest things to do. Great reminder for everyone daily to make your life count. Thanks for that!
Thanks for the post, and for the very appropriate reference to a great movie. Between that scene and the end when J. Ryan asks his wife to tell him he was a good man, that movie always chokes me up. Anyhow, we can all use a little reminder every now and then of the value of our time -- as it turns out, neurosurgeons get a few more reminders than most folks.
Thanks for your comments, guys. I've always considered myself lucky to be in a profession where I'm constantly reminded how big of a deal it is to be healthy. It's so easy to fall into the daily routine and worries, and not remember that each day is precious.
wow stuart -- yes major food for thought-- those of us who have been in the er environment do KNOW just how precious life is and that in the period of a second it can change drastically...
thanks for the reminder to treasure each day and not waste a minute-
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