A DNR, do not resuscitate is a written document that lays out your end of life heathcare wishes. Many of these do NOT include a do not intubate as a standard matter of course. This probably mostly applies to the more eldery people, especially as the over 65 crowd is more susceptible to death when COVID-19 has been contracted.
I’m 73. I have had a good life and still have a good quality of life. One of my fears has been that of a long drawn out illness with inevitable death at the end. So I have had a DNR on file for some time. That had had a do not intubate added to kick in if I cotract COVID-19 and come to where a ventilator would be needed to prevent immediate death. There are very real risks to being intubated.
If I was 33, or 43 I would feel differently I am sure. But 33 was more than half a lifetime ago.
Gettin' there... just turned 65. (!) I don't fear death-my beliefs are yogic and Scriptural. The idea of becoming a spiritual entity-pure energy-is most attractive. My body is a suit. It'll get exchanged for a new one, just in a different dimension.
However... with a hx of depression sometimes I want that on my own sked! So I make sure to take care of myself so things don't get weird.
It's not the leaving, it's the *how* that scares the s**t out of me. Saw my dad go from Alzheimers. Always have an exit plan. No CPR. No nursing home.
Older people with a lot of overweight seem to be at the highest risk. If you have symptoms keep a eye on your heart rate and breathing rate. Some people think they are still fine but their body just upped the rate of breathing, which works for a couple of days.
A practical consideration for those serious about a DNR, those seniors living at home with chronic illness and most vulnerable to Covid-19: Be sure your DNR is available to an ambulance crew, The DNR form, signed by your MD, needs to be prominently displayed if not presented to the EMTs/paramedics by another person in the home.
