All of us will die. As I do not want to have a long and expensive death, filled with tests and procedures, pain and suffering, these are conversations I am having with my loved ones.

This is a very good and necessary thing. Plan now so it doesn't cause trouble in your family as/after you go.

I get my care at the Minneapolis VA, there, they are always asking you if you have done your advanced directives. Without exception, when I ask the asker if they have done theirs, the answer is no. I think the VA is on a push to thin the herd of us older 60+ types to make room for the young guys. I think the "lets be nice to the Vietnam Veteran" period is over.

I have had these conversations with my wife and children. Being of sane mind, the decisions have been made and there is nothing legally, that outside forces can effect! Everyone should make the these conversations mandatory with their families, come to an understanding, and get them documented in their living will. PERIOD...

bill9844 grieves me beyond words. One, the nurses are there is help you and keep you comfortable Two, doctors give an oath to care for you Three, that you think it's realistic that medical care teams want you to go away. I am really sorry you feel that way!! I hope you know that the medical care team is there to help you LIVE your life with dignity.

bill9844--first and foremost, thank you for your service. Everyone should have an Advance Directive and talk tht over with love ones. An AD is your opportunity to state your wishes to those closest. You are reading it the wrong way. I'm in perfect health and have an AD, will, and have talked both over with my teenage children. Death is a part of being human, and it's easier to take care of things while you can. Please do it.

My mom just passed away from lung disease. At home, with the help of hospice and my brother who was able to put his life on hold and care for her. We were a family which didnt shy away from discussion of death, but in the end it was not easy honoring her wishes not to prolong via IV, feeding tubes, etc. She was right, her decisions were correct but I would encourge people facing this to use any program out there to prepare yourself for those last weeks. There should be at least two family members in on the discussions to ensure the advocate is not overwhelmed with info.

Tell your children what you desire before it is too late! I also hope the govenment changes it's mind before I go...I want a Dr. Kevorkian in my corner cause I don't want to end up as someone's science project.

This is a discussion that's extremely important to have because you never know when you're going to have to make these decisions. I lost my father to a sudden stroke last spring; having to try to make this decision and grasp what's suddenly happened to your loved one is extremely overwhelming. If you don't do it for yourself, do it for the family member, friend or loved one who will end up having to make the decision for you.

The article is right--it's wise to actually discuss these things with your family. It helps them understand and be on board with what you want when the time comes. However, it is also wise to sign a Minnesota Health Care Directive after discussing what you want with your lawyer. (Because an HCD is a legal document and it gets enforced if need be in the courts, it is best to have a lawyer at least review it). Discussions are just that--discussions. They have no legal effect. If you actually want a particular family member to have the power to put what you discussed into effect, and want your caregivers to honor his/her decisions you must have the Directive signed. If you have reasons for wanting what you want, have those drafted into the document as well.