🏥My Medical Wishes

My overall philosophy about medical care is [your view, e.g., 'I value quality of life over quantity. I want to be treated aggressively if there's a reasonable chance of recovery, but I don't want to be kept alive artificially if there's no meaningful hope.']. What matters most to me: [e.g., 'Being able to recognize my family. Being free from severe pain. Maintaining my dignity.']. What I fear most: [e.g., 'Being in pain with no relief. Being a long-term burden on my family. Losing my ability to think clearly with no chance of it returning.']. General guidance: [e.g., 'If the doctors say there's a reasonable chance of recovery, fight. If they say I'll never be myself again, let me go peacefully.'].

CPR (resuscitation): [Your wish, e.g., 'Yes, if there's a chance of meaningful recovery. No, if I'm terminally ill or in an irreversible condition.']. Ventilator/breathing machine: [e.g., 'Acceptable for a short trial period (days, not weeks). If I can't breathe on my own after [timeframe], remove it.']. Feeding tube: [e.g., 'Short-term is okay for recovery. Long-term artificial nutrition — no. If I can't eat on my own and won't recover, let nature take its course.']. Dialysis: [Your preference]. Antibiotics for infection: [e.g., 'Yes for treatable infections. If I'm already in the final stages, I don't want aggressive treatment — focus on comfort.']. Note: [e.g., 'These wishes apply when there's no reasonable expectation of recovery. If recovery is possible, I want full treatment.'].

Pain management: [e.g., 'I want to be as comfortable as possible, even if pain medication shortens my life or makes me less alert. Freedom from pain is my priority.']. Sedation: [e.g., 'If I'm in severe distress and nothing else works, palliative sedation is acceptable to me.']. Hospice care: [e.g., 'Yes — when the time comes, I'd prefer hospice care focused on comfort rather than continued aggressive treatment.']. Where I want to be: [e.g., 'At home if possible. Surrounded by family, not machines. If home isn't feasible, a hospice facility rather than a hospital.']. Comfort measures: [e.g., 'Music playing softly. Family present but not feeling obligated to stay every moment. My favorite blanket. The window open if weather permits.'].

Organ donation: [Your wish, e.g., 'Yes — I want to donate any organs and tissues that can help someone else. This is very important to me.']. Registered donor: [Yes/No. Where: e.g., 'Registered on my driver's license and at [organ donor registry website].']. Specific wishes: [e.g., 'Donate everything that's usable. No restrictions on which organs or tissues.'] OR [e.g., 'I'd like to donate organs but not [specific tissue]. Please respect this preference.']. Donation to medical science: [e.g., 'If my organs aren't suitable for transplant, I'm open to donating my body to medical research. Contact [institution] for arrangements.']. Family note: [e.g., 'Please honor this wish even if it feels difficult in the moment. Knowing that part of me helped someone else live is deeply meaningful to me.'].

Primary healthcare proxy: [Name, relationship, phone, email]. Why: [e.g., 'They know me best and will honor my wishes even when it's hard.']. Alternate proxy: [Name, relationship, phone, email]. Why: [e.g., 'If [primary] is unavailable, [alternate] understands my values and can make the call.']. What I've told them: [e.g., 'We've had detailed conversations about all of the above. They have a copy of this document and my legal advance directive.']. Legal documents: [e.g., 'My legal Healthcare Power of Attorney is on file with [attorney name, phone]. A copy is in [location]. My doctor also has a copy.']. Guidance for my proxy: [e.g., 'Trust the doctors' honest assessment. Don't let guilt drive decisions. Choose what I would choose, not what feels easiest. And know that whatever you decide, I trust you completely and I'm grateful.'].