On 19 November we went to the Peace Hospice in Watford for a first meeting with the community nurse. We covered a lot of ground and, having thought about the matter a lot, I was able to talk about my future wishes for the time when MND gets the better of me.
I’m not very brave and I hate pain and suffering. I would also hate to inflict stress, sadness and incessant high demands my loved ones. So I said that, once I reach the end of the road, the hospice will be a more appropriate place for me to be than home. That wouldn’t be everyone’s decision, but it’s my choice for now.
I authorised a ‘do not attempt resuscitation’ form in the event of cardiopulmonary failure and this has been countersigned by a doctor. I now have it in a folder with my Lasting Powers of Attorney, and my Advance Decision to Receive Treatment (from Compassion in Dying). These will accompany me should I ever get admitted to hospital.
I’m really pleased to have these issues resolved. It seems to me that once you have the terms of your death sorted out, you can get on with living your life.